The Questa Economic Development Fund (QEDF) has completed its comprehensive Business Retention and Expansion (QBRE) report. Funded by a New Mexico Economic Development Department LEADS grant, this report serves as a strategic roadmap for the community’s economic future. Insights from over 45 Questa businesses were gathered through interviews, surveys, and site visits. QEDF Director Lynn Skall and QBRE Coordinator Monique Parker led these efforts and authored the findings.
Active engagement with local businesses proved instrumental. As QEDF Chair Malaquias Rael, Jr. emphasized, “As we present these findings, clear priorities emerge: To achieve sustainable growth, Questa must tackle its housing crisis, cultivate a robust local workforce, further diversify business offerings, and foster stronger community support for local businesses, leveraging its inherent strengths for future prosperity.”
This actionable guidance aligns with established economic principles. Henry M. Cothran noted in his 2009 work, “Developing a Business Retention and Expansion Survey,” that “The data collected during face-to-face interviews with business owners helps identify obstacles to growth: 80% of a community’s new jobs come from existing businesses.”
The QBRE report highlights that while Questa’s businesses benefit from a strong community spirit and its desirable reputation, significant challenges persist. Workforce development is a primary concern, marked by difficulties in recruiting and retaining talent due to competitive wages, perceived skilled labor scarcity, and Questa’s critical affordable housing shortage. Businesses also face operational hurdles like time management, supply chain complexities, and facility upgrades.
A notable finding is the trend of local spending directed outside Questa, impacting vitality. Many businesses also identified community negativity as a hindrance, where a sentiment of embidia (envy) among some residents contributes to an unwillingness to support local establishments. Conversely, businesses consistently observe that residents who have moved to the Questa area from out of town are generally very supportive and prioritize shopping locally. This underscores the need for strategies to reinforce local patronage and enhance Questa’s appeal.
Despite these obstacles, the report reveals numerous opportunities. Businesses require physical expansion, modern equipment, and targeted marketing support. There’s strong demand for more retail, dining, and service options, including a much-needed new hotel. The community also seeks improved amenities like childcare and youth-focused facilities, recognizing their contribution to quality of life.
Questa’s positive business climate and the proactive efforts of organizations like the QEDF, the Village of Questa, and the Housing Steering Committee provide a solid foundation for addressing these challenges. As a result of these surveys, ongoing support, and dialogue, Questa businesses have begun actively utilizing available resources, including grants and state-funded community programs.
Addressing the affordable housing crisis, cultivating a robust local workforce, and fostering greater community support for local businesses are paramount. These efforts are crucial for realizing Questa’s potential for sustainable economic growth and an enhanced quality of life for all residents. The QEDF remains committed to this vital mission, guiding collective efforts toward a diverse and flourishing future for Questa.
