From opioid settlement transparency to banking deserts, think tank CEO talks policy issues in N.M.

From opioid settlement transparency to banking deserts, think tank CEO talks policy issues in N.M.

Author: The Santa Fe New Mexican August 14, 2026 Duration: 32:37

Patrick M. Brenner is founder, president and CEO of the Southwest Public Policy Institute, a New Mexico-based public policy think tank with a stated mission to deliver data-driven research, advance government transparency and safeguard consumer choice across the Southwest.

In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Brenner joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to talk about a range of topics including what his think tank does, how it is funded and some of the policies the institute is currently focused on.

Brenner also discusses what led him to depart the Rio Grand Foundation, an Albuquerque-based think tank, and eventually create his own.

Brenner touches on issues including opioid settlement transparency, New Mexico’s Inspection of Public Records Act, banking deserts, housing affordability and more.

A former Republican, Brenner also speaks about what led him to leave the party and offers some thoughts on New Mexico’s gubernatorial race.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Every week, Around the Roundhouse pulls back the curtain on the workings of New Mexico’s state government. Hosted by veteran statehouse reporter Daniel J. Chacón of The Santa Fe New Mexican, this podcast goes beyond the headlines and floor votes to explore the real stories shaping policy. You’ll hear directly from the legislators, advocates, and officials driving the agenda, getting a sense of the personalities and behind-the-scenes dynamics that define each session. The focus is on the substantive debates and political maneuvering that turn ideas into law, providing context often missed in daily news reports. Tune in for candid conversations and analysis that make the legislative process accessible and engaging. This isn't just a recap of events; it's an insider's guide to the forces at play under the Capitol dome. For anyone interested in how New Mexico is governed, this weekly podcast serves as an essential, grounded companion to the fast-paced world of Santa Fe politics.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Around the Roundhouse
Podcast Episodes