The New Mexico MainStreet Program
The New Mexico MainStreet Program fosters economic development in the state by supporting local MainStreet revitalization organizations and their local government partner in their economic work in downtowns and adjacent neighborhoods.
New Mexico MainStreet provides resources, education, training and services for asset-based economic growth that builds local knowledge and skills based on the Main Street Approach®, which preserves and enhances the built environment, supports district businesses and entrepreneur development, and conserves and interprets local culture and heritage resulting in increased economic vitality in local MainStreet districts.
New Mexico MainStreet is designated a Main Street America Coordinating Program by the National Main Street Center, Inc., a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The New Mexico Economic Development Department is licensed and accredited annually to administer the program. New Mexico Economic Development Department, by New Mexico State Statute (3-60B-1 to 3-60B-4 NMSA 1978, as amended 2013), is authorized to select programs to participate in the Accelerator Process based on the standards and principles set forth by the National Main Street Center, when legislative appropriations allow. Local partners (local revitalization organizations and local governing bodies), join their resources (human, social and financial) to support the economic development of the district. New Mexico MainStreet assists communities in building capacity in community economic development that creates jobs, supports commercial property owners, mitigates leakage, grows businesses, encourages entrepreneurs, and improves the quality of life for residents.
New Mexico MainStreet is responsible for coordinating and orchestrating resources, services and professional technical assistance to state designated local MainStreet organizations and revitalization partners through the following revitalization program tiers and initiatives:
New Mexico MainStreet Program Tiers:
- New Mexico MainStreet Revitalization Partner, which can include the following:
- Frontier, Rural & Native American Communities Initiative
- Historic Theaters Initiative
- Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridors Initiative
- New Mexico MainStreet Accelerator Process Designate
- Main Street America Affiliate Program
- Main Street America Accredited Program
New Mexico State-Authorized Arts & Cultural District Program
- State Authorized Start-Up Arts & Cultural District/Compound
- State Authorized State-Certified Arts & Cultural District/Compound
How to Join the Network
When resources are available to add new MainStreet projects or programs, local communities can enter the NMMS program by participating in one of NMMS’s Project-Based Initiatives and follow-up participation/acceptance into the NMMS Accelerator.
Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis, however, interested communities should contact NMMS Leadership to discuss potential projects, receive preliminary approval, and then apply to receive support when NMMS has the available resources to support the proposed project.
Once approved, communities receive guidance and training from NMMS personnel. No funding is associated with this program. Projects and activities are supported through local fundraising efforts from public and private sectors.
Interested communities are also encouraged to attend NMMS trainings to learn about downtown revitalization topics.