Contact: Jessica Mraz

(505) 365-3998

info@nmmainstreet.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 12, 2026

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

Cabinet Secretary Rob Black

Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero

NM MainStreet Director Daniel J. Gutierrez

EDD empowers communities with free technical assistance

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 economic development projects in rural and urban communities for 12-24 months. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and must produce direct economic development outcomes in the form of business retention/creation, job creation and/or property investment.

“Local governments in New Mexico are working hard to improve the quality of life for their residents and grow their local economy,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “By providing strategic support for their projects, we will energize their efforts, amplifying their positive impact.”

Supported projects include:

  • Historic Old Town Albuquerque: design and promotion support for their wayfinding plan.
  • Hobbs: marketing and promotion support for their Dìa de los Muertos event.
  • Placitas: marketing and promotion support for their Virtual Visitors Center project.
  • Village of Los Ranchos: marketing and promotion support for their Globitos Glow in the Village event and construction mitigation for Phase 2A of the Fourth Street Improvement Project.

“Project-Based Initiatives are a great way for communities to strategically invest in their local economy and show visible proof of the positive impact their work has on businesses and families,” said NMMS Director Daniel J. Gutierrez.

Historic Old Town Albuquerque previously completed a project with New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) in 2024; this will be the first NMMS-supported project for Hobbs, Placitas and Los Ranchos.

NMMS has supported more than 95 communities across the state to build capacity for local economic revitalization, enhance the entrepreneurial and creative economy and create thriving places.

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NM MainStreet logo

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. NM MainStreet supports economically thriving downtowns, greater business 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.

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.
New Mexico Economic Development Department

EDD.NewMexico.gov

66th Anniversary Logo

Saturday, February 28 – Route 66 Centennial 2026 Speakers Series – 11 AM
– Raymond Sanchez Community Center (9800 4th Street NW)
– Jennifer Bohnhoff: The Civil War on Route 66 – The Battle of Glorieta, often called the Gettysburg of the West, might have changed the outcome of the whole war, but it is only one of three Civil War battles that occurred along Route 66. Join Educator and Author Jennifer Bohnhoff as she provides pictures, maps, and stories about the Battles of Glorieta, Albuquerque, and Peralta.
–  List of All Speakers and Locations through November

Feb.event

5th Annual Lighting Up Los Ranchos

Thank you for attending or participating in our 5th Annual Lighting Up Los Ranchos this past Saturday, December 13. Your involvement made the evening a success. Lots of community joy and toys for needy kids. We would greatly appreciate your feedback; please take a few minutes to complete the short survey below.

Thank you for your continued support of our community. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBzWga91k30XuZU53APYHcuxWgTiWXOi-3ng6jRFBXDdxPZA/viewform?usp=header

Sherriff Cars Img 1631 mayor Caroling

Rc balloonToys donatedCars2

 

🌿 Congratulations, Village of Los Ranchos!

We celebrate the community’s decision to vote YES on the LEDA LOGRT ballot measure for the Village of Los Ranchos and its residents. Your decision reflects a shared commitment to preserving our Village’s unique character while investing in a thriving and sustainable future.

This small but meaningful change—just one cent for every four dollars spent—will generate nearly half a million dollars each year to support local businesses, agriculture, and community projects. Most importantly, every dollar will stay right here in Los Ranchos, guided by our Village Trustees and dedicated to improvements that strengthen our local economy and quality of life.

Together, we’re harvesting opportunity and building a vibrant future for generations to come.

Los Ranchos LEDA LOGRT card 6 x 11

The Road to MainStreet for Los Ranchos

Los Ranchos Economic Development/ MainStreet works to promote our village’s unique character and heritage, strengthen partnerships and foster small business growth by preserving our cultural character with Economic Development and inclusive engagement for the community.

Globitos glow

2025 Globitos Glow_surveys

Join Us On This Journey

Announcing the 2025 Board of Directors

Village of Los Ranchos Economic Development Path to MainStreet

We are proud to introduce the newly appointed Board of Directors for the Village of Los Ranchos Economic Development/MainStreet. This dynamic group of local business and community leaders will guide our efforts for a thriving MainStreet district that celebrates community heritage, strengthens local businesses, and inspires future growth. 

