MainStreet Stories

EDD empowers communities with free technical assistance

February 12, 2026

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State program set to benefit Old Town Albuquerque, Hobbs, Placitas and Los Ranchos SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department will provide free professional technical assistance to four communities to strengthen their local economies through its New Mexico MainStreet program. The Project-Based Initiatives program provides technical support for…

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Route 66 Centennial Passport spotlights MainStreet businesses

January 9, 2026

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Collect stickers in ten districts along the Mother Road SANTA FE — Ten New Mexico MainStreet districts along the iconic Route 66 highway invite travelers to visit local businesses and collect stickers as part of the Route 66 Centennial Passport program. Throughout 2026, visitors can collect all ten stickers in…

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Choose MainStreet for the love of local this holiday season

November 17, 2025

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Jump to:About ✦ Events ✦ Small Business Saturday ✦ N.M. Resources ✦ Convince Me ✦ Social Graphics ✦ Past Campaigns About Choose MainStreet An initiative of New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS), Choose MainStreet aims to inspire New Mexicans and tourists to shop, eat, and play in MainStreet and Arts & Cultural…

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New Mexico MainStreet celebrates 40 years of community development

October 16, 2025

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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…

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NMMS Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Excellence Awards

October 16, 2025

2025 Institute graphic

On October 15, 2025 at the Institute in Alamogordo, NM MainStreet (NMMS) honored the program’s past, four decades of community economic development in New Mexico, and recognized people and projects that exemplify excellence in the state’s 32 MainStreet districts.  The Excellence Awards were based on nominations from the MainStreet network…

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San Pedro, Lordsburg officially designated as “NM MainStreet” programs

October 15, 2025

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EDD helps revitalize communities SANTA FE — After completing New Mexico MainStreet’s (NMMS) Accelerator Program, Revitalize San Pedro Partnership and Lordsburg Economic Advancement Project (LEAP) are now designated New Mexico MainStreet programs.  The districts completed NMMS’s Accelerator benchmarks under six main goals: organizational development, partnerships and collaborations, communication, outreach and engagement,…

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NM MainStreet invites travelers to get their kicks on Route 66

September 12, 2025

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History, culture, local pride shine across the Mother Road for its 2026 Centennial SANTA FE — From Tucumcari to Gallup, ten NM MainStreet districts along the iconic Route 66 highway welcome visitors to rediscover their small businesses, evocative places, and family-friendly events during the 2026 Centennial celebration. MainStreet’s community economic…

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State grant will fuel local creative economies

August 4, 2025

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Applications accepted through August 29 SANTA FE — The New Mexico Arts & Cultural Districts (ACD) Pilot Grant Program is a one-time collaborative initiative organized by New Mexico Arts, EDD’s Mainstreet program, and the Creative Industries Division to demonstrate the economic potential and cultural impact of directly funding state-authorized Arts…

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State program to revitalize downtown economies gets national recognition

June 23, 2025

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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…

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Seven NM districts win grants for economic development

June 12, 2025

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Resilient Communities Fund targets rural and underserved communities SANTA FE — NM MainStreet and the NM Resiliency Alliance awarded Resilient Communities Fund seed grants to economic development projects in seven MainStreet districts. Created in 2014 in partnership with the McCune Charitable Foundation, the Resilient Communities Fund provides seed grants that…

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NM MainStreet programs win national awards for excellence

April 22, 2025

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Raton and Alamogordo downtown districts recognized by Main Street America SANTA FE — Main Street America, an organization dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts nationwide, announced prestigious awards for the Raton and Alamogordo MainStreet districts at the Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia…

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Route 66 Centennial Grant Program

February 18, 2025

Route 66 logo

In late 2024, the New Mexico Tourism Department awarded $1.5 million to communities as part of their Route 66 Centennial Grant Program. This grant funding will support special events, infrastructure improvements, and marketing/promotion activities for the upcoming Route 66 Centennial. The Route 66 Centennial in 2026 is an opportunity for…

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Community economic development projects in Aztec, Edgewood to receive NM MainStreet technical assistance, grants

February 12, 2025

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Santa Fe, N.M. — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) and New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) accepted project proposals from the City of Aztec and the Town of Edgewood for NMMS’s Frontier, Rural, & Native American Communities Project-Based Initiative. NMMS’s Project-Based Initiatives provide free professional technical assistance to community economic…

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NM MainStreet Celebrates Milestones of MainStreet Staff, Volunteers

February 5, 2025

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Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) and New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) celebrated milestones and achievements of MainStreet staff and volunteers including training completion, professional certification, and long-term dedication. Thirty-nine leaders from NMMS’s state network were honored during NMMS’s Conference in Santa Fe with certificates…

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Job Opportunity: MainStreet Community Economic Development Specialist (EDD #10117227)

January 16, 2025

NM MainStreet logo

New Mexico MainStreet is an asset-based community economic development program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department dedicated to fostering economic development in the state by supporting local MainStreet organizations, affiliates, and local government partners in their revitalization work in downtowns and traditional neighborhood commercial corridors. The Program provides resources,…

