AGP Executive Report

Gas Prices & Travel Costs: The national average for regular hit $4.09, with August on track to set a new record as crude stays volatile. School Supply Drive: Albuquerque’s “Stuff the Bus” returns Saturday with a push for heavy-duty backpacks (especially clear ones), plus notebooks and locker locks. Route 66 Birthday Buzz: New Mexico Tourism is teaming with Chex Mix BOLD for a limited-edition Route 66 centennial bag tied to the state’s longest continuous stretch of the Mother Road. Books & Local Culture: Two New Mexico authors, Caroline Starr Rose and Philip Connors, will represent the state at the National Book Festival in Washington, DC, with a local reading in Silver City. Community Cleanup: Bernalillo County won a $9,375 grant to keep Scrap Tire Amnesty Days going and curb illegal tire dumping. Wildlife Safety: Utah reports bear incidents doubled due to drought-driven food shortages—reminding travelers and locals to secure trash and avoid bear attractants. Sports on the Road: New Mexico Lobos football kicks off the season with early momentum as MW power rankings roll in.

Route 66 Spotlight: New Mexico Tourism and General Mills teamed up for a limited-edition Chex Mix BOLD bag celebrating the state’s long continuous stretch of the Mother Road as Route 66 turns 100. Local Cleanup & Safety: Bernalillo County won a $9,375 New Mexico Clean and Beautiful grant to keep its Scrap Tire Amnesty Days program running, aiming to cut illegal tire dumping and reduce fire, mosquito, and pollution risks. Road-Trip Disruptions: NMDOT roadwork is set to begin on NM 6 east of Grants and NM 53 south of Grants, with fog seal and asphalt overlay projects bringing minor delays through late September. Community Events: Wagon Mound’s 116th annual Bean Day returns Sept. 4–7 with rodeo, mud bog races, a parade, live music, and a free beans-and-meat lunch cooked underground. Tourism & Culture: The Navajo Nation Economic Development Division updated lawmakers on tourism efforts, including new hotel openings in Shonto, Cameron, and Crown Point and a goal of getting visitors to stay longer. STEM on the Road: R4 Creating will host the Route 66 Robot Rally Nov. 22–24 in Albuquerque, bringing 100 STEM teams (500 students) to compete without the usual travel burden.

Albuquerque Roadwork: The city starts widening Alameda Boulevard Thursday, adding two westbound lanes plus a left-turn lane to Barstow and an 8-foot sidewalk, with the westbound stretch from Rich Court to Barstow closed through year’s end. Tourism & Business: Navajo Nation economic leaders told New Mexico lawmakers they’re leaning into tourism, citing new hotel openings across the reservation and a goal of getting visitors to stay longer than two nights. Michelin Buzz for the Southwest: Michelin’s new “Southwest” guide debuted in Las Vegas, awarding stars across Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada—good news for travelers planning restaurant stops. Health Alert: Cyclospora cases topped 17,000 nationwide, and New Mexico was added to the list of states with confirmed infections. Travel Disruption: A dust advisory remains in effect in Albuquerque-area counties until 6 p.m., with hazardous visibility reported. Outdoor Travel Upgrade: Navajo State Park Airport is set for a $1 million runway/taxiway/apron rehabilitation, plus plans for a nearby campground to support visitors arriving by air.

Albuquerque Roadwork: The City of Albuquerque starts widening Alameda Boulevard between Rich Court and Barstow Street, adding lanes, an 8-foot sidewalk, and storm-drain upgrades; westbound Alameda closes Thursday with detours and the project expected to last about seven months. Navajo Lake Airport Upgrade: New Mexico Aviation Division is moving ahead with a $1 million rehabilitation at Navajo State Park Airport, including runway/taxiway/apron work plus plans for a new campground and safer access road for visitors. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports show premium prices fluctuating across the state, including a low of $4.69 in Torrance County (week ending Aug. 15) and $4.88 in Taos County. Dust Advisory: Bernalillo and Sandoval counties get a dust advisory until 6 p.m., with hazardous visibility and strong winds in the Albuquerque metro. Health Alert: CDC says confirmed cyclospora cases have surpassed 17,000 nationwide, with New Mexico added to the list of states with confirmed infections. Travel Disruption Tip: If you’re planning a trip around Albuquerque, note the Alameda closure and plan alternate routes.

