Albuquerque Business Overview

Labor Snapshot

• Labor force size: 408,600 (2009 average)
• Unemployment rate: 7.1% (2009 average) 7.9% (12/09)
• Median age: 35.9 (2009 estimate)
• Major industries: Government - 22%, Professional & Business Services - 16%, Educational & Health Services - 14%

Major Albuquerque Employers

*Kirtland’s employment number includes civilian employees and contractors, including Sandia National Laboratories. However, Sandia National Labs employment is also shown separately since Sandia and Kirtland publish data in different cycles.

Utilities

The Public Service Company of New Mexico, an investor-owned utility company, provides Albuquerque's electricity.

The Albuquerque Bernalillo Water Utility Authority is a joint agency that administers the water and wastewater utility for all of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. The city owns a substantial amount of water from the San Juan-Chama Diversion Project, which, in 2008, began infusing more than 15 billion gallons of water annually into the city and will provide up to 70 percent of the area's water.

Qwest, Time Warner Telecom, MCI Worldcom, McLeod USA and Xspedius all provide fiber or telecommunications services locally.

Transportation

Albuquerque is well-positioned to give companies a market access advantage. Two major highways (I-40 and I-25) bisect Albuquerque, providing easy access in all directions. Albuquerque International Sunport is served by eight major airlines and six commuter airlines. The Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway offers a north-south line that connects in Albuquerque and an east-west line that connects in Belen. Commuters can ride the RailRunner Express, a new commuter rail traveling between Santa Fe, 60 miles north of Albuquerque, and Belen, 35 miles south of Albuquerque.

Business Resources

• Albuquerque Economic Development - Business relocation and expansion information, Alliance member
• Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce - Promotes economic and educational opportunities for the Albuquerque Hispanic community.
• Bernalillo County - Officials, departments, and general info  
• Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce - Contact members of business community, calendar of events, relocation information
• City of Albuquerque - Officials, departments, and general information