Network
New Mexico MainStreet operates a “tiered” system, in which communities have several points of entry for participation in the state program, organizations must meet certain staged benchmarks to progress through the program. All communities wishing to pursue MainStreet must first apply to participate in the program.
Participating communities explore the Main Street Four-Point Approach®, create a local organization and public-private partnership with the local government, and implement small-scale downtown revitalization projects. Communities receive guidance, advice and training from New Mexico MainStreet personnel. No funding is associated with this program. Projects and activities are supported through local fundraising efforts from public and private sectors.
Network Membership
New Mexico MainStreet Revitalization Partner
A New Mexico MainStreet Revitalization Partner may consist of an organization, coordinating council, or association focused on asset-based community economic development in a traditional or historic commercial area with a specific priority around creative economy work, a cultural facility, cultural corridor, revitalization planning, and/or economic development catalytic project. This includes New Mexico MainStreet “State-Authorized” or “Municipally-Designated” Arts & Cultural Districts, and communities under the Frontier, Historic Theaters and Cultural & Heritage Corridor Initiatives, or other programs that the Department or the Legislature may delegate under the program umbrella. Communities with more than 7,500 residents that do not qualify for Frontier Community designation may apply to be a Revitalization Partner. Generally, Arts & Cultural Districts/Compounds and Historic Theaters projects may exist in perpetuity as long as the program maintains good standing through programmatic performance and compliance. Membership for all other Revitalization Partners, including Frontier Community Initiatives, is for the length of the revitalization project, while maintaining Good Standing requirements.
New Mexico MainStreet Accelerator Process
New Mexico MainStreet, dependent on available funding, allows for new communities to be considered in the Main Street America program, through a competitive application process community revitalization programs must apply to, be reviewed and ranked, and if meeting eligibility criteria, are designated for participation in the MainStreet Accelerator process as a pathway to Main Street America designation. Aspiring revitalization programs with a dedicated history of at least six-months of attendance at workshops, webinars, trainings and quarterlies will be allowed to apply. Frontier Community participants are encouraged to apply for and successfully complete two successive Frontier Community projects prior to applying for participation in the MainStreet Accelerator process.
If selected, a community revitalization program will receive Accelerator Program services, an intensive 18-month capacity-building process establishing a pathway to the NMSC Main Street America program. Failure to complete Accelerator benchmarks within the 18-month period will result in the organization being placed in the Revitalization Partner tier or given the option to leave the network.
Upon successful completion of required Accelerator Process benchmarks within an 18-month period, the organization may be designated as a MainStreet America Affiliate or Accredited Program.
National Main Street Center Certifications, Tiers, and Recognitions
- Main Street America Affiliate
- Main Street America Accredited
- Main Street America Premier Recognition
- Main Street America Great American Main Street Award
- Main Street America Certified Manager Program
How to Become a MainStreet Community – Getting Started
All communities that are interested in the MainStreet Program are encouraged to attend New Mexico MainStreet trainings and meetings to learn more about the MainStreet Approach to downtown revitalization. More information and to sign up for our institutes and meetings can be found on our Calendar.