Santa Fe, N.M. – New Mexico MainStreet, a program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, today announced that Downtown Taos MainStreet and their partners have fulfilled the MainStreet Accelerator process and have been designated as an accredited New Mexico MainStreet program. They will be recognized on the national level by Main Street America in May 2020. Taos began the accelerator program in June 2018 and have progressed through the accelerator benchmarks and advanced economic revitalization projects in the downtown district.
“I’m thrilled that Taos is joining the New Mexico MainStreet network as an accredited program,” said New Mexico MainStreet Director Daniel Gutierrez. “I congratulate them on their hard work and look forward to working together on projects that build upon Taos’ unique businesses and physical assets.”
Accredited MainStreet communities have access to additional services, resources, and professional assistance that help the communities develop successful districts.
“Receiving accreditation at such an accelerated pace is a tribute to our committed volunteers and partners,” said Downtown Taos MainStreet Board President Jim Pollard. “Our group and community will now move forward, reflecting our commitment as an organization to the best practices in downtown revitalization. We are honored to receive this recognition from the state and national Main Street programs. We are excited to talk with our community about what we do, continue to develop our mission, foster strong public-private partnerships, secure an operating budget, track economic progress and preserve historic buildings.”
Downtown Taos MainStreet capitalized on the momentum established by the Strong at Heart efforts, a yearlong public engagement process that established a unifying vision of the Downtown Taos Strategy. Key elements of the strategy includes improved walkability, a downtown bike network, infill housing, mixed-use and destination development while enhancing entrepreneurship/local business opportunities. The Strong at Heart efforts crystallized Taoseños, downtown businesses and civic leaders to create a vibrant downtown that respects and honors the culture of the community.
“Receiving accreditation for Taos MainStreet creates the opportunity to work together with our MainStreet partners in the revitalization and enhancement of our downtown MainStreet district,” said Taos Mayor Dan Barrone.
“We view the partnership with NM Economic Development Department and NM MainStreet as an exciting and critical opportunity and assure you that we will make the most of it in simultaneously fostering new economic development, reinforcing our existing businesses, and creating downtown revitalization successes that both the state and our community will be proud of in the coming months,” said Taos Town Manager Richard P. Bellis.
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About New Mexico MainStreet: A program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, New Mexico MainStreet works throughout the state to help affiliated local organizations create an economically viable business environment while preserving cultural and historic resources. New Mexico MainStreet currently serves 30 affiliated MainStreet Districts, 12 affiliated Arts & Cultural Districts, 4 Frontier and Native American Community projects, and 8 Historic Theater Initiatives. For more information about New Mexico MainStreet, visit www.gonm.biz or www.nmmainstreet.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2019
Contact: Bruce Krasnow
(505) 827-0226
Bruce.Krasnow@state.nm.us