During a recent city council meeting, Barbara Gomez presented the annual report for Main Street Roswell, highlighting significant achievements and future plans for the district. Gomez expressed gratitude for the support from the city and community partners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in revitalizing the downtown area.

The Main Street District, which spans from 8th Street to Alameda and includes parts of the Railroad District, has seen notable progress in 2023. Gomez announced her certification as a certified executive director, a distinction held by only a few in New Mexico's 33 Main Streets. This certification is crucial for securing funding, as accredited organizations can apply for capital outlay funding through New Mexico Main Street.

Key initiatives discussed included ongoing economic transformation strategies aimed at promoting the Main Street Corridor as a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Gomez detailed efforts to engage the community through events like farmers markets and beautification projects, as well as the creation of a comprehensive database of available properties to attract new businesses.

A significant highlight was the progress on the Chavis County Cultural Plaza, a project initially intended for the city but later adopted by the county. The plaza, located behind the courthouse, is nearing completion, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for July. Additionally, the county secured over $200,000 in funding for design and planning, further enhancing the district's appeal.

Gomez also outlined the implementation of a wayfinding plan, supported by a $100,000 grant from New Mexico Tourism, which aims to improve navigation and accessibility within the district. The plan includes the construction of a gateway on the north side of town, with future plans for additional elements like kiosks and benches.

Looking ahead, Main Street Roswell aims to establish a business accelerator to attract new enterprises, particularly in the food and beverage sector. Gomez reiterated the commitment to ongoing projects, including community beautification efforts and holiday events, all designed to enhance the economic vitality of Roswell's Main Street District.