NM Outdoor Recreation Division

What NM Outdoor Recreation Division does

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) is a state government division within the New Mexico Economic Development Department, established by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 2, 2019, to grow the state's outdoor recreation economy and expand equitable outdoor access. Headquartered in Santa Fe with distributed staff across Taos, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and La Madera, ORD operates with a core team of five led by Director Karina Armijo and administers a portfolio of grant programs, business accelerators, and policy initiatives. Its flagship programs include the Outdoor Equity Fund (a first-in-the-nation youth outdoor access grant that has issued $39,659,005 to connect over 128,000 young New Mexicans to outdoor experiences), the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant (shovel-ready project awards of $25,000-$500,000 credited with creating an estimated 2,650 jobs), the ActivatOR business accelerator in partnership with ActivateNM/CNM Ingenuity, the Adventure Pitch Fest competition ($15,000 in prizes), and the Outdoor Economics Conference.

ORD does not develop or sell proprietary technology, and its underlying operating model is grant administration, event management, policy advocacy, and cross-agency coordination. The division is funded by state appropriations, including a $15.6 million FY26 allocation approved by the Governor, plus the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund, and distributes capital to a diversified grantee base of nonprofits, Tribal communities, schools, municipalities, and outdoor recreation businesses. Its go-to-market is event- and grant-cycle-driven, with marketing centered on the nmoutside.com website, email newsletter, social media, and statewide stakeholder events.

ORD's strategic positioning rests on a regulatory monopoly over state-level outdoor recreation economic development, a dense advisory ecosystem spanning Indian Affairs, Tourism, Game & Fish, State Parks, universities, and the Outdoor Industry Association, and a national profile through Director Armijo's 2025 election as Confluence of States Co-Chair. The division has cumulatively awarded over $50 million in grants and contributes to a broader New Mexico outdoor recreation sector that BEA data places at $3.6 billion in GDP contribution (2.5% of state GDP) and 31,454 jobs (3.4% of state employment) as of 2024.

Name

NM Outdoor Recreation Division

Legal name

New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division

Website

https://nmoutside.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division is a state government division within the NM Economic Development Department that administers grant programs (Outdoor Equity Fund, Trails+ Grant), a business accelerator (ActivatOR), and policy initiatives to expand equitable outdoor access and grow the state's outdoor recreation economy for nonprofits, Tribal communities, municipalities, and outdoor businesses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

State Outdoor Recreation Economic Development

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Campground & Overnight Facilities Operations (Campsites, Cabins, Backcountry Huts) (THAAAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

National/State Park Campgrounds & Public Campgrounds (THAMAJAI)

Keywords

• State government grants
• Outdoor recreation policy
• Economic development
• Grant administration
• Outdoor equity programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Fe

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding & Grants Distribution: ORD does not generate revenue in the traditional sense. As a division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, it receives state and potentially federal funding to distribute as grants to outdoor recreation organizations, businesses, Tribal communities, and municipalities. The division's work supports economic growth in the outdoor recreation sector rather than generating direct revenue.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The NM Outdoor Recreation Division is a state government division that administers outdoor recreation grant programs (Outdoor Equity Fund, Trails+ Grant), runs a small-business accelerator (ActivatOR), and hosts annual events (Adventure Pitch Fest, Outdoor Economics Conference) to grow New Mexico's outdoor recreation economy. It also convenes statewide initiatives such as the Rio Grande Trail and 30 x 30 New Mexico and provides business resources for outdoor recreation entrepreneurs.

Product overview

NM Outdoor Recreation Division operates as a state government division within the New Mexico Economic Development Department, offering a portfolio of grant programs, business development services, and community initiatives to grow the outdoor recreation economy. The core offerings include the Outdoor Equity Fund (youth outdoor programs) and Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant (infrastructure), supplemented by the ActivatOR business accelerator program, Adventure Pitch Fest competition, and Outdoor Economics Conference. Additional initiatives like Rio Grande Trail and 30x30 New Mexico support conservation and infrastructure development across the state.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Outdoor Equity Fund: A grant program to enable all New Mexican youth equitable access to the outdoors, funding transformative outdoor experiences to foster stewardship and respect for New Mexico's land, water, and cultural heritage. Described as the first program of its kind in the nation.
• Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant
• ActivatOR
• Adventure Pitch Fest
• Outdoor Economics Conference

