Central NM SHRM Newsletter: July 2026 
President's Report
As summer begins to wind down, we're energized by the opportunities ahead and excited to reconnect with our HR community. Your Board has been hard at work planning meaningful events and experiences that support your professional growth and strengthen our chapter.
Recently, our Board gathered for a team-building event at Kelly Jo's, and it was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships, collaborate, and align around our goals for the chapter. The energy, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by our volunteer leaders continue to inspire me, and I'm grateful for the dedicated professionals who help make Central New Mexico SHRM thrive.
One of the most exciting outcomes of our recent planning efforts is the refinement of our chapter's Vision, Mission, and Values. These principles will guide our work and help ensure we continue delivering value to our members and the HR profession throughout Central New Mexico.
Our vision is to elevate the HR profession by supporting a human-centered community where HR professionals across Central New Mexico connect, grow, and thrive.
Our mission is to develop, connect, and empower HR professionals through a trusted network, practical learning, actionable insight, meaningful resources, and leadership opportunities that accelerate career growth and organizational impact.
You will see this vision and mission reflected in everything we do. From creating opportunities for connection through our trusted HR network, to providing practical learning through virtual and in-person events, we are committed to helping our members grow professionally and personally. We also remain dedicated to supporting leadership development, sharing trusted insights and resources, and fostering a human-centered community grounded in empathy, integrity, and people-first leadership.
As we move into August, we're excited to return to our in-person monthly membership meetings. There is nothing quite like gathering face-to-face to share ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen the relationships that make our chapter so special.
August will be an especially exciting month, with two chapter events planned for our members. These events provide even more opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with fellow HR professionals, and we look forward to seeing you at both.
Thank you for your continued membership, engagement, and support of Central New Mexico SHRM. Together, we are building a stronger HR community, investing in the growth of our profession, and creating meaningful impact across our region.
Warm regards,
President, Central New Mexico SHRM
Thanks for Joining Us!
Thank You for Joining Us — Central New Mexico SHRM Member Orientation
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Central New Mexico SHRM Member Orientation on July 21! It was a pleasure getting to know our new and prospective members, introducing you to chapter leaders and fellow HR professionals, and sharing the many ways to make the most of your membership.
Together, we explored SHRM and CNM SHRM benefits, upcoming programs, networking opportunities, professional development resources, and ways to become involved through volunteering and community engagement.
We are delighted to welcome you into our HR community and look forward to helping you connect, learn, and grow with Central New Mexico SHRM.
Upcoming Chapter Events
August offers two valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and grow with Central NM SHRM.
Tuesday, August 18 | 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Join us in person at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for Difficult Conversations in the Workplace. This interactive breakfast session will equip HR professionals and people leaders with practical strategies for navigating conflict, improving communication, coaching employees, and building stronger workplace relationships.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
2401 12th St NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
Wednesday, August 26 | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Virtual
Our virtual Labor Market Insights: Using Real-Time Data to Drive Smarter Workforce Strategies in New Mexico webinar features economists and researchers from Indeed Hiring Lab. Discover how real-time labor market data can help you make more informed decisions about hiring, compensation, workforce planning, and organizational strategy, with insights tailored to New Mexico's evolving workforce.
Whether you're sharpening your leadership skills or staying ahead of workforce trends, these August programs offer practical takeaways you can immediately apply in your organization. We hope to see you at both!
Welcome New & Renewing Members
You are connected with a vast network of HR professionals, exclusive events, and resources to help you advance your career by combining Central NM SHRM and SHRM national membership.
We're Excited To Share!
New Partnership Enhances Member Learning Opportunities
We're excited to share that Central New Mexico SHRM has partnered with New Mexico State University Global Campus and NMSU Microlearning to enhance the member experience and support professional growth across our HR community.
Through this collaboration, our virtual programs will be hosted on NMSU's innovative Microlearning platform, providing members with a more engaging and organized learning experience. In addition to attending virtual events, members will have access to an on-demand resource center featuring event recordings, job aids, and other valuable professional development resources.
