Mark Lautman

Mark Lautman, CEcD, is a founder of the Community Economics Lab, a not-for-profit think tank focused on developing new economic-development strategies. His consulting business is conducted under Lautman Economic Architecture Partners. He is immediate past chairman of the New Mexico Economic Development Commission.

Since becoming a professional economic developer 28 years ago, Mark has designed and managed four economic development programs: Mesa del Sol, in Albuquerque, N.M., 2004-2008; Santa Teresa, N.M., 1998-2004; Rio Rancho, N.M., 1986-1998; and Grants, N.M., 1983-1986. Under his direction, these programs procured more than 80 corporate locations accounting for more than 23,000 new jobs, 6 million square feet of industrial space, and $11 billion in new investment.

Most recently, Mark was vice president of economic development at Forest City Enterprises and Covington Capital, where his business unit was responsible for the design and execution of the economic development plan for Mesa del Sol.

He is a frequent conference speaker and author of "When the Boomers Bail," a book about how new economic and demographic realities are changing the economic development game. He also writes a monthly column for the New Mexico Business Weekly Reinventing Economic Development and blogs on economic development at MarkLautman.com.

Mark is a 1971 graduate of the University of New Mexico in Economics, Architecture and Geography and a former Peace Corps Volunteer. He and his wife live in Albuquerque, N.M. They have three children and three grandchildren.