Events

Special Events

Luncheon: The Decline of Economic Freedom In New Mexico

Join us for an insightful luncheon as we delve into the findings of the Fraser Institute’s recent report, “Economic Freedom in the Land of Enchantment.” This comprehensive study, conducted in collaboration with the Rio Grande Foundation, reveals that New Mexico stands alone as the only U.S. state to have experienced a decline in economic freedom since 1981.

Despite its rich natural resources and cultural heritage, New Mexico faces challenges such as high taxation, substantial government spending, and stringent regulations. These factors have contributed to the state’s lagging economic performance, including low employment growth and a high poverty rate.

During this luncheon, Matthew Mitchell will discuss the key findings of the Fraser Institute’s report and their implications for New Mexico’s economy, comparative analyses with neighboring states that have embraced greater economic freedom and witnessed corresponding economic growth, and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing economic freedom and fostering prosperity within the state.

This event offers a platform for policymakers, business leaders, academics, and concerned citizens to engage in meaningful dialogue about New Mexico’s economic trajectory and explore actionable strategies for improvement.

Featured Speaker:
Matthew D. Mitchell is a Senior Fellow in the Centre for Human Freedom. Prior to joining the Fraser Institute, Mitchell was a long-serving senior fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where he remains an affiliated senior scholar.

Mitchell received his PhD and MA in economics from George Mason University and his BA in political science and BS in economics from Arizona State University. His writing and research focuses on economic freedom, public choice economics, and the economics of government favoritism.

Mitchell has testified before the U.S. Congress and several state legislatures. He has advised federal, state, and local government policymakers in the United States on both fiscal and regulatory policy. His research has been featured in numerous national media outlets, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, National Public Radio, and C-SPAN.

Date: June 18
Time: Doors open at 11:45AM, Program Start at 12:00PM
Location: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Silver Room

Cancellation policy: The Rio Grande Foundation will honor cancellation requests until June 3, 2025 at 12:00PM MT, minus a 15% transaction fee.

 

Standing Events

Liberty on the Rocks – Albuquerque
Event date released monthly. Sign up for the Rio Grande Foundation’s email list to stay up-to-date!
Liberty on the Rocks is a no-host happy hour and dinner. It is temporarily being called “BBQ and Big Ideas,” as the restaurant does not serve alcohol.

Upcoming events:
BBQ and Big Ideas
February 10, 2025
Location: J’s Var-B-Q at 7200 Montgomery Blvd NE Suite F1, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Time: 6pm-7pm
RSVP Requested: email mherrera@riograndefoundation.org

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The Westside Breakfast is a no-host breakfast.

Upcoming events:
Westside Breakfast – Albuquerque
Second Thursday Bi-Monthly (cancelled in December). We’ll meet next on May 8, 2025.

Location: Weck’s (6311 Riverside Plaza Ln NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120)
Time: 8am-9am
RSVP Requested: email mherrera@riograndefoundation.org