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Los Ranchos Main Street program gains momentum after $40,000 county seed funding and successful community event
Summary
Trustees and Main Street leaders reported on the Globitos event and business surveys, announced $40,000 in seed funding from Commissioner Barbara Baka, and discussed use of newly approved local ballot revenues (~$480,000/year) for business and community improvements.
Los Ranchos trustees on Nov. 19 heard an update on the village’s Main Street economic-development program and thanked Bernalillo County Commissioner Barbara Baka for a $40,000 discretionary contribution that helped launch the downtown initiative.
Magda Martinez Baka, executive director for the Los Ranchos Main Street program, reviewed the group’s inaugural economic-development meeting, the first Main Street project (Globitos event, done in partnership with the International Balloon Fiesta), and survey results showing strong community and business enthusiasm. “Our vision for the future is a thriving Main Street district that celebrates our community heritage,” Martinez Baka said.
Business leader Brian Maloney (Main Street board president) and Trustee Kefir highlighted business gains at the Globitos event and rising membership on the Main Street board; several trustees pledged village support. Martinez Baka also noted the recent voter-approved ballot measure that the presenters described in the meeting as providing roughly $480,000 annually for local improvements that remain under trustee control.
Trustees said the Main Street effort will continue to focus on business attraction, event programming and a nonprofit conversion to sustain operations and access state/federal programs. Martinez Baka said the group intends to pursue Main Street America affiliation in coming years (accelerator in 2027; affiliate status by 2028) and to create a 501(c)(3) for fundraising and operations.