This partnership reflects our shared commitment to making learning more accessible, practical, and impactful for HR professionals throughout New Mexico.
Together, we're empowering professional growth and creating even greater value for our members. 🌟
Legal Updates
Albuquerque Adopts Phased Increase to $15 Minimum Wage
The Albuquerque City Council recently approved an ordinance gradually increasing the city’s minimum wage to $15.00 per hour. The first increase takes effect January 1, 2027.
The minimum wage for employees working within Albuquerque will increase as follows:
• $13.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2027;
• $14.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2028; and
• $15.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2029.
Beginning January 1, 2030, the rate will be adjusted annually based on increases in the Consumer Price Index. The rate will be rounded to the nearest five cents and cannot decrease.
Which Employees Are Covered?
The ordinance generally covers employees who perform at least two hours of work during a particular week within Albuquerque’s municipal limits. It applies to full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees, subject to certain statutory exclusions.
Coverage depends primarily on where the work is performed—not where the employee lives or where the employer maintains its principal office. Employers with employees who travel between locations, make deliveries, perform field services, or work at customer locations should determine whether those employees perform at least two hours of work within Albuquerque during a week.
Credit for Certain Benefits
The ordinance retains a limited credit for health care and/or childcare benefits. If an employer provides qualifying benefits and pays an amount equal to or exceeding an annualized cost of $2,500 for an employee, it may pay that employee $1.00 less than the otherwise applicable Albuquerque minimum wage.
Assuming New Mexico’s statewide minimum wage remains $12.00 per hour, the resulting rates would be $12.00 in 2027, $13.00 in 2028, and $14.00 in 2029. Employers relying on this credit should document the benefits provided and the employer’s annualized cost.
Tipped Employees
The ordinance also changes the minimum cash wage for tipped employees. The required cash wage will equal:
• 55.5% of the Albuquerque minimum wage in 2027;
• 52% in 2028; and
• 50% in 2029 and thereafter.
Because the 2027 formula produces an amount containing a fraction of a cent, employers should await the City’s official 2027 notice or guidance before determining the precise rate.
An employer may take a tip credit only after notifying the employee in writing and must be able to establish that the employee’s cash wages and tips equal or exceed the full Albuquerque minimum wage. The employer must also obtain a signed tip declaration for each pay period in which it uses tips to satisfy its minimum-wage obligation.
Preparing for the Increase
Before January 1, 2027, employers should:
1. Identify employees who perform work within Albuquerque.
2. Review hourly rates and budget for the scheduled increases.
3. Confirm whether any employees qualify for the benefit credit.
4. Review tip-credit notices, declarations, and payroll practices.
5. Consider whether the increases will create wage compression.
6. Post the City’s updated English- and Spanish-language notices when available.
Employers must retain payroll records showing employees’ daily hours and wages for three years. An employee who is underpaid may recover the unpaid wages, interest, an additional amount equal to twice the unpaid wages, costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees. The ordinance also prohibits retaliation.
The principal takeaway is that the $15.00 minimum wage will not arrive all at once. Nevertheless, Albuquerque employers should begin preparing now for the first increase to $13.00 per hour on January 1, 2027.
Questions or Ideas for Future Articles?
If you have questions about the new Albuquerque minimum wage ordinance, wage and hour laws, or other HR compliance issues—or if there are topics you'd like covered in future SHRM Central New Mexico newsletters—please feel free to contact me at (505) 797-4889 or [email protected].
Central NM SHRM Job Board
Did you know you can post job openings and use JobBlasts on the Central NM SHRM website?
Visit our page to look at the newest job posts and post your job opening today: https://centralnmshrm.jobing.com/
Central nm shrm job board
Grow With Us!
We're excited to have you join our Central NM SHRM community of HR professionals, where you'll find opportunities to grow, connect, and make an impact.
