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Taos Main Street outlines downtown investments, MRA and stewardship plans
Summary
Taos Main Street reported $353,000 in grants and $247,000 in contract revenue since 2020, described ongoing technical assistance projects, wayfinding sign fabrication and steps to implement an MRA and Destination Stewardship Network with a coordinator hire expected in early 2025.
Charles Whitson, executive director of Taos Main Street, briefed the council on downtown revitalization, funding and program updates at the Nov. 26 meeting.
Whitson said Taos Main Street has secured approximately $353,000 in grants, $247,000 in contract revenue and about $1 million in capital outlay since 2020, with roughly $202,000 cash on hand (about $44,000 unrestricted). He also summarized private investment estimates in the downtown district and a net increase in businesses since 2020.
He reviewed technical assistance and façade projects (Harwood Museum and Somos), wayfinding signs (phase 1 and 2 fabricated and shipped), and a proposed MRA (Metropolitan Redevelopment Area) implementation plan. Staff said service requests submitted to New Mexico Main Street were approved and would include board development, TIF/MRA workshops and property redevelopment assistance.
Whitson described the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) efforts and contract addenda to incorporate county funding for program delivery. The presentation closed with the Destination Stewardship Network update: several action teams are active, and the network hopes to hire a coordinator by late January or early February 2025.
Councilors asked about timelines and next steps to form an MRA board; staff said they would return with a proposed structure, candidate slate and a resolution to establish the board if council wishes to proceed.
