Inside Track

Getting Started

New Mexico MainStreet member communities focus their efforts on these areas, known as the Four-Point Approach:

  • Organization—establishing consensus and cooperation by building effective relationships among the community’s downtown stakeholders
  • Economic Positioning—strengthening downtown’s existing economic assets and fulfilling its broadest market potential
  • Design—enhancing the unique visual quality of downtown to create an appealing environment
  • Promotion—creating and marketing a positive image based on the unique attributes of the downtown district

How to Become a New Mexico MainStreet Start-Up Community

Beginning in 2009, all communities wishing to pursue MainStreet within New Mexico must apply to participate in the Emerging Communities Program.

The Emerging MainStreet Communities Program helps New Mexico communities explore the Main Street Four-Point Approach™, create a local organization to implement downtown revitalization activities, and implement small-scale downtown revitalization projects.  Communities accepted into the Emerging MainStreet program will receive guidance, advice, and training from New Mexico MainStreet personnel.  No funding is associated with this program.  Communities must fund any and all Emerging MainStreet projects and activities through local fund-raising efforts from public and private sectors. 2009 Application Announcement

How to Receive Services from New Mexico MainStreet

Once a Start-Up Community has been selected, it must complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with New Mexico MainStreet and its parent organization, the New Mexico Economic Development Department. This is a formal agreement outlining mutual expectations, roles, and responsibilities between the local nonprofit organization representing downtown stakeholders, the municipality, and New Mexico MainStreet. MOUs are developed according to the needs of individual communities. To see a sample MOU, click here.

Professional Development

For existing member organizations and individual managers, New Mexico MainStreet is now offering two new accreditations furthering these professionals as well as the communities they serve.

New Mexico MainStreet Manager Certification

This certification is for individuals choosing a career path in MainStreet organization management. The certification is also a prerequisite for organizations seeking New Mexico MainStreet Organization Accreditation. Click here to download the certification standards.

New Mexico MainStreet Organization Accreditation

Offered for the entire affiliate organization, this accreditation is earned through successful completion of the MainStreet Institutes in nonprofit management, fund-raising, and grant-writing, along with the MainStreet Four-Point Approach. All organizations are encouraged to complete accreditation. Upon doing so, special discounts on materials, products, and special services will available. Click here to download the accreditation standards.

Strategies for Taking Care of MainStreet During the Economic Downturn

Working with communities throughout the state, the New Mexico MainStreet Team has identified extensive ways that MainStreet Districts can survive the economic downturn. The key is renewed commitment to maintaining strategic efforts in all four areas of the comprehensive Main Street Four Point Approach™ – Design, Organization, Economic Positioning, and Promotions. In each of the four areas, plus Fundraising, New Mexico MainStreet has compiled a list of 10 practical strategies for working with your downtown during the recession.

Forms for Members

Design and Urban Planning
Organization
Promotions
Economic Positioning