Echo Johnson, owner of local gymnastics studio Extreme Amplitude, asked the Alamogordo City Commission on Oct. 28 for the remaining Local Economic Development Investment Assistance (LITA) funds — $1.9 million — to purchase and renovate a two‑building site at 1102 U.S. Highway 70 and expand the gym’s programs.

The request would pay for acquisition of the United Moving building (two structures of about 18,000 and 7,000 square feet), initial build‑out and infrastructure so the gym can offer additional gymnastics, cheer, dance, a ninja zone and community programming. City staff recommended a smaller award of $475,000.

Johnson told the commission the larger facility would allow Extreme Amplitude to host competitions, expand daytime programming for military families and add coaching and administrative jobs. “We are requesting the remaining 1,900,000.0 of LITA funds,” she said during her presentation.

More than a dozen current and former athletes, parents and coaches spoke during the public‑comment period in favor of the gym, saying it provides a social and mental‑health resource for children and military families and noting competitive results and community partnerships. Rhiannon Farley, a longtime resident, and multiple parents described the gym as a place that “saved numerous people’s lives” and a stabilizing resource for military children.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant for financial detail. Staff reminded the commission the LITA program is primarily focused on new job creation and that awards are treated as grants that must be repaid or otherwise secured if the job obligations are not met. City attorney and finance staff explained the city’s standard protections: grant agreements tied to job‑creation metrics, lien rights on property and audit oversight.

Commissioners also noted competing uses of the remaining LITA balance. Earlier in the meeting developer Brenner Campbell sought up to $1.5 million in LITA assistance for an off‑base multifamily project to house junior service members; that request prompted separate discussion about housing supply and the limited local LITA balance.

After extended questioning about projected payroll, the number of new full‑time positions the project would create, bank financing options and the ability to secure the award with a lien, a commissioner moved to award the remaining LITA balance ($1.9 million) to Extreme Amplitude. The motion was seconded but then withdrawn. The commission then voted to table item 10 to the next regular meeting to allow the applicant time to pursue additional financing options and for staff to prepare any follow‑up documents the commission requests.

The tabling motion passed; the item will return to the commission for further action. In the meantime, staff advised the applicant to contact lenders and the Small Business Development Center and to prepare more detailed financial statements and a proposed security/collateral structure that would protect the city if conditions are not met.