Road & Access Updates: NMDOT says the Silver Heights Blvd–Hudson St intersection work will proceed as originally designed, with northbound access from Hudson to Juniper cut; bid set for Sept. 18, with construction later this year or early 2027. Highway Maintenance: Crews will do annual tunnel cleaning on U.S. 82 in Otero County Wednesday (9 a.m.–3 p.m.), with a single-lane closure near Cloudcroft—plan for delays. Aviation & Outdoor Travel: Navajo State Park Airport (Navajo Lake Airport) is moving toward a $1 million rehab, including runway/taxiway/apron pavement work and new campground development along the apron. Family & Community Services: Televero Behavioral Health is spotlighting the back-to-school mental health surge; The Therapy Academy is expanding free early intervention services across Cibola County; and Sen. Ben Ray Luján visited the Grants Community Pantry as SNAP changes raise local concerns. Addiction Treatment: A new state-run Epi-Duran Substance Abuse Treatment Center opened in Las Vegas with 28 beds for detox and up to 28 days of inpatient care. Food & Culture: The Santa Fe Indian Market continues to draw visitors, with multi-generational Iroquois beading booths highlighting the event’s living traditions. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports New Mexico regular averaging about $3.89 (week ending Aug. 15), with notable county lows like Colfax at $3.89 and Guadalupe premium at $4.33.

New Mexico Addiction Care: A new 28-bed, state-run substance abuse treatment center opened in Las Vegas, N.M., offering detox and up to 28 days of inpatient care—meant to reduce the need for northern NM patients to travel to Santa Fe, Albuquerque, or Las Cruces. Road Access Update: NMDOT says improvements at the Silver Heights Blvd/Hudson St intersection will proceed as designed, including cutting northbound access from Hudson to Juniper; the project heads to bid Sept. 18 with construction expected later this year or early 2027. Border & Trucking: CBP stepped up enforcement of cabotage rules, blocking hundreds of drivers with alleged unauthorized domestic freight operations in the El Paso sector, including cases tied to travel from Deming to Los Lunas. Gas Watch: Week ending Aug. 15 brought some of the lowest local prices reported by GasBuddy—regular at $3.89 in Colfax County, midgrade as low as $4.01 in Guadalupe County, and diesel at $4.85 in Santa Fe County. Travel Safety & Health: The CDC confirmed measles infections have surged past a 35-year high, with the first 2026 U.S. deaths reported in Pennsylvania among unvaccinated people. Outdoor Access Policy: The Trump administration signaled possible changes to the Forest Service travel rules, which could expand where motorized vehicles, e-bikes, and similar devices are allowed on national forests. Culture Stop: The Santa Fe Indian Market continues to draw visitors for Indigenous art and community-focused storytelling, including standout beading work from Seneca artists.

Tourism & Events: A new live concert production, THE CARPENTERS SONGBOOK: A LIVE CELEBRATION, launches Sept. 23 in York, PA and will roll through Los Angeles, Boston, and 50+ cities across the U.S. and Canada—good news for travelers planning music stops. Local Travel Creators: KRQE’s “The Influencers” features New Mexico travel content creator Tessa Jones (@tessa_traverses), sharing her favorite destinations in the state and what’s next on her adventure calendar. Road Trip/Transit Deals: Amtrak Vacations is discounting up to $500 per couple for National Park Week trips (through Aug. 30), including itineraries that add stops in Albuquerque and Route 66-style rail travel. Water & Weather Watch: Las Vegas, NM-area residents are being told that a “fishy” or “earthy” odor in tap water is tied to drought and extreme heat affecting chlorine stability—not necessarily unsafe water—while officials say conditions should improve with cooler weather and monsoon rains. Outdoor Safety: Bear activity is rising in New Mexico neighborhoods amid drought, with wildlife officials warning residents to stay alert. Sports Travel: NM State opens its 2026 season with a Week 0 road game at Florida State (Aug. 29), a reminder that football weekends can drive hotel demand in both New Mexico and Florida.

Navajo Pride in Sports: Dallas Cowboys rookie Shiyazh Pete, the first member of the Navajo Nation to play in the NFL, drew a huge standing ovation from fans at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, a feel-good moment that also put New Mexico State on the map since Pete began his college career there. Water Worries (Las Vegas, NM): Las Vegas officials say “fishy” or earthy tap-water odors are tied to extreme drought, low flows, and heat affecting chlorine stability—not necessarily unsafe water—while they expect conditions to improve with cooler weather and more monsoon rain. Ranching & Border Trade: Mexico resumed cattle exports to the U.S. through Douglas, Arizona after a screwworm-related pause, a move that could ripple into New Mexico’s ranch economy and travel plans for border-area visitors. Rural Travel Impact: Farmers say Agriculture Department service delays are hurting rural projects in New Mexico, a reminder that slow federal support can stall land and housing plans that affect local tourism growth. Data Centers vs. Permits: A contested Project Jupiter air-quality hearing in New Mexico saw the presiding officer recuse himself, keeping uncertainty high for future development that could reshape regional lodging demand. National Park Timing: National Park Week fee waivers hit Tuesday (Aug. 25), making it a prime day for New Mexico travelers to plan park visits—just note camping and timed-entry fees still apply.

