Roswell, New Mexico has made history in municipal finance by becoming the first city in the United States to have an official Bitcoin reserve.
Small Donation Puts Big Plans In Motion For Emergency Fund
As per the city officials, the initially small first donation of 3,050,323 satoshis (0.0305 BTC) 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, 2025, to kick off what officials have dubbed the “Roswell Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.”
Crypto Stockpile To Grow
The reserve will increase by further Bitcoin donations and sponsorships over the period of a decade. As per reports by the city council, the crypto hoard must accumulate to the value of $1 million before it can be tapped as an emergency fund.
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
The city government will oversee the cryptocurrency reserves, with tight 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.
Roswell, NM Just Made History — The First City to Start its own Government-Run #Bitcoin reserve!
It Began with only $2,906 in $BTC … but they’ll tap into it once it hits $1 MILLION!
This is how early adoption starts.#Crypto pic.twitter.com/B3T05qeHW9
— Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) May 1, 2025
Other States Move Toward Bitcoin Investments
Roswell’s leading action is made as some states consider the same cryptocurrency measures. Arizona’s Legislature recently approved Senate Bills 1025 and 1373, which would enable the state Treasury and retirement fund to invest to 10% of their balance in virtual currencies. Those measures now go to Governor Katie Hobbs for signing.
Crypto Reserves Become Popular Across The Country
The trend toward state reserves goes beyond New Mexico, Arizona, Alabama, and North Carolina. Texas, California, Florida, and New Hampshire have all been reportedly interested in creating their own BTC reserves.
State Reserve Race Update:
North Carolina Bitcoin Reserve Bill HB92 has passed the House!
NC 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 major change in how state and local governments think about cryptocurrency holdings. While bonds and stocks have traditionally held sway over government finances for centuries, Bitcoin is now taking the spotlight as a viable alternative for public coffers.
Roswell’s New Close Encounter: Crypto Enters The City’s Orbit
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.
By becoming the first US municipality to use Bitcoin as a reserve asset, Roswell has again positioned itself at the forefront of an otherworldly tale — this time, however, the flying objects are of a digital nature.
Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
