Public and Private Investment at a 5 Year High in Alamogordo Led by the New York Avenue Business Corridor (Alamogordo MainStreet)

The Alamogordo MainStreet Makeover in Alamogordo, City Commission District of Sharon McDonald is one of the most ambitious revitalization efforts the city has undertaken in decades. It began as a $1.9 million infrastructure and streetscape transformation project focused on the 800 and 900 blocks of New York Avenue, backed by New Mexico MainStreet’s Great Blocks program and local capital outlay and grew. 

The Alamogordo MainStreet Makeover project officially broke ground on October 14, 2024, and will conclude the end of October 2025 with a planned ribbon cutting. The project started with sewer and water line replacements on the 900 block of New York Avenue under contract with General Hydronics Utilities who's portion was completed ontime and on budget, the project continues in final phases with new sidewalks, road and landscapping being constructed.

The project began as a merchant-led initative much earlier—around late 2022 to early 2023—as local business owners, MainStreet leaders, and city officials began laying the groundwork for grant applications, design input, and community engagement. Steps to the projects completion...

Visioning & Advocacy in 2022 Merchants and Alamogordo MainStreet in partnership began lobbying local political leaders, state leaders and the state bureaucracy for Great Blocks funding and infrastructure upgrades. 

Next steps were the design & grant coordination phase which included public hearings and strategic work with the city and state for input on sidewalk layout, lighting, ADA compliance, and streetscape features; coordination with New Mexico MainStreet as the lead facilitator and grantor. 

Then business impact planning began in mid to late 2023. Merchants prepared for construction disruption, adjusted storefront access, and coordinated marketing campaigns and set back funds to whether the storm of declining revenues and customer traffic during the construction phase.

Pre-Construction Mobilization with final design approvals, contractor selection, and merchant readiness (e.g., signage, alternate parking maps) etc.

Construction and rehabilitation began with brealing ground on October 14, 2024. In coordination with the work being done by the hired contractors for the project. Investment and rehabilitation began by the merchants inside buildings and outside. Outside many buildings are getting new paint and facades and more. Major anchor buildings like the Avis Building at the corner of New York and 10th Street is getting a complete rehab and makeover with several million dollars of private investment in that building alone.

Private Investment is at the largest level in the MainStreet district than any time since it was founded 126 years ago. This investment shows a commitment by local business leaders into the vision of a sustainable downtown. The MainStreet District is not limited to the 800 and 900 Blocks of New York Avenue but runs from the 800 Block to the 1200 Block. The 1200 Block businesses are bringing new awareness to their presence in the neighborhood with the launch of a marketing website Block12.org Below is a list of estimated private investment as compiled from research from private filings and available public data. The investment quotes are estimates but show a huge increase in private investment in 2025 verses prior years.

Two years ago—around mid-2023—private investment on New York Avenue was notably lower, both in volume and visibility. The transformation we’re seeing now is the result of a sharp upward curve in investment momentum, catalyzed by public infrastructure commitments and a maturing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This private investment was spurred by the vision of the Alamogordo MainStreet merchants and business partners in conjunction with being championed as a priority for the city of Alamogordo by Mayor Susan Payne and Almogordo City Commission District 5 and Mayor Pro Tem, Sharon McDonald. Each championed the vision, participated in public forums and garnered the support to earn the trust of the state to fund a majority of the projects public cost.

This ~$3.5M public investment has catalyzed over $6.2M in private investment, creating a public-private leverage ratio of roughly 1:1.77—a strong signal of confidence in Alamogordo’s downtown revitalization strategy.

The benefits of the Alamogordo MainStreet Makeover translate into community growth in layered, measurable, and deeply human ways. It’s not just about beautifying a few blocks—it’s about catalyzing a civic and economic transformation.

This downtown transformation may prove to be the most important project for Alamogordo in decades to leverage its business community, history and arts into a reimagined place of pride.

The benefits of this specific project expand beyond New York Avenue...

Economic Revitalization Directly 

The 32+ businesses upgrading and investing during construction means stronger local commerce and job retention. New infrastructure attracts entrepreneurs and investors, expanding the tax base and diversifying the economy. The LEDA grants inject capital into small business ecosystems and help to foster new opportunities towards small business development.

Civic Engagement & Pride

Projects like the Side Street Art mural initiative, led by local students and local artists, foster ownership and identity to the downtown heart of the city. Public events (e.g., Christmas on Main Street) become safer and more vibrant, boosting participation and volunteerism and the regions image and economics.

Social Cohesion

Stories like construction crews bonding with shop owners such as calling Victoria's founder, Ms. Alice, “Abuelita”—reflect a deeper community fabric being woven and a connection that carries forward as legends. Beautification and accessibility improvements make downtown inclusive for all ages and abilities, a place for all people.

Cultural and Educational Growth

Grants like the Science Discovery Grant recently awarded to Alamogordo MainStreet aim to map and elevate Alamogordo’s scientific and educational assets. Public art and storytelling (e.g., Pioneer Women and Buffalo Soldier murals) celebrate local heritage and inspire future generations.

Long Term Resillence

Infrastructure upgrades (water, sewer, ADA compliance) future-proof downtown for climate, growth, and safety. A more walkable, event-ready downtown becomes a magnet for tourism and civic programming which helps in business development and to demonstrate a strong tie to the community at large. A trickle down economic impact and benefit.

The long-term repercussions of New Mexico MainStreet Makeover projects across the state have been overwhelmingly positive—especially in rural towns like Alamogordo based on the successes of city's such as; Silver City, Las Vegas, and Artesia. These projects go far beyond beautification; they reshape local economies, civic identity, and community resilience. Over 11,400 net new jobs created statewide since the program’s inception. More than 3,200 businesses started or relocated to MainStreet districts. Private sector investment has exceeded $500 million, often outpacing public dollars by a ratio of 44:1. Renovated buildings in MainStreet districts consistently show higher assessed values. Increased foot traffic and business activity generate millions in local tax revenue annually and towns like Las Vegas, NM saw a 20–30% rise in downtown property values within 5 years of their makeover.

The potential success of Alamogordo’s MainStreet Makeover and associated economic investment looks highly promising—especially when viewed through the lens of peer town outcomes, local planning frameworks, and statewide revitalization metrics, and support from local political leaders like outgoing Mayor, Susan Payne and seated Mayor Pro Tem, Sharon McDonald.

Alamogordo’s MainStreet Makeover isn’t just a facelift—it’s a strategic, multi-layered investment in economic resilience, cultural identity, and civic vitality. With strong alignment to state programs, local planning and partnership, and national best practices, the odds of long-term success are high.

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