National Park Week: Tuesday, Aug. 25 brings free entrance at fee-charging U.S. national parks, a big draw for beginner hikers as interest in hiking safety and “hiking for beginners” spikes heading into late-summer heat. Culture & Learning: “Americans and the Holocaust,” a traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Museum, opens today at New Mexico State University’s Zuhl Library, with a self-guided third-floor tour focused on the American perspective. Route 66 Stop: Glenrio Historic District on the New Mexico–Texas border is highlighted as a Route 66 pit stop with abandoned-town remnants and a visitor center gateway to the state. Camping Picks: Two New Mexico campgrounds—Camp Darkmoon (Belen) and Big Arsenic Springs (Rio Grande del Norte NM)—make Hipcamp’s 2026 “50 Favorites” list. Water Watch: Elephant Butte Reservoir is reported at just 1.4% capacity, leaving local businesses scrambling. Local Events: Roswell’s Atomika Festival is set for Nov. 6–8 at a decommissioned missile silo, blending music, science, and paranormal programming. Travel Costs: Gas prices remain volatile nationwide, with the New Mexico average for regular gas reported around $3.89 in the week ending Aug. 15.

Gas Prices & Travel Costs: The national regular gas average hit $4.10, up 3 cents week over week, with crude still pressured by global instability—so road trips and day-to-day driving in New Mexico are likely to stay pricey. Drought Hit to Lake Tourism: Elephant Butte Reservoir is down to about 1.4% capacity, and local water recreation businesses say summer traffic has cratered as ramps and access shrink. Camping Spotlight: Two New Mexico campgrounds—Camp Darkmoon (Belen) and Big Arsenic Springs (Rio Grande del Norte NM)—made Hipcamp’s 2026 “50 Favorites,” a nice boost for travelers looking for a quieter, outdoors-first getaway. New Flights to Santa Fe: United Airlines is adding 14 routes from Chicago O’Hare in 2026, including a new nonstop to Santa Fe, bringing more options for visitors planning fall and winter trips. Heat & Safety: Record-breaking heat is pushing into New Mexico and the Southwest, with triple-digit temperatures and heat illness risk—plan outdoor time early and hydrate. Local Community & Outdoor Youth: Interfaith Los Alamos wrapped up its annual refugee backpack drive, and Los Alamos Venture Crew 20 continues high-adventure outdoor programming for northern New Mexico teens. Arts & Culture: Santa Fe’s Turner Carroll Gallery is hosting a free Christo and Jeanne-Claude exhibition through Sept. 20, adding another reason to visit the city beyond the usual stops.

Drought & Tourism Shock: Elephant Butte Reservoir has plunged to about 1.4% capacity, and New Mexico State Parks has closed the main boat ramp—hitting lake-area businesses hard as summer visitors can’t access the water. Wildfire Aftermath: Frijoles Fire continues to threaten Santa Cruz Lake tributaries, with residents bracing for smoke, drought-stressed conditions, and possible flash flooding if monsoon rains return. Local Higher Ed: New Mexico Highlands University students say classes are continuing despite a spring shake-up and planned 30% cuts to discretionary “below-the-line” spending. Spaceport America Watch: New Mexico officials say Spaceport America is drawing more interest from defense and drone companies as space tourism remains slow to launch. Getting There: United Airlines is adding nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare to Santa Fe, boosting competition in a market that previously had no United nonstop. Community Outdoors: Los Alamos Venture Crew 20 is expanding its high-adventure scouting program, with climbing and camping plans shaped by low water levels. Public Safety Tech: New Mexico AG Raúl Torrez highlighted results from the Crime Gun Intelligence Center using ballistic technology to help local agencies solve cases across jurisdictions.

Water Crisis for Travelers: Elephant Butte Reservoir has plunged to about 1.4% capacity, slashing summer recreation access and hitting local tourism businesses hard—plus New Mexico State Parks has closed the lake’s main boat ramp. Wildlife & Outdoor Safety: Bear sightings and conflicts are rising across New Mexico and the region as drought pushes animals into neighborhoods; officials urge people to stay “bear aware” and avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife. Travel Disruption Watch: If you’re planning around the Southwest’s water-dependent attractions, the Colorado River rules update also signals tighter conditions ahead for the wider region. Getting There: United Airlines is adding 14 new nonstop routes from Chicago O’Hare in 2026, including a new Santa Fe service that will finally bring Chicago competition to the market. Health Alert for Trips: New World screwworm is back in the U.S. and federal guidance is affecting pet transport—worth checking before you travel with animals. Road Trip Reality Check: Gas prices remain volatile, with premium deals reported in parts of New Mexico like Chaves County.

