2026: A Year of Hope, Renewal, and Community-Driven Triumph in Alamogordo and Southern New Mexico

Alamogordo, NM – December 31, 2025 By Chris Edwards, Rene Sepulveda 2nd Life Media Brands

As we turn the page on 2025 and welcome 2026 with open hearts, there’s genuine reason for hope in Alamogordo—a sense that brighter days are ahead, built not just on government action but on the unbreakable spirit of our people, families, businesses, and faith-based and nonprofit communities coming together.

Newly elected Mayor Sharon McDonald, our city’s first leader of color after a resounding victory, steps in with a vision of “making Alamogordo great one block at a time.” Building on the solid foundation laid by outgoing Mayor Susan Payne, this fresh leadership promises transparency and progress.

But the real excitement lies in how everyday residents, local organizations, and private initiatives will drive the momentum forward.

2026 shines with promise across our community:

Downtown Revival and Business Boom: 

The multi-million-dollar MainStreet project is already sparking $7 million in private investment, with new shops, eateries, and gathering spots opening their doors in the coming year. Local entrepreneurs are stepping up, creating jobs and vibrancy without waiting for handouts—proof that free enterprise and community pride fuel real growth.

Neighborhood Engagement and Beautification: 

Expect more block parties, clean-ups, and resident-led improvements as folks reclaim their streets. The expansion of community gardens—thanks to grassroots efforts and support from Community Power New Mexico —will bring fresh produce, green spaces, and stronger neighborly bonds to more areas, fostering self-reliance and healthier living.

Affordability and Rehabilitation Wins: 

With affordable housing costs on everyone’s mind, private and nonprofit partnerships are poised to ramp up home rehabilitation programs, helping fixed-income families and veterans find homes. Initiatives focused on practical affordability, assistance to homeless veterans —without overreaching regulations—will make Alamogordo an even better place to raise a family.

Water Security and Resilience: 

Pipeline construction on the brackish desalination plant advances in 2026, as well as more pipe and infrastructure improvements to include the aging Walker Road Area, Oregon Phase 2 and beyond add to sustainability. But hope springs from conservation successes and community awareness—residents continuing to drop per-capita use while protecting our precious resources for generations.

 Peace, Safety, and Community Spirit: 

From stronger neighborhood engagement to civic-led outreach, we’re building a safer Alamogordo through personal responsibility and mutual support

Events like the Legacy of Liberty Air Show in April and many other festivals and activities will unite us in celebration, while Holloman Air Force Base’s ongoing vitality reminds us of the heroes watching over us.

Organizations like the Sacramento Mountains Foundation, 100% Otero, Otero Arts, the Flickinger Center and other organizations are expected to play a bigger role, backing environmental education, trails, arts and culture and local projects that enhance our quality of life. Combined with booming activity at Holloman—F-16 missions, drone training, and community events—this military-civilian partnership bolsters both security and economy.

2026 isn’t about relying solely on City Hall, state or federal government nor the new Mayor Sharon McDonald to solve all of our collective problems

It is about us— citizens and families taking and teaching personal responsibility and civility, businesses innovating, individuals volunteering and mentoring, and neighbors looking out for one another.

In a world that often feels divided, Alamogordo’s diversity and inclusive community values of faith, freedom, and hard work offer a beacon of hope: 

Peace through strength, prosperity through perseverance, and unity through shared purpose.

Let’s embrace this new year with civility and openness to listen to others, with optimism and action. 

Attend those “Voices of Alamogordo” forums starting January 6th at Otero Arts—your ideas can spark real change, join city commission meetings, volunteer for nonprofits and neighborhood projects. 

Happy New Year, Alamogordo! May 2026 bring abundant blessings, safer streets, thriving neighborhoods, and the joy of community reborn.

Chris Edwards is a lead journalist in the 2nd Life Media Family of Brands. For uplifting local stories, follow us at AlamogordoTownNews.org.

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