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Council designates Pecos cultural district to support downtown revitalization and tourism
Summary
The council approved a resolution to designate a Pecos cultural district and authorized shared, primarily public–private funding for an application; staff and the Economic Development Corporation will administer the initiative and pursue marketing and grants.
The Pecos City Council approved a resolution to designate a Pecos cultural district, a step city and local partners say will open opportunities for grants, marketing and tourism development downtown.
Jimmy Dethro (presented as PEVC executive director) described the application process and a proposed cost-sharing approach: the application itself costs $10,000 and the expense will be shared among Pecos City, Reeves County and the Economic Development Corporation. Dethro said the cultural district designation is an application (not a direct grant) that “allows you to further the opportunities to go after more dollars,” and that the designation will support downtown renovation, arts programming and coordinated marketing to attract visitors.
The proposed district boundary was described as roughly Ash Street to Hickory and the railroad to Seventh Street; presenters emphasized the concentration of museums, historic sites and cultural institutions in that area. Dethro and other partners discussed an initial marketing video and an ongoing video/photo campaign timed to local events; he said the group has about 15 hours of footage and expects to present a one‑minute highlight reel as part of the application materials.
Council members and stakeholders discussed administration and funding. The Economic Development Corporation agreed to administer the early work and the council indicated it would consider a city hot-tax contribution as part of the summer budget process. Dethro told the council there are private partners willing to contribute; he and the city manager agreed to return later with a proposed budget breakdown for any hot-tax contribution.
Action taken: Councilman Roscoe moved and Councilwoman Trujillo seconded approval of resolution 25-06-08 R to designate the Pecos cultural district; the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: Councilmembers framed the designation as a way to rebrand downtown, make the city more competitive for cultural tourism, and provide a coordinated vehicle for fundraising and marketing. Several council members said downtown revitalization supports quality-of-life goals and long-term economic development.
Next steps: The EDC will help administer the application and the city will return in late July/August with any proposed budget contribution and a plan for public outreach and building-owner engagement.
