New Mexico ranks number ... in ...

The intensity of New Mexico's fascination with how our state ranks against the other 49 is probably tied for #1...with all the rest of the states. Nevertheless, The New Mexican Web Department will not rest until we can claim the unchallenged number one rank for the most number of rankings compiled in a single database. We'll start with one of New Mexico's Number One rankings.

Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program focuses on the employment of persons who are legally blind, or who have a condition that will lead to legal blindness. Consistent with this purpose, the SRC has a committee that concentrates on issues related to employment. The Rehabilitation Act also requires that the SRC membership include “current or former applicants for, or recipients of vocational rehabilitation services.” The Rehab Act also requires that the SRC membership include “at least one qualified vocational rehabilitation counselor, with knowledge of and experience with vocational rehabilitation programs.” During fiscal year 2004, 512 persons received vocational rehabilitation services, and 45 were successfully employed. The Commission consistently ranks at the top for the quality of employment outcomes achieved by our consumers.

According to Federal Standard and Indicator 1.6, the Commission ranks 1st for the consumers who on exiting the program rely on their earnings for their primary source of income compared to those who relied on their earnings as their primary source of income when entering the program. The difference in New Mexico was 61.33%. New Mexico ranks far ahead of the next best state, which is Florida at 42.96%.
Source: State of New Mexico Commission for the Blind Annual Report, Dec. 1, 2004

Tourist destination
WORLD'S BEST Cities: United States And Canada Santa Fe 2005: 3 (2004:) 5 Score: 82.09 Source: Travel + Leisure World's best cities

Venture capital invested
Rank among all states: 26th in 2005, with $88.5 million up from 34th in 2004, with $24 million. Source: National Venture Capital Association