💼 Inaugural Board Members:

Brian Maloney, President
Higher Health and Wellness

Jim Shull, Vice President
Hops Brewery

Nic Stafford, Secretary
Sadie’s of New Mexico

Ross Bird, Treasurer
Busy Bee Frozen Custard

Keri Piehl
Color Wheel Toys

Jennifer Kueffer
Los Ranchos Board of Trustees

Jennifer Gonzales, Culture Club Salon

Kim Baird, Vernon’s/ The Butcher

Monique Sierra, Bee Active CBD

Our vision is a thriving MainStreet district that celebrates community heritage, strengthens local businesses, and inspires future growth.

Welcome to the Future Los Ranchos MainStreet!

The Village of Los Ranchos is embarking on an exciting journey to revitalize our downtown—creating a vibrant, thriving destination for residents, businesses, and visitors. Through the New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) program, we’re building an economically strong community while preserving the cultural and historic character that makes Los Ranchos unique.

By working together, we can create a downtown that not only fosters economic growth, but also enhances the quality of life for everyone in our community. Our path to becoming a designated MainStreet community involves several key steps, and we invite you to be a part of this transformative process.

Learn More About This Journey

About New Mexico MainStreet

New Mexico MainStreet, a program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, supports local communities in revitalizing downtowns and adjacent neighborhoods. As a “Main Street America Coordinating Program” designated by the National Main Street Center, NMMS provides training, resources, and technical assistance that foster asset-based economic growth and preserve local heritage.

Using the **Main Street Four-Point Approach®—Organization, Economic Vitality, Promotion, and Design—**NMMS helps communities strengthen businesses, attract investment, create jobs, and enhance quality of life.

Main Street Programs

New Mexico MainStreet Programs Include:

  • Rural Communities Initiative
  • Historic Theaters Initiative
  • Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Initiative
  • New Mexico MainStreet Accelerator Process Designate
  • MainStreet America Affiliate Program
  • MainStreet America Accredited Program

The Path

In 2023, NMMS introduced a new pathway for communities seeking MainStreet designation. The Village of Los Ranchos will begin this process through the Rural Communities Initiative, a project-based program that builds local capacity and identifies priorities for revitalization.

Successful completion of this initiative will lead to the development of a Revitalization Action Plan, followed by eligibility for the NM MainStreet Accelerator Program—a 12–18 month process that prepares communities for official Main Street America Affiliate designation.

This step-by-step approach ensures that Los Ranchos develops the resources, partnerships, and long-term strategies needed for sustained success.

Join Us

By working together, we can transform our village center into a dynamic hub that drives local prosperity while honoring our community’s heritage. Be part of the journey—the future MainStreet of Los Ranchos starts here.

Timeline

2025

Initial Rural Communities Initiative- Project one

2026

Second Rural Communities Initiative & Create Revitalization Action Plan

2027

NM MainStreet Accelerator Program

2028

Become MainStreet America Affiliate Program

2028 and Beyond

Maintain accreditation & grow as a MainStreet

Getting Started

Applying for a Rural Communities Initiative project requires having a non-profit entity that will eventually be the MainStreet organization. The entity follows these steps to apply:

  • 1 Establish a Revitalization team (steering committee/task force)
  • 2 Identify a project
  • 3 Obtain commitments of local partners and acquire funds
  • 4 Prepare/submit the application
  • 5 Engage technical assistance, planning
  • 6 Create implementation teams & execute project

Because the number of projects accepted each year is dependent on legislative funding, a sound approach is asking for GRO funds to EDD/NM MainStreet for a project in Los Ranchos.

Get Involved

The success of the Los Ranchos MainStreet program depends on the active participation and support of our community. Your involvement is key to creating a vibrant, thriving downtown in Los Ranchos. Together, we can make a lasting difference in our community. Fill out the form below to show your interest and get involved.

Your Name*

Your Business Name

Your Phone Number*

Your Email Address*

I Am Interested In… Taking A Founding Leadership Role

Participating in the Effort

This Is Not Really My Thing

Submit

©2024 OEG Consulting & Devore Aragon in cooperation with The Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque - All rights reserved