Strategic Investments Support Revitalization Efforts in 11 Communities to Improve Safety, Create Vibrant Destinations, and Support Local Economies
Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) and New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) awarded $10 million in Capital Outlay funding to 11 community revitalization projects in affiliated NMMS Districts. The NMMS Capital Outlay program funds public infrastructure upgrades in targeted public investment areas to positively impact local economies. Projects directly support economic growth, property renovation, public safety, business development, and job creation.
“Capital Outlay funding from the New Mexico Legislature supports infrastructure projects statewide that upgrade utilities, improve public safety and ADA access, preserve historic assets, and much more. We’re grateful for this funding because these visible improvements make MainStreet districts safer and more accessible/welcoming for the entire community,” said Acting Economic Development Secretary Jon Clark.
NMMS works with districts to identify catalytic economic development projects based on the community’s Master Plan, Cultural Economic Development Plan or Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Plan. Projects must impact the local economy, improve the appearance and functionality of the district, create connectors, and engage local property/business owners. Qualifying projects include improvements to streets, sewers, utilities, lighting, pedestrian safety, street amenities, wayfinding, landscaping, placemaking, and performance/gathering spaces.
“We’re thankful for the Legislature’s continued support for this vital program that transforms communities for the better. These public infrastructure projects are years in the making – they require innovative planning and coordination among many key players. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients and thank you to all the project partners for working diligently to improve New Mexico communities,” said NMMS Director Daniel Gutierrez.
Funded projects include:
Barelas MainStreet – $4,000,000
Great Blocks on MainStreet Project: Historic South 4th Street
Belen MainStreet – $1,690,000
Great Blocks on MainStreet Project: First and Becker St. Pedestrian Improvement Phase 2 Construction
Clovis MainStreet – $500,000
Lyceum Theater: Phase 3/Final Renovations
Historic Downtown Farmington – $50,000
Revitalization of Orchard Park Project
Lovington MainStreet – $400,000
Lea Theater Renovations: Lights On (stage, sound, & lighting for entertainment)
Nob Hill MainStreet – $114,000
Central Avenue (Carlisle Blvd. to Washington St.) Pedestrian Safety Improvements and Street Amenities
Ruidoso Midtown Association – $265,000
Pedestrian & Parking Lot Improvements Project
South Valley MainStreet – $410,000
Dolores Huerta Gateway Park Project: La Familia Growers Market
Taos MainStreet – $1,000,000
Taos Plaza Improvements: Phases 1, 2, & 3
MainStreet Truth or Consequences – $1,016,000
Great Blocks on MainStreet Project: South Foch Street Construction
Zuni MainStreet – $555,000
Great Blocks in Zuni Project: Zuni MS/State Highway 53 Artist, Food, & Pop-up Vendors Park
Great Blocks on MainStreet projects are intensive infrastructure projects that dramatically upgrade a core two-three block commercial area in a district through the implementation of urban and landscape design, architecture, and creative economy projects.
The number of projects awarded is dependent on the Legislature’s appropriation to NMMS’s Capital Outlay Program. Capital Outlay funds are used to leverage/match other local, state, corporate, and foundation dollars to fully-fund projects. In the upcoming 2024 Legislative Session, EDD and NMMS are requesting another $10 million in Capital Outlay funding to support the planning, design, and construction of future and in-progress projects. NMMS’s public infrastructure project pipeline has a funding gap of $17.1 million for construction-ready projects.
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The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s (EDD) mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive. EDD’s programs contribute directly to this mission by training our workforce, providing infrastructure that supports business growth, and helping every community create a thriving economy.
Learn more at edd.newmexico.gov.
New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) develops local capacity to engage people, rebuild places and grow the entrepreneurial, creative & business environment resulting in economically thriving downtowns, greater business & employment opportunities, and a higher quality of life. NMMS was founded in 1984 and currently serves 30 MainStreet Districts and 12 Arts & Cultural Districts. Additionally, NMMS has supported 45 Frontier & Native American Community projects, 4 Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridor projects, and 11 Historic Theaters.NMMS is a program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department.
Learn more at nmmainstreet.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 6, 2023
Contact: Jessica Mraz
info@nmmainstreet.org
(505) 365-3998
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