Commission approves MOU with Downtown Taos and Town for Business Resource and Innovation Center

Taos County commissioners on Feb. 3 approved a memorandum of understanding with Downtown Taos Inc. and the Town of Taos to establish a Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) in the Plaza District.

A presenter from Downtown Taos and Taos Main Street (identified in the record) said the MOU formalizes roles and responsibilities for a one‑stop business support center at 115 Civic Plaza. The Town of Taos has offered an in‑kind contribution of the building and contributed $50,000 toward renovations; Taos County previously contributed $100,000, split evenly ($50,000 for renovations and $50,000 for operational planning) from American Rescue Plan funds, and the MOU includes language that future county contributions are "pending appropriations." The MOU contemplates anchor partners including Taos County Chamber of Commerce, UNM Taos SBDC and a satellite UNM Taos office.

Brian Cribben, project manager for the Town of Taos, spoke during public comment in support of the MOU and called the joint venture a "triple win" for entrepreneurs, the town and the county. Commissioners asked for a breakdown of the county's $100,000 contribution; the presenter clarified the ARPA split and said the $50,000 town contribution was designated for operational support while renovations were funded separately.

Commissioners asked whether the MOU had legal review; the presenter said county counsel participated in retreat sessions and the pending‑appropriations clause was agreed to by counsel. Commissioners also asked how in‑kind staff support would be valued if used in place of cash (presenter: staff time would be valued in dollars when reported). The commission voted to approve the MOU; the motion passed by roll call.