Emergency agency seeks $6.9 million for disaster surge
SANTA FE – New Mexico’s emergency management agency is requesting $6.9 million to keep pace with mounting disasters that have triggered 11 state emergency declarations this year alone.
The Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHSEM) will present its budget request to the Legislative Finance Committee today at 3 p.m. in Room 307 of the State Capitol.
The department activated its State Emergency Operations Center 11 times in 2025, including for a federally declared disaster following summer storms, flooding, and landslides. The department is simultaneously supporting recovery efforts for three additional federal disasters from 2022 and 2024.
“Disasters are happening more frequently, and our team has become essential to public safety across New Mexico,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, Interim Cabinet Secretary. “We need adequate resources to meet the growing demand.”
The proposed fiscal year 2027 budget requests $3.8 million more for new staff positions in disaster response, recovery, disaster finance, fire prevention, and code enforcement.
“This budget increase will ensure we can respond every time a community needs us,” said Aguilar.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office, part of DHSEM since 2021, is requesting $12 million for the fiscal year.