People and projects that made a significant local impact honored
SANTA FE — Since 1985, New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS), a program of the NM Economic Development Department, has supported communities across the state with free technical assistance and state Capital Outlay funding, resulting in downtown revitalization, physical improvements, job creation and business growth.
To celebrate four decades of the program’s impact on the state, NMMS honored people and projects that exemplify excellence at their awards ceremony in Alamogordo on Oct. 15.
Eighty-four percent of MainStreet districts are located in rural and underserved areas. The program’s initiatives also support economic development projects in Native American communities, urban neighborhood commercial corridors, state-authorized Arts & Cultural Districts and historic theaters.
“Our MainStreet program creates opportunities across New Mexico, especially in our rural regions,” said Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “It’s proof that strong leadership and long-term commitment can make a lasting difference in local communities.”
A significant part of NMMS’s impact is through Capital Outlay funding, which is granted annually by the state legislature. Since FY 2020, $38 million has been deployed across 67 projects to improve public infrastructure in designated NM MainStreet districts.
“NM MainStreet partners with local revitalization organizations to rebuild the local downtown economy,” said Daniel J. Gutierrez, New Mexico MainStreet director. “My team is honored to work with local communities on revitalization projects that positively impact the local economy.”
Since FY2015, NM MainStreet districts have reported more than $4.3 million in private sector reinvestment, 2,800 private building rehabilitations, 1,600 new businesses and expansions, 5,900 new jobs and 384,000 volunteer hours.
You can learn more about the 18 people and 10 projects awarded during the October ceremony at nmmainstreet.org.
NM MainStreet 40th Anniversary award recipients.
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New Mexico MainStreet is a program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department that develops local capacity to engage people, rebuild places, and grow the entrepreneurial, creative, and business environment. NM MainStreet supports economically thriving downtowns, greater business opportunities, and a higher quality of life. Founded in 1984, NM MainStreet currently serves 32 MainStreet and 13 Arts & Cultural Districts. Learn more at nmmainstreet.org.
