11-19-2025 5:14am

Xtreme Amplitude Withdraws LEDA Application

Chris Edwards Editor

At Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Alamogordo City Commission, Xtreme Amplitude (XA) via public comments withdrew its application for Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funding. The proposal, which had been under review for several weeks, would have provided the youth athletics studio with $475,000 in public assistance to support expansion plans. The commission item was number 10 on the agenda. Once the item was reviewed by the commissioners there was a question on how to proceed as the applicant did not withdraw via the formal process but via public comments and left the building. The city attorney recommended that the mayor state for the record that the applicant withdrew the application via the public comment phase. The mayor did so and the item was tabled putting it to bed with a vote to table of 5 to table Commissioners Guthrie and Burnett abstaining.

The commission meeting can be seen in whole at https://www.youtube.com/live/NUdbriYTjds?si=WLYEHzFGMqzQn2ni

Owner Echo Johnson addressed commissioners and attendees, explaining that the decision was not made lightly. She cited “misinformation and damaging personal attacks” that had circulated during the application process as the primary reasons for withdrawing. Johnson emphasized that while she believed in the vision of expanding XA’s programs, the climate surrounding the request had become untenable.

Background on the Proposal

Xtreme Amplitude, known for its tumbling, gymnastics, cheer, and dance programs, had initially submitted a larger request of $1.9 million under LEDA to acquire and renovate a facility on U.S. Highway 70. City staff recommended a reduced allocation closer to $500,000, sparking debate among commissioners and residents about the feasibility of the project and the appropriate use of public funds.

During earlier commission meetings, Johnson presented ambitious projections, including enrollment of 400–500 students and annual revenues exceeding $1.5 million. Supporters argued the expansion would provide much-needed youth activities and regional draw from Holloman Air Force Base, Tularosa, and Ruidoso. However, concerns were raised about the scale of the request, financial sustainability, and public perception of LEDA priorities.

Commission Reaction

The withdrawal came just before commissioners were scheduled to vote on the $475,000 package. Mayor Susan Payne had previously expressed support for the concept of expanding youth opportunities but voiced reservations about the financial scope of the request. Other commissioners had sought additional information before making a final decision.

With the application withdrawn, the commission avoided what was expected to be a contentious vote. The decision effectively ends XA’s pursuit of LEDA funding at this time, though Johnson did not rule out future efforts to expand the studio through other means.

Community Impact

The debate over XA’s proposal highlighted broader questions about how Alamogordo allocates LEDA funds and balances economic development with community needs. While the withdrawal closes this chapter, the discussion is likely to continue as other applicants seek support under the program.