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$6.6 Million in Capital Outlay Funding Awarded to Public Infrastructure Projects in Six New Mexico MainStreet Districts

December 2, 2024

EDD NMMS logos

Eight Projects Matched Locally with $8 Million to Support Revitalization Efforts Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) and New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) awarded $6.6 million in Capital Outlay funding to eight revitalization projects in affiliated NMMS Districts to improve safety, create vibrant destinations, and…

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Shop local and save this holiday season

November 22, 2024

Small Business Saturday tax holiday is November 30 SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Departments of Economic Development, Tourism, and Taxation and Revenue encourage New Mexicans and visitors to shop at small businesses during the holiday season. During the holiday giving season, it’s important to shop and dine at…

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Choose MainStreet – Celebrate Local This Holiday Season

November 20, 2024

Jump to:Choose MainStreet ✦ Holiday Events ✦ Resources ✦ About Small Business Saturday ✦ Top 10 Reasons to Shop MainStreet ✦ SBS Graphics & Social Posts ✦ Past Resources Choose MainStreet An initiative of New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS), Choose MainStreet aims to inspire New Mexicans and tourists to shop, eat,…

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Raton MainStreet is Semifinalist for 2025 Great American Main Street Award

October 1, 2024

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Raton is one of eight national organizations selected for outstanding downtown revitalization work Raton, N.M. – Today, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) announced that Raton MainStreet has been selected as a 2025 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) semifinalist by Main Street America. The GAMSA recognizes communities for…

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Eduardo Martinez Departs New Mexico MainStreet

June 20, 2024

Eduardo Served as NMMS’s Organization and Leadership Development Revitalization Specialist for 12 Years Eduardo Martinez has been engaged with the New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) program since 2011 when he presented at the Santa Fe Winter Conference on engaging youth and people of color, relating to that year’s theme of diversity…

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Historic Old Town Albuquerque Joins New Mexico MainStreet Network

May 6, 2024

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Albuquerque, N.M. – Today, New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) welcomed Historic Old Town Albuquerque to NMMS’s network as part of the Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridor (UNCC) Initiative. UNCC is one of NMMS’s Project-Based Initiatives that provides professional technical assistance to community projects during a 12-18-month timeframe. Projects must produce direct economic development…

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Thirteen New Mexico MainStreet Communities Receive Resilient Communities Fund Grants for Economic Development Projects

May 1, 2024

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Santa Fe, N.M.  – New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) and the New Mexico Resiliency Alliance (NMRA), in partnership with the McCune Charitable Foundation, have awarded Resilient Communities Fund grants to economic development projects in thirteen NMMS communities. Grant funding leverages local resources and engages volunteers to complete an impactful project by the…

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How Brownfield Programs Support Historic Preservation and Community Revitalization in New Mexico MainStreet Districts

March 15, 2024

Rehabilitating brownfields plays a significant role in community revitalization, historic preservation, property renovation, and private investment. The positive effects from cleaning up brownfields ripple throughout the community leading to other investments and community revitalization projects, creating positive change and economic development opportunities. The land where the brownfield is located can…

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Carlsbad’s Pearl of the Pecos Arts & Cultural District Granted State Authorization by the New Mexico Arts Commission

February 15, 2024

Carlsbad mural

Santa Fe, N.M. – After completing the Arts & Cultural District (ACD) Start Up Benchmarks, Carlsbad’s Pearl of the Pecos (POP) ACD has been granted State Authorization, the tenth New Mexico community to achieve this designation. State-Authorized ACDs receive additional incentives such as assistance with cultural plan development and historic…

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New Mexico MainStreet Designates Lordsburg and Revitalize San Pedro Partnership as New Accelerator Programs

January 31, 2024

Two NM Communities Closer to Achieving Main Street America Affiliation Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) welcomed Lordsburg Economic Advancement Project (LEAP) and Revitalize San Pedro Partnership (ABQ) as new Accelerator programs, a pathway for communities to achieve Main Street America affiliation. Both programs previously participated in…

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$10 Million in Capital Outlay Funding Awarded to Public Infrastructure Projects in New Mexico MainStreet Districts

December 6, 2023

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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…

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Choose MainStreet This Holiday Season

November 7, 2023

Choose MainStreet

Jump to: Choose MainStreet • Holiday Events • Tips to Boost Holiday Events • ResourcesSmall Business Saturday: Graphics • Sample Press ReleaseTop 10 Reasons to Shop MainStreet: Generic Graphics • Local GraphicsSocial Media Posts • Previous Shop MainStreet Resources About Choose MainStreet Choose MainStreet is an initiative of New Mexico…

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New Mexico MainStreet Awards Certification to Seven MainStreet Leaders

