This Week Alamogordo to Host New Mexico MainStreet Institute: Dudley School and District 5 Shine as Revitalization Leaders Visit

ALAMOGORDO, NM – In a celebration of community revitalization, heritage, and economic innovation, Alamogordo will host the 2025 New Mexico MainStreet Institute from October 15 to 17, 2025 welcoming over 100 leaders from across the state. The three-day event marks the 40th anniversary of the New Mexico MainStreet program and will spotlight Alamogordo’s transformation through historic preservation, business development, and public-private partnerships.

At the center of the institute is the Alamogordo MainStreet Great Blocks Project, (800 and 900 Blocks of New York Avenue) which will serve as a hands-on learning lab for attendees. The project exemplifies how infrastructure upgrades, cultural programming, and small business support can breathe new life into historic districts.

Dudley School: A Symbol of Multicultural Legacy and Renewal

The primary venue for the institute is the Dudley School Community Center, located at 523 Maryland Avenue in the heart of Alamogordo’s historic Chihuahuita neighborhood. Built in 1914 as a school for Hispanic children, the Dudley School has been lovingly restored through volunteer efforts and city support.

Today, it stands as a vibrant community center and a testament to Alamogordo’s commitment to honoring its multicultural roots while adapting historic spaces for modern use.

“The Dudley School is more than a building—it’s a symbol of what happens when a community comes together to preserve its history and invest in its future,” said Mayor Pro Tem Sharon McDonald, who represents District 5, where the institute will be held. “Hosting this statewide event in our district is a proud moment. It allows us to showcase the hard work our residents have put into revitalizing our neighborhoods and enhancing our local economy.”

McDonald has long championed initiatives that align with MainStreet’s mission, including annual clean-up campaigns, park improvements, and support for small businesses. Her leadership has helped transform District 5 into a model of community-driven revitalization.

Workshops and Collaboration

The institute will feature interactive workshops on:

• Placemaking and public space design

• Historic preservation funding and compliance

• Small business support and façade improvement programs

• Cultural programming and event planning

• MainStreet leadership and board development

Participants will tour Alamogordo’s downtown corridor, engage with local entrepreneurs, and learn how the city leveraged state and federal resources to fuel its growth.

 Alamogordo’s Economic Impact

With over 100 attendees staying in local hotels, dining at restaurants, and visiting attractions like the Alameda Park Zoo and Tularosa Basin Museum of History, the event is expected to generate a meaningful economic boost. It also positions Alamogordo as a leader in statewide revitalization efforts.

“This is an opportunity not just to learn, but to celebrate,” McDonald added. “We’re showing New Mexico what’s possible when history, business, and culture unite.”

Registration for the institute is open to the public and available for $35. NMMS Executive Directors are required to attend. For more details or to register, visit the New Mexico MainStreet Institute website.

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