Roswell, New Mexico Makes History By Becoming the First City to Have an Official Bitcoin Reserve

Roswell, New Mexico has become the first city in the U.S. to have an official Bitcoin reserve, beginning with a small donation that will form the basis for a much more significant financial plan.

The city accepted its first cryptocurrency donation of 0.0305 BTC (around $2,845) on April 29 to kick off what officials have dubbed the “Roswell Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.” The reserve will increase by further Bitcoin donations and sponsorships over the period of a decade.

The crypto stockpile must accumulate to the value of $1 million before it can be tapped as an emergency fund to assist elderly citizens in paying water bills and support emergency disaster relief efforts.

The city government will oversee the cryptocurrency reserves, with strict control measures in place. Any expenditure from the reserve needs to be approved unanimously by the city council.

Regulations allow for up to 21% of the total reserve to be spent every five years, with priority initially given to assisting elderly citizens in paying water bills and supporting emergency disaster relief efforts.

I’m pleased to update that Mayor Pro Tem Juliana Halvorson came by my work earlier and we signed the receipt from city hall, stating that @RoswellNMGov now custodies our Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, as well as offers tax-deductible receipts for donations.

Today my heart is full. pic.twitter.com/IMO717r7zf

— Guy Malone, CBP (@RichNFrenz) April 30, 2025

Other government bodies are also moving toward Bitcoin investments.

In Arizona, the state House of Representatives approved measures that would enable the state Treasury and retirement fund to invest up to 10% of their balance in virtual currencies.

Those measures, Senate Bills 1025 and 1373, now go to Governor Katie Hobbs for signing.

The trend toward state reserves goes beyond New Mexico, Arizona, Alabama, and North Carolina. Texas, California, Florida, and New Hampshire have all expressed interest in creating their own BTC reserves.

North Carolina Bitcoin Reserve Bill HB92 has passed the House!

This is the fifth state legislature to pass SBR legislation through at least one chamber. pic.twitter.com/a6DBB8ZUcE

— Bitcoin Laws (@Bitcoin_Laws) April 30, 2025

This emerging trend indicates a significant change in how state and local governments are approaching cryptocurrency holdings.

For centuries, bonds and stocks have held the primary focus in government finances. However, Bitcoin is now entering the picture as a potential asset class for public coffers.

In a city that has long been synonymous with mysteries beyond this world, it’s only natural that Roswell is now leading the way to an unorthodox financial future.

The city is becoming the first U.S. municipality to use Bitcoin as a reserve asset, once again positioning it at the forefront of an otherworldly tale — though this time, the flying objects are of a digital nature.