September 13, 2023

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Eleven NM Communities Represented in Certified Executive Directors, Fundraising and Grantwriting Graduates Carlsbad, N.M.  – Today, New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) announced seven MainStreet leaders have earned Executive Director Certification, marking the completion of a comprehensive training and skills development process. Certification is granted to affiliated NMMS leaders who successfully complete…

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Spotlight on the Promotion Point

July 27, 2023

collage of photos

Main Street America’s Main Street Approach™ is a time-tested framework used for community-driven revitalization. The Approach™ incorporates the four broad areas of Economic Vitality, Design, Organization, and Promotion (known as the Four Points) to implement Transformation Strategies. Work involving the Promotion Point positions the district as the hub of economic…

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Eleven New Mexico MainStreet Communities Receive Resilient Communities Fund Grants for Economic Development Projects

May 26, 2023

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Santa Fe, N.M.  – New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) and the New Mexico Resiliency Alliance (NMRA), in partnership with the McCune Charitable Foundation, have awarded Resilient Communities Fund grants to economic development projects in eleven NMMS communities. Grant funding leverages local resources and engages volunteers to complete an impactful project by the…

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Seven Community Economic Development Projects Will Receive NM MainStreet Technical Assistance, $5,000 Seed Grants from NM Resiliency Alliance

May 2, 2023

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Santa Fe, N.M. – New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) accepted seven new community economic development projects as part of the Frontier & Native American Communities (FNAC) and Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridor (UNCC) Initiatives. Selected communities will receive NMMS professional services and technical assistance to implement their project within 12-18 months. Projects must…

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Small Business Saturday is this weekend. Shop local, save money!

November 21, 2022

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham TRD Cabinet Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke EDD Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes Media Contact: Charlie Moore charlie.moore@tax.nm.gov(505) 670-5406Download as a PDF November 21, 2022 Santa Fe, N.M. – The New Mexico Departments of Economic Development, Tourism, and Taxation and Revenue are encouraging New Mexicans to shop…

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Choose MainStreet for the Holidays

November 16, 2022

Choose MainStreet

Small Business Saturday is November 26, 2022 Support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, to make a big difference in the community! Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26 is a New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax Holiday. For this one day, the state suspends collection of gross receipts tax…

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Application for NM MainStreet’s Frontier & Native American Communities and Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Initiatives Now Open

November 14, 2022

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Submit Community Economic Development Projects for Consideration by January 20, 2023 Santa Fe, N.M. – New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) is now accepting applications for new community economic development projects as part of the Frontier & Native American Communities (FNAC) and Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridor (UNCC) Initiatives. Selected communities will receive NMMS…

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Gov. Lujan Grisham announces $2.2 million state investment in Barelas MainStreet project

November 1, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Nora Meyers SackettPress Secretary, Office of the Governornora.sackett@state.nm.us November 1, 2022 ALBUQUERQUE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday announced a $2.2 million state investment in the Barelas MainStreet project, supporting community growth and economic development by making safety improvements and streetscape enhancements increasing connectivity to area…

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$10 Million Awarded to 14 Capital Outlay Projects in New Mexico MainStreet and Arts & Cultural Districts

October 20, 2022

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Public Infrastructure Investments Support the Revitalization of Communities Statewide Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) and New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) awarded $10 million in Capital Outlay funding to 14 MainStreet and Arts & Cultural Districts for community revitalization projects. The NMMS Capital Outlay program funds…

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New Mexico MainStreet Honors Outgoing Silver City Executive Director Charmeine Wait with Spirit of MainStreet Award

September 29, 2022

Charmeine

Santa Fe, N.M. – New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) presented a Spirit of MainStreet Award to Silver City MainStreet’s Executive Director, Charmeine Wait, for her outstanding dedication and leadership at NMMS’s annual Fall Institute on September 14, 2022. Along with her partners, Charmeine has accomplished many revitalization projects in the community…

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New Mexico MainStreet Awards Executive Director Certification to Corrales, Farmington and Ruidoso Leaders

September 29, 2022

Executive Directors

Santa Fe, N.M. – New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) announced that Angela Gutierrez of Corrales MainStreet, Karen Lupton of Downtown Farmington and Kendra King of Ruidoso Midtown Association have been awarded Executive Director certification. Certification is granted to affiliated NMMS Directors who complete training on the Main Street Approach™, fundraising and…

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New Mexico Wildfire Resources

May 4, 2022

All Together NM

New Mexico is experiencing devastating wildfires across the state and these tragic events are negatively impacting communities. The state is working with local, state, federal, and tribal agencies to battle several wildfires, and you can help communities by using these resources to support fire relief efforts. Donate to Fire Relief…

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Choose MainStreet Small Business & Entrepreneur Resources

May 2, 2022

MainStreets are for small businesses

MainStreets are the heart of the community and the perfect place for small businesses and entrepreneurs! MainStreets drive innovation because they create jobs and promote economic vitality. When small businesses locate in MainStreet, they’re part of a movement to create a thriving local economy and vibrant neighborhood that’s rich in…

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