Products and services

• Outdoor Equity Fund Grant program funding transformative outdoor experiences for underserved New Mexico youth to foster stewardship and respect for lands, waters, and cultural heritage; $39,659,005 issued, connecting 128,000+ youth.
• Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant Grant program supporting shovel-ready projects that add access and enhancements to outdoor recreation opportunities, including trails, parks, river parks, wildlife viewing areas, and ADA-accessible spaces; awards range from $25,000 to $500,000 per project.
• ActivatOR Small business growth accelerator program for New Mexico outdoor recreation businesses, providing mentorship from industry leaders, networking opportunities, and a 12-week hybrid business incubator framework.
• Adventure Pitch Fest Annual celebration of New Mexico's outdoor recreation industry featuring a showcase of outdoor businesses and a pitch competition with $15,000 in cash prizes.
• Outdoor Economics Conference Annual conference supporting outdoor economic development connected to protected lands, convening hundreds of industry leaders for panels, networking, outdoor adventures, and an outdoor expo.
• Rio Grande Trail Statewide trail development project connecting communities along the Rio Grande for outdoor recreation and transportation.
• 30 x 30 New Mexico Initiative working to conserve 30% of New Mexico's lands and waters by 2030.
• New Mexico Outdoor Ventures Business resources and support for outdoor recreation entrepreneurs, including mentorship, grants development, and networking opportunities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 128,000 youth connected to outdoor experiences through ORD-funded programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ActivateNM / CNM IngenuitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to deliver ActivatOR, a comprehensive small business growth accelerator program for outdoor recreation businesses. ActivatOR provides mentorship from industry leaders, networking opportunities, and a 12-week hybrid business incubator framework. 36 applicants competed for 18 available slots in the first cohort.
• EndeavOR New Mexico (NMORBA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNew Mexico's outdoor recreation business alliance, formerly known as EndeavOR New Mexico. Assists businesses with finding grants, developing connections, and networking throughout the state. Created to expand NM's outdoor recreation economy.
• New Mexico Indian Affairs DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee member providing guidance on Tribal community engagement and outdoor access initiatives.
• New Mexico Tourism DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee member and partner for promoting outdoor recreation as a tourism driver in New Mexico.
• New Mexico Department of Game & FishcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee member through OHV Program Manager, supporting off-highway vehicle recreation and outdoor access.
• New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (NM Wild)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee member providing conservation and wilderness stewardship expertise.
• Arrowhead Center (NMSU)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology transfer and commercialization arm of New Mexico State University providing business development resources and mentorship to outdoor recreation innovators.
• NM Small Business Development CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide network of business professionals providing small business management expertise and international trade resources to outdoor recreation businesses.
• Outdoor Industry Association (OIA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization providing industry reports, expert-led webinars, and peer exchange opportunities for outdoor businesses and organizations.
• Nature NiñosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization for Next Gen Youth Panel at Outdoor Economics Conference, connecting youth involved in Outdoor Equity Fund programs.
• Confluence of StatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational network of state outdoor recreation offices. ORD Director Karina Armijo elected to serve as Confluence of States Co-Chair in 2025.
• Western New Mexico UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee member providing academic perspective on outdoor programs and sustainability.
• Ski New MexicominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory committee member representing ski industry interests in outdoor recreation economy.
• Bureau of Land ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner for volunteer opportunities and trail projects on public lands throughout New Mexico.
• NM State Parks / Energy Minerals and Natural Resources DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner for outdoor recreation planning and implementation, represented on advisory committee.
• NM Department of Game & FishcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner for wildlife-related outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• American Hiking Society: National nonprofit that advocates for trail protection and public access, providing grants and volunteer trail programs. Comparable as an ecosystem partner whose mission aligns with ORD's Trails+ Grant priorities around trail infrastructure and outdoor access.
• Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit that creates and protects parks and public lands, including trail and conservation projects in New Mexico. Comparable as an adjacent nonprofit that builds the kind of outdoor recreation infrastructure ORD funds through its Trails+ Grant program.

Broad incumbents

• Outdoor Industry Association: National trade association for the outdoor recreation industry with advocacy, market research (including the BEA outdoor rec economy data ORD cites), and member services. Comparable as the broader industry ecosystem player that complements state-level offices like ORD.

Direct peers

• Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation: State office dedicated to growing the outdoor recreation industry in Utah. Peer state government division with parallel mandate: industry economic development, grant programs, and policy advocacy tied to the state's outdoor recreation economy.
• Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OEDIT): Colorado's state-level office that promotes outdoor recreation industry and economic development, similar to NM ORD. Directly comparable peer state government entity working on industry growth, grants, and policy advocacy within Colorado's outdoor recreation sector.
• Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO): Washington state's recreation and conservation funding agency administering grants for parks, trails, and conservation. Peer state-level grants administrator with overlapping recreation infrastructure, conservation, and stewardship mandates.

Others

• Confluence of States: National network of state outdoor recreation offices that share best practices and coordinates federal advocacy. Directly connected to ORD as the body in which ORD Director Karina Armijo serves as Co-Chair, making it a governance peer rather than a competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NM Outdoor Recreation Division