From The President's Desk—August 2024

Supporting Childcare:
​A Vital Initiative for Our Business Community

​Summer is here, bringing memories of long, sunny days filled with outdoor play, swimming, and family time. While summers remain important for our kids, ensuring childcare for our community’s young families is even more critical.

​As the Voice of the Business Community, the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce advocates for issues impacting businesses, and the lack of quality childcare options is a significant problem in our city. Without accessible and affordable childcare, many parents find it difficult to maintain a job.

The Chamber is committed to addressing this issue through programming, surveys, and legislation aimed at expanding and improving childcare options. Childcare is one of the top obstacles for working parents, not only as a significant monthly expense but also due to the scarcity of providers.

The importance of childcare was underscored during a recent Early Childhood Summit hosted by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham at Santa Fe’s Bishop’s Lodge. Over 100 lawmakers, officials, business owners, and tribal leaders gathered to discuss the future of early childhood programs in New Mexico. The Chamber had the honor of participating in a panel conversation during this conference, providing a valuable opportunity to share some of the successes we've achieved through our collaboration with Growing Up New Mexico.

Gov. Lujan Grisham shared her vision for a universally accessible early childcare and education network in the state, emphasizing support for the workforce in this field. She highlighted the need for more choices for parents and for providers to incentivize the childcare workforce and create better opportunities for all.

Early Childhood Education and Care Department Cabinet Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky noted that New Mexico now has “the best-resourced early childhood system in the nation.” By fiscal year 2027, the state expects to serve 99,200 children statewide, with significant growth in childcare and Pre-K program enrollments.

As our community’s children continue to enjoy their summer break, consider offering flexible hours to your employees or hiring college students to babysit or take your staff’s children on educational field trips. These are just a few ways to support Santa Fe’s families. I cordially invite you to join our movement in support of our growing households and families that need childcare. For more information, call (505) 988-3279. Our future, our businesses, and our children depend on our support and advocacy.

Together, let’s make a difference for our community’s families.

Bridget Dixson, IOM
President and CEO
Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce