32 New Mexico MainStreet communities designated Main Street America programs
SANTA FE — Thirty-two districts in New Mexico were designated as Main Street America programs and NM MainStreet has been relicensed as a Coordinating Program, one of more than 40 networks nationally working to create high-quality places and strong communities.
Main Street America is dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts nationwide. Annually, the national organization grants designations that recognize programs committed to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
“New Mexico has a standout Main Street program with revitalization projects in communities across our state, most in our rural areas,” said Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “A revitalized downtown breathes new life into a community, sparking local pride, attracting businesses, and creating a vibrant hub where neighbors gather, shop, and connect.”
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the New Mexico initiative has been hard at work in communities across the state, providing resources, education, training, and technical services that stimulate economic vitality while celebrating local heritage and culture. Their Public Infrastructure Capital Outlay program is a critical source of funding for physical improvements and rehabilitation, business creation and expansion, job creation, and revitalization.
NM MainStreet programs are no stranger to national recognition. In April, they celebrated awards for excellence in Raton and Alamogordo. This current designation was awarded to New Mexico districts for meeting rigorous Main Street America performance standards.
“I’m grateful for our continued partnership with Main Street America,” said NM MainStreet Director Daniel J. Gutierrez. “Their support bolsters the Economic Development Department’s work in supporting incredible community revitalization and improved economic vitality through the NM MainStreet program.”
From FY20 through FY24, the NM MainStreet program had a tremendous impact in its designated districts, amounting to $224.2 million in private reinvestment, 727 new businesses or business expansions, over 154,000 hours in local volunteer engagement, 1,331 private building rehabs, and 2,391 net new jobs.
“Main Street America is proud to recognize this year’s 1,172 Main Street America programs for their commitment to building strong and vibrant communities,” said Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes. “Their tireless efforts show what’s possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve. The continued impact of our network shows that the Main Street movement remains a powerful force for positive transformation.”
A full list of NM MainStreet’s programs can be found at nmmainstreet.org.
NM MainStreet serves 32 communities, with 84% of them being in rural areas.
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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, resulting in economically thriving downtowns, greater business and employment 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.
Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Their network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, the Main Street Movement has resulted in $115.42 billion reinvested locally, 181,647 net new businesses, 815,895 net new jobs, 345,801 buildings rehabilitated, and 37.3 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.
EDD’s 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 funding workforce training and infrastructure that supports business growth, helping every community create a thriving economy.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 23, 2025
Contact: Jessica Mraz
(505) 365-3998
info@nmmainstreet.org