Our Mission · What We Do in Mora
Originally organized as a grass roots group of volunteers, we now have state designation through New Mexico MainStreet as a MainStreet District and Arts and Cultural Compound. The organization has one staff person and a volunteer board of directors. We focus on projects and activities in our district that enrich the entire community.
As part of the New Mexico MainStreet Network, we do work in four different areas called the Four Point Approach. It is important that we complete projects in each of the four areas to continue to revitalize the heart of our community.
Please contact us if you have questions, or are interested in volunteering at an event or to be on one of our committees. Our focus is on doing a few things well, encouraging our community that good things can happen in little steps.
What is New Mexico MainStreet?
A program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, New Mexico MainStreet works throughout the state to help affiliated local organizations create an economically viable business environment while preserving cultural and historic resources. New Mexico MainStreet uses a community asset-based approach to economic development in partnership with local revitalization organizations to rebuild the local downtown economy.
The program’s core objective is downtown revitalization and redevelopment and the mission is to develop local capacity to engage people, rebuild places and revitalize economies resulting in economically thriving downtowns, greater business and employment opportunities and a higher quality of life.
What is the Four Point Approach?
Transformation Strategies are implemented through comprehensive work in four broad areas, known as the Four Points.
ECONOMIC VITALITY focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.
DESIGN supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart.
PROMOTION positions the downtown or commercial district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics.
ORGANIZATION involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district.
What is the Arts & Cultural Compound Designation?
The Arts & Cultural Districts (and Compounds) Program promotes the exceptional art and history of New Mexico while assisting communities in developing their cultural and artistic resources to create dynamic and economically vibrant districts.
The Arts & Cultural Districts (and Compounds) Program is a joint effort of three state agencies and private entities including New Mexico MainStreet, Department of Cultural Affairs divisions: New Mexico Arts and Historic Preservation, Tourism Department, and the McCune Charitable Foundation. The New Mexico Arts Commission is the state authorizer for new Arts & Cultural Districts (and Compounds) while New Mexico MainStreet administers the program.
State-authorized Arts & Cultural Districts (and Compounds) receive incentives such as assistance with developing cultural plans and enhanced historic tax credits for the rehabilitation of historic structures within the district. Each partner offers specialized assistance to the districts.