Spaceport America turnaround: New Mexico’s spaceport is drawing more attention from defense contractors and drone makers, with officials saying marketing and the facility’s military-adjacent capabilities are finally paying off. Bear safety: Bear sightings and attacks are rising across the state amid drought; a bear bite near Red River left non-life-threatening injuries, adding to recent incidents. Water watch: Federal Colorado River rules now spell out mandatory cutbacks for Arizona, California and Nevada as Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit record lows—Utah is spared. Weekend weather: Hotter conditions move in across New Mexico with limited storm chances, though a few slow-moving downpours could pop near the mountains. Local travel culture: Albuquerque City Hall is hosting a Route 66 exhibit on Black American travel, including the role of the Negro Motorist Green Book. Outdoor recreation hit: Elephant Butte Lake’s main boat ramp is closed after the lake shrank to about 1.4% of normal capacity. Rural needs: Deb Haaland visited the Grants Community Pantry, highlighting mobile food distributions and the challenge of serving remote western New Mexico.

Bear Safety & Outdoor Travel: Bear sightings and attacks are rising across New Mexico as drought pushes wildlife closer to neighborhoods and campsites, including a bear bite near Red River and a fatal attack reported on the Navajo Nation, with officials urging people to be “bear aware.” Heat & Storm Watch: This weekend looks brutally hot across the state (90s to low 100s) with only scattered, slow-moving thunderstorms mainly near mountains—so plan hikes and drives with heat and lightning in mind. Rural Health Stop: Deb Haaland visited the Grants Community Pantry, highlighting how mobile food distributions and local gardens help rural families across western New Mexico. Road Trip Fuel Check: AAA reports New Mexico gas prices are up again, with the statewide average rising 13 cents this week—useful for travelers timing Labor Day stops. Local Hospitality Growth: Love’s Travel Stops opened a new location in Premont, Texas, and remodeled stores including one in Lordsburg, New Mexico—more amenities for highway travelers. Colorado River Update: Federal Colorado River rules mean big mandatory cuts for Arizona, California, and Nevada, while Utah is spared—another reminder that water planning affects the whole Southwest.

Gas Prices & Travel Costs: AAA says the national regular-gas average rose 3 cents to $4.10, driven by crude staying near $80 a barrel; California is still much higher at about $5.58. Local Fuel Watch: Santa Fe County’s E85 hit a low of $3.09 (week ending Aug. 15), while GasBuddy also flagged other NM county price lows. Roadless Rule Fight: The U.S. Forest Service proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule; public comments run through Sept. 21—big implications for hiking, wildlife habitat, and wildfire planning across Western forests including NM. Santa Fe ICE Crackdown: Two family members described recent ICE arrests tied to a targeted enforcement operation at La Familia’s Alto Street clinic, raising concerns about tactics and community impact. Route 66 100 Years: Albuquerque classic car clubs joined Route 66 centennial celebrations, keeping the Mother Road vibe rolling with vintage rides and local stories. Wildlife Safety: NM wildlife officials reported euthanizing 129 black bears this year after depredation complaints, including 13 in the Albuquerque area. Golf Event Boost: The 2026 New Mexico Open at Elephant Butte’s Turtleback Mountain set a 72-year sponsorship record and promises free spectator admission Sept. 14-16.

Roadless Rule Fight: The U.S. Forest Service has filed a proposed rule to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule “in its entirety,” with public comments due Sept. 21—an issue that could affect millions of acres of wildlands, including roadless areas in New Mexico. Wildlife & Safety: New Mexico wildlife officials say they’ve euthanized 129 black bears this year after depredation complaints, with another 58 killed by property owners; officials urge residents to remove attractants. Pet Travel Alert: New World screwworm detections are driving pet-transport restrictions from Texas, and the FDA authorized an emergency treatment for dogs—important for anyone planning animal moves or adoptions. Health Watch: Cyclospora outbreak updates show confirmed cases still rising but the pace slowing across 47 states. Local Travel Buzz: Albuquerque’s Route 66 classic-car community is keeping the Mother Road spirit rolling, and New Mexico United is offering a fan bus to the Sept. 19 away match in Colorado Springs. Travel Disruption: Frijoles Fire smoke has prompted advisories and “clean room” guidance for Santa Fe-area residents.