Alamogordo NM
6-24-2026 5:18am

Alamogordo Main Street Executive Director Nolan Ojeda Delivers Year-End Update, Announces Fall Transition

Alamogordo, NM — Nolan Ojeda, Executive Director of Alamogordo Main Street, provided the City Commission with an encouraging overview of the organization’s accomplishments over the past fiscal year, highlighting community resilience during major downtown construction and outlining ambitious plans to activate the district moving forward. Ojeda also shared that this would likely be his final presentation in the role, as he plans to transition out this fall after four years of service.

“Good evening, Honorable Mayor McDonald, Mayor Pro Tem, Commissioners, and staff,” Ojeda began, before expressing gratitude for the collective effort that carried downtown through one of its largest economic development projects in recent memory. “Construction is never easy. It creates inconvenience, uncertainty, and frustration. But despite all of that, our businesses managed to stay open, our volunteers kept showing up, and our community continued investing in downtown. I think most people would agree with me that that has been our biggest win.”

Ojeda recognized the volunteer board of directors, a small but dedicated group supporting the organization’s single staff member. He invited them to stand and received applause from the commission for their service.

Facade Improvements and Major Infrastructure Wins

Through the Facade Squad program, Alamogordo Main Street raised $30,000 and leveraged another $30,000 in matching funds, generating roughly $60,000 in improvements across 17 downtown buildings. Projects included paint, signage, awnings, and other exterior enhancements, with significant volunteer support—including from the 54th OSS via the Big Give project.

The Main Street Makeover Project advanced with $2.9 million in New Mexico Main Street capital outlay funding and nearly $2 million in city infrastructure investment. While 32 businesses were directly impacted during construction, the project is now largely complete and positions downtown for long-term growth. Alamogordo hosted the New Mexico Main Street Conference Learning Lab, drawing over 70 professionals from across the state to study the city’s handling of the capital outlay effort.

Strong Event Turnout and Business Momentum

Holiday and community events drew strong crowds. Christmas on Main Street welcomed roughly 6,500 attendees, while the grand opening celebration for the completed makeover brought about 2,500 people downtown. Several business owners reported record revenues, with one noting it as their highest-grossing day in over 40 years of operation.

Small Business Saturday and partnerships with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the City, and the Chamber continued to drive foot traffic. On the economic development front, Main Street assisted several projects, including Paimo Bistro (opening in the historic Avis/Onion Dome building), the restoration of the Sands Theater, Rad Retrocade, and the Oppenheimer project. Ojeda teased three additional businesses in the pipeline, representing millions in private investment.

Impressive Numbers for a Lean Organization

Despite operating with just one staff member and a volunteer board, the organization’s impact was substantial:

• More than 2,000 volunteer hours invested, valued at nearly $60,000.

• Four new businesses opened in the district.

• Nearly $1 million in private investment leveraged.

• Over $5.5 million in public investment completed or underway.

• More than $1 million in grant funding secured.

• Approximately $76,000 in technical assistance and consulting through the New Mexico Main Street Network.

Looking Ahead: Activation and Engagement

With major construction behind them, the focus shifts to activating downtown. Initiatives include launching “Meet Me Downtown” (also referred to as “Que Pasa Downtown”) to boost awareness of businesses, events, and opportunities. The popular Murals and Memories program will expand with approximately 27 historical placards and a self-guided tour platform on the Main Street website. Plans are underway to add QR codes linking to audio stories recorded by local Alamogordians.

Main Street will also pursue an Arts and Cultural District designation from the state for additional funding, tourism, and creative industry opportunities. A new “Friends of Main Street” program will offer residents more ways to get involved. Major events like Downtown Nights (next on July 3 with a street dance kicking off 250th anniversary celebrations of the nation), Small Business Saturday, and Christmas on Main Street will continue as key economic drivers.

A Personal Farewell and Thanks

In a heartfelt conclusion, Ojeda announced his planned departure in the fall. “This will likely be my final presentation to the Commission as Executive Director of Alