Mayor Duward Dixon, a lifelong resident of Roosevelt County, has spent nearly his entire life as a citizen of Elida. His deep roots in the area are grounded in a long history of ranching and farming that began during his teenage years. Committed to his community, Mayor Dixon first served six years as a Town Councilor before becoming the Mayor of Elida.
He has served 17 years as mayor of Elida. His journey into local leadership began when he was asked to fill a vacant Council position. After fully understanding the responsibilities involved, he became dedicated to improving the community and ensuring its prosperity.
As Mayor, his approach is guided by a practical and straightforward vision for Elida. His focus has been on strengthening infrastructure, providing essential services, and ensuring the town's long-term sustainability. Under his leadership, significant progress has been made, including the construction of a new fire station and community center, as well as ongoing improvements to water infrastructure.
Mayor Dixon has also been heavily involved in the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System "Ute Pipeline" project. Since 2008, he has actively participated in the project, serving as an alternating board member of the ENMWUA since its authorization in 2010. He states, “I believe 100% in the project, and I believe the staff and board have achieved phenomenal progress in funding and construction. I want this project to be successful for all the communities involved. Without the thriving business hubs of Clovis and Portales, rural eastern New Mexico would suffer greatly.”
According to Mayor Dixon, Elida was originally founded as a railroad depot when the railroad was constructed from Clovis to Carlsbad in the early 1900s. However, he notes that the town’s growth was frequently hindered by challenges related to access to adequate, high-quality water. Under his leadership, Mayor Dixon is committed to addressing these challenges and working toward ensuring that Elida can continue to thrive for generations to come.
