Alamogordo MainStreets Claudia Loya Receives National Recognition in Philadelphia PA

Delegates of Alamogordo MainStreet are attending the Main Street Now Conference this week in Philadelphia Pa. This event is the largest national conference of local leaders working to advance preservation-based economic opportunity in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts within the United States.

MainStreet National Conference 2025'in Philadelphia PA attended by Alamogordo MainStreet and NM MainStreet delegatesPhoto byNM MainStreet AlamogordoTownNews.org

This one-of-a-kind event provides local leaders with an opportunity to convene and network with peers from across the country, find solutions to common problems, and discover innovative techniques and tools to strengthen the social, civic, and economic fabric of their communities. The leadership of Alamogordo MainStreet has been working hard for almost  decade to see the dream of y revitalization of the New York Avenue business district. As new sewer and water lines are being installed, new sidewalks, road and cityscape are in process the leadership is working on bringing even more fresh ideas to Alamogordo through learning, networking snd sharing ideas for best practices for Alamogordo's future. 

Alamogordo MainStreet leadership in Philadelphia PA learning best practices for Alamogordo MainStreet success.Photo byAlamogordo MainStreet AlamogordoTownNews.org

And as such Alamogordo is garnering national recognition. The New York Avenue business district from 13th and New York to 8th and New York to include the connecting side streets and White Sands Blvd is proud that our very own Alamogordo Mainstreet  Board President and owner of Elite Memories Boutique, Claudia Loya has been named the 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient by Main Street America at the annual national conference.

The Mary Means Leadership Award recognizes exceptional local leaders for their extraordinary vision, determination, and commitment to community-led transformation.  Award recipients are celebrated for their exemplary leadership and their crucial role in shaping the Main Street Movement. Introduced in 2019 and announced annually at the Main Street Now Conference, the Mary Means Leadership Award also recognizes the outstanding and steadfast leadership of Main Street America’s founder, Mary Means.

Nolan Ojeda, Executive Director at Alamogordo MainStreet, nominated Claudia for the award. City and state officials, including Alamogordo Mayor, Susan L. Payne, submitted letters of support, each expounding upon Claudia’s dedication and commitment to her role, and to the Main Street Approach.

Under Claudia’s leadership, Alamogordo MainStreet has secured significant public and private investment, including a $1.9 million initial grant from the New Mexico Economic Development Department to launch MainStreet Makeover plus an additional $1 Million plus in investment.

This transformative initiative is bringing infrastructure improvements to Alamogordo’s downtown, including ADA-compliant sidewalks, street furniture and greenery, and public art installations. Mindful of how this project would affect the community, Claudia developed a business owner construction guide to keep local businesses informed, prepared, and operational throughout construction.

Claudia Loya and Alamogordo MainStreet Executive Director Nolan Ojeda celebrate recognition of Alamogordo MainStreet's effortsPhoto byNM MainStreet AlamogordoTownNews.org

This national honor celebrates Claudia Loya's incredible leadership, vision, and decades-long commitment to revitalizing our historic downtown. From leading the $2.9 million MainStreet Makeover to launching the Alamo Venture Academy and transforming Side Street Art Alley with over 1,600 volunteer hours—Claudia has been a driving force behind the positive changes we’re seeing downtown that are in process. 

She leads with heart, brings people together, and always puts community first. Whether she’s advocating for small businesses, championing accessibility, or mentoring future leaders—Claudia truly embodies the spirit of Alamogordo.

"Alamogordo gave my family a new beginning. This community opened its arms to us, and everything I do is about giving back to the place that made us feel at home," said, Claudia Loya.

Claudia is a steward of Alamogordo’s history, working closely with the local historical society to install placards on downtown buildings, each featuring historical photos and QR codes linking to oral histories and community memories. While her innovative work with the Alamo Venture Academy created opportunities for local entrepreneurs, breathing new economic life into the historic district.

“Her dedication to honoring Alamogordo’s history while integrating modern improvements is reflected in her work to preserve historic architecture and foster interactive community engagement,” remarked Alamogordo City Manager, Stephanie Hernandez.

As partners with Alamogordo MainStreet and business owners within the district, located on the historic New York Avenue, AlamogordoTownNews.org and streaming KALHRadio.org congratulates Claudia Loya on this well-deserved recognition. We also celebrate the whole team of dedicated staff and volunteers in Philadelphia, along with other New Mexico MainStreet members that are engaged in the process of learning and growing. We look forward to you applying lessons learned, from this national conference and sharing the best practices lessons with Alamogordo MainStreet business owners

To Alamogordo MainStreet congratulations and thank you for helping us to build a better and more diverse community center to be proud of. 

New Mexico MainStreet fun and food in PA.

New Mexico MainStreet Delegates in Philadelphia 2025

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