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The Workforce Story of Red River, NM

-Rob Swan, Qualifying Broker, Swan Realty

I have lived in Red River over 40 years and I can attest to the fact that our labor force has changed considerably over that time. Over the years, Red River has relied on a variety of strategies to meet its labor needs, especially in hospitality and tourism. One of the most important avenues in the past was the J-1 visa program. This allowed international students, many from South America, including Brazil and Peru, to work in the U.S. for four months and travel for two. Each year, the ski area alone would hire dozens of these students. However, when the pandemic shut down J-1 visas, Red River had to adapt quickly.

Local Support from Nearby Communities

With only about 400 residents, Red River doesn’t have enough people to fully staff its businesses. A key source of help has long been the nearby town of Questa, whose residents have stepped up to support the tourism economy for decades. Their contribution has been vital to keeping businesses running and sustaining the local community.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

To attract and retain workers, the town also invested in affordable housing. Red River purchased older lodges on the east side of town and converted them into housing with lower rents. This gives workers the chance to live locally, build stability, and eventually transition into higher-paying jobs or even homeownership.

Wages and Opportunities for Youth

Wages have risen, too. A 16-year-old working as a busboy in town can make around $20 per hour. For high school and college students, this opens a great opportunity to work in Red River for a season. Jobs range from bartending, horseback riding tours, and fishing guides in summer to ski instructors and chairlift operators in winter. The variety ensures that young people can pick roles that match their interests while gaining valuable work experience.

The Texas & Oklahoma Connection

Red River’s business community is also deeply tied to the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle. Many business owners first visited Red River on vacation, fell in love with the area, and decided to invest. Whether buying a lodge or starting a small business, these transplants have added to the town’s economic vitality and diversity.

In Summary

Red River’s labor market is a story of resilience. After the pandemic, the J-1 program was restored and Red River now hosts more foreign student temporary workers than ever. From relying on international workers to drawing on neighboring communities, supporting affordable housing, and offering strong wages, the town continues to find ways to grow its workforce. For families in the region, it’s not just a vacation spot, it can be a place full of opportunity.

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FAQS

1. Why has Red River historically relied on international workers?

Red River’s tourism-driven economy requires more workers than its small year-round population can provide. The J-1 visa program allowed international students to work seasonal jobs, helping businesses stay fully staffed.

2. What happened to Red River’s workforce during the pandemic?

When the J-1 visa program was temporarily halted, Red River had to rely more heavily on nearby communities like Questa and ramp up local housing efforts to support workers.

3. How does affordable housing impact the workforce?

By purchasing and converting older lodges into workforce housing, Red River provided local workers with affordable rental options, helping them stay in town and transition into long-term opportunities.

4. Are there good job opportunities for young people in Red River?

Yes. Seasonal jobs in hospitality, outdoor recreation, guiding, and ski operations offer wages up to $20 per hour or more for teenagers and college students.

 

5. Why are so many business owners in Red River from Texas and Oklahoma?

Many Texans and Oklahomans first visited Red River as tourists, then later invested in lodges, rentals, and small businesses, helping shape the local economy.