Billy Garrett Email and Phone Number

I served on the Board of Commissioners for Doña Ana County from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2018. In New Mexico, County Commissioners are limited to two consecutive 4-year terms. My purpose in seeking public office was to help make our region a good place for everyone who lives and works here. I brought diversified educational and work experience to this effort, as well as a personal connection with the Southwest. I approached the work of a Commissioner with a willingness to exchange ideas, an openness to collaboration, and a fundamental belief that positive change is possible.Three generations of my family have lived in southern New Mexico. I grew up in Las Cruces near the heart of the Mesilla Valley. After college I worked in both the private and public sectors, including a 26-year career in architecture and management with the National Park Service. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to care for many of our national treasures, led organizations with hundreds of employees, and been responsible for millions of dollars in projects and annual operating funds. After retirement I returned to New Mexico with a fresh appreciation for the area and its people. For most residents, Doña Ana County is a good place to call home. We celebrate a multi-cultural heritage, cherish our desert environment, and enjoy the benefits of both economic stability and a growing population. At the same time, more than a quarter of our residents cope with the challenges of living on incomes that are below the federal poverty level. As a Commissioner I've led regional planning efforts, championed establishment of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, and advocated for increased funding of community-oriented infrastructure. I've also promoted programs and policies that addressed improvements in County government, road repairs and economic development, immigration and marriage equality, rural transportation and mental health.