SANTA FE — New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS), a program of the New Mexico New Mexico MainStreet Will Begin Accepting Applications for FY18 MainStreet Programs
Economic Development Department, will begin accepting applications to join the NMMS Network as a Frontier Communities Initiative Project, MainStreet Accelerator Program, or Arts & Cultural District.
NMMS will only be adding a limited number of programs based on the current program budget. It is highly recommended that interested communities attend a pre-application webinar to be hosted on Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. for Frontier Communities; 11:30 a.m. for the MainStreet Accelerator Program; and 1 p.m. for Arts & Cultural Districts. The pre-application webinars will include information regarding the application process to NMMS and provide an opportunity for interested communities to ask questions.
“New Mexico MainStreet’s powerful programs leverage asset-based economic development projects to spur revitalization and growth in downtowns across New Mexico,” said Economic Development Secretary Matt Geisel. “I encourage communities to apply and begin growing the possibilities in their local downtown districts.”
Programs:
The NMMS Accelerator Program allows for new communities to be considered in the Main Street America program, through a competitive application process eligible revitalization programs apply to and are reviewed and ranked and may be designated for participation in the New Mexico MainStreet Accelerator process as a pathway to Main Street America designation.
The Frontier Communities Initiative was established by the New Mexico Legislature in 2013 to respond to enhanced needs for assistance from New Mexico’s most rural communities. The initiative provides community economic support to rural communities under 7,500 in population to develop a design-focused catalytic economic development project within a historic or commercial district.
The Arts & Cultural Districts Program was established by the Legislature in 2007 as a comprehensive economic development strategy designed to capitalize on the expanding “creative economy.” The Arts & Cultural Districts Program promotes the exceptional art and history of New Mexico while assisting communities in developing their cultural and artistic resources to create dynamic and economically vibrant districts.
