New Mexico MainStreet

10/26/2026

An MRA (Metropolitan Redevelopment Area) is a designated zone targeted for rehabilitation, redevelopment and private investment by a municipality to stimulate economic development and community building.

NM MainStreet is collecting information about public-private MRA projects located in MainStreet districts for a new MRA Project Library. You can learn more about MRAs and submit projects for the library on our website: nmmainstreet.org/mra 📍

10/23/2026

As a Neighborhood Champion, you'll energize your community to Shop Small on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28 and throughout the holiday season. Apply ASAP -- applications are open through mid-Nov. or until all spots are filled. 🤩

Don’t miss your chance to be a Small Business Saturday® Neighborhood Champion this year!

Encourage your community to Shop Small® on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season by applying to be a Neighborhood Champion today! All Main Street America members have been pre-qualified to serve as Neighborhood Champions on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited so claim your spot before applications close. All you need to do is fill out a brief Neighborhood Champion application and indicate you were referred by the National Main Street Center (NMSC).

Applications will remain open through mid-November or until spots are filled, so be sure to apply soon! Kits will begin shipping within the next two weeks, so sign up early to get your kit with plenty of time to prepare before the big day.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/3S15KLp

10/22/2026

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has two "Preserve Route 66" grant programs -- applications for both opportunities are due Nov. 12! Grants range from $2,500-$10,000. Funding supports historic places and businesses connected to Route 66 for future generations.

Funding from the National Trust is awarded to nonprofit organizations and public agencies, and the majority of our funding is awarded for planning and education projects through our National Trust Preservation Funds grant program.

10/19/2026

Our Community Economic Development Specialist Camille Vasquez had a great time at the Outdoor New Mexico conference in Ruidoso Midtown Association last week! It was her first time visiting beautiful Ruidoso and she especially loved the search & rescue K-9 workshop.

Kudos to the conference organizers and the NM Outdoor Recreation Division for another fantastic event 👏

10/19/2026

Downtown ABQ MainStreet and Arts & Cultural District announced a leadership transition today: Adrian N. Carver succeeds Shawna Brown as Executive Director following two years of growth in downtown’s creative economy! Kudos to Shawna and congratulations to Adrian -- we're so excited for your district's continued growth and success 👏🩷

“Shawna led this organization through a period of real change and leaves it on a strong foundation,” said Julia Youngs, Downtown ABQ Board President.

“Downtown is where a city shows the world who it is and how we belong in its story,” said Adrian Carver. “Main Street work at its best is small, steady investment in people and places: an artist who gets paid, a business owner who sees new customers walk in, a family that spends a Saturday downtown. I look forward to being a steady and committed partner to the people, businesses, and institutions of Downtown Albuquerque.”

Learn more at dtabqmainstreet.org

10/16/2026

New Mexico MainStreet is proud to invest $4 million of Capital Outlay funding to support four projects in affiliated districts! Downtown ABQ’s Central Crossing Phase II, Belén’s Great Blocks project, Clayton’s Container Park and Nob Hill’s Triangle Park will improve public safety, create community gathering spaces and impact the local economy for years to come 🥳

https://conta.cc/4jl5dlp

Email from Economic Development New Mexico $4M in Capital Outlay funding will transform community spaces in Albuquerque, Belén and Clayton Contact: Jessica Mraz [email protected] (505) 365-3998

10/14/2026

Explore must-see stops along New Mexico's stretch of Route 66 on New Mexico Magazine's interactive website nmmag.us/route66 or download the app at nmmag.us/66challenge. Visit 10 MainStreet districts along the Mother Road to experience the route's history 🤠

10/13/2026

Job Opportunity 📢
Revitalize San Pedro Partnership is looking for an Executive Director to oversee community economic development initiatives! More info can be found at the job description linked on our website. Apply by Oct. 30.

Grants and Opportunities Info Deadline Establishing Community Forests and Protecting Open SpaceDepartment of Agriculture Oct. 13, 2026 Science Discovery on Main Street grant program Oct. 15, 2026 New Mexico Arts FY28 funding cycle Oct. 23, 2026 NM Arts & the Military Nov. 6, 2026 Preserve Route 66 G...

10/09/2026

Thank you to Gallup MainStreet Arts & Cultural District and the City of Gallup, New Mexico Government for hosting our Institute last month and welcoming the MainStreet network to their community! We had a fantastic time learning about placemaking and activating spaces.

Thank you to our event sponsor, New Mexico Magazine, and to Connie Loveland, Lynette Keeth, and Julia and Cam Wilde for providing these event photos.

We hope to see you all again in February at our Conference at La Fonda.

10/08/2026

Tucumcari MainStreet welcomed director John Paget at the Oct. 3 screening of "Route 66: The Main Street of America" at the Historical Odeon Theatre! The film screening and discussion was a great way for locals and tourists to celebrate the iconic highway's Centennial.

TUCUMCARI – Based on the enthusiastic reception at a screening Oct. 3 of the full-length documentary "Route 66: The Main Street of America," the century-old highway has a lot of life left in it. The crowd inside the Odeon Theatre gave the film and its director, John Paget, a long ovation after the...