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Demographics

State: New Mexico
County (Census Tracts): Luna (9861, 9862, 9863, 9864, 9865, 9866, 9867, 9868)
Community Population: 18,110
Net area: 920.68 Poverty Rate: 31%

Background

• Round I Champion Community
• 41% of the adult population do not have a high school diploma
• 35% of the adult population are unable to read or write in English
• Population has increased by 31.6% between 1990 and 1997
• The poverty rate is 34.9% for Luna County—the second highest among New Mexico counties.
• The unemployment rate is 34%

Luna County lies at the northern end of the vast Chihuahua Desert that stretches deep into Mexico. The boarder location and settlement history give the community a colorful, multi-cultural flavor fused from a blend of Mexican, Native American, and Anglo peoples. High rates of poverty and unemployment have plagued New Mexico for decades and Luna County has consistently experienced some of the highest rates in the state. Luna County’s current poverty rate is more than twice the national average. The current unemployment rate is nearly five times the national average. 

Strategic Plan Highlights 

With the implementation of the strategic plan, the community strives to balance economic and community development while preserving the local environment and its natural resources. Build the local environment for business growth and development by:

• improving educational and job training skills;
• creating new businesses;
• developing and promoting international trade opportunities;
• creating at least 2200 "living wage" jobs in ten years;
• improving infrastructure of existing industrial parks; and
• providing access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurial development.

• providing affordable housing opportunities for all income levels;
• improving and expanding juvenile crime and delinquency programs and drop out rates;
• promoting spirit through historic, cultural and community awareness; and
• ensuring public safety through better transportation systems and safe, affordable drinking water.

Community-based partnerships have been a considerable success in Deming and Luna County since Champion Community designation in 1994. Through the use of partnerships, the community has been able to pull its resources together and face some of its toughest problems. Community spirit is plentiful and continues to remain a driving force. 

Leveraging 

Building upon their success as a Champion Community in Round I, Deming will continue to seek out funds, technical assistance and in-kind contributions from the various local and state partners. 

Community Involvement 

Outreach to residents consisted of a survey, various newspaper articles and a series of public meetings.

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