SENATE MEMORIAL 10

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Gay G. Kernan

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 18, 2015 "NEW MEXICO MAIN STREET DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, in the late 1970s, the national trust for historic preservation created an economic development strategy focusing on commercial district revitalization and encouraging economic development within the context of historical preservation; and

     WHEREAS, in 1984, former Lieutenant Governor Mike Runnels applied to the national trust for historic preservation to establish, license and accredit New Mexico as a state coordinating program in the national main street network; and

     WHEREAS, in 1985, the legislature created and funded the New Mexico mainstreet program in the economic development department to assist local communities with implementing this historical preservation strategy; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico mainstreet program fosters economic development in the state by supporting local main street revitalization organizations and their work in downtowns and adjacent neighborhoods; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico mainstreet program provides resources, education, training and services that preserve and enhance the built environment, local historic culture and heritage and that stimulate the economic vitality of each participating community; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico mainstreet is a consensus-building program that fosters community pride and encourages the growth of small businesses, consequently enhancing local employment and income opportunities, tax revenues, property values and general quality of life; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico mainstreet provides free training sessions on town design, promotion and publicity, organization and economic positioning as well as sponsoring architecture and community planning projects in member communities; and

     WHEREAS, there are twenty-seven local main street projects throughout the state that are affiliates of New Mexico mainstreet; and

     WHEREAS, from January to December 2012, main street districts created one hundred thirty-four net new businesses and six hundred twenty-two net new jobs and generated almost seventeen million dollars ($17,000,000) in private-sector investment; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico main street communities have proven themselves as dynamic revitalization engines in the state;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that thirty years of New Mexico main street economic revitalization projects in traditional town centers, courthouse squares and village plazas be celebrated; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that main street communities of New Mexico be recognized for their excellent community economic development work through the main street development strategy focusing on organization, economic positioning, design and promotion; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the senate declare February 18, 2015 "New Mexico Main Street Day" in the senate and that the economic development department commemorate this day; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the secretary of economic development.

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