POLICY ADVOCACY

The New Mexico Acequia Association is actively engaged in policy development from a grassroots and community-based approach. Policy initiatives are in direct response to needs and concerns in our communities. The strategic direction for our policy work comes from our participatory decision-making process which culminates in resolutions adopted at the annual Congreso de las Acequias.

We are involved primarily in the New Mexico State Legislature representing the interests of the statewide acequia community. During the legislative session (January through March), we monitor community hearings and sometimes provide expert testimony for standing committees. If needed, we can mobilize up to 500 acequia parciantes for a legislative action. During the legislative interim (April through December), we prepare for the upcoming session and give testimony to legislative interim committees.