Office of Economic Development announces new downtown coordinator, grants deadline and upcoming events

The Quality of Life Committee received multiple economic development updates on Sept. 17, including that the Canyon Road Summer Walks and the Native Business Program will be honored at the governor's economic development conference next week, and that the city has hired a new downtown business coordinator to support Guadalupe Street businesses.

"We have 2 initiatives, being honored at the governor's economic development conference next week. This is the Canyon Road summer walks and our native business program," a staff member in the Office of Economic Development told the committee. The staff member also said the SCORE Women's Conference is tomorrow and that the mayor is speaking.

Staff announced the occupancy tax advisory board grant application window closes Sept. 18 and said application information is available on the tourism portion of the city website. The committee was told there will be a Guadalupe Street merchants meetup on Sept. 19 and a community event at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center on Sept. 20 where the Santa Fe Hispanic Chamber will present its 40 Under 40 awards; staff noted Lizzie Portillo from the Office of Economic Development will be honored.

Staff also flagged the International Half Marathon this Sunday (the city is a sponsor) and an art show, Queer Magnetism, that opened last Thursday with a crowd of more than 400 and will remain open to the public through Nov. 1.

These items were presented as informational; no formal committee action or funding decisions were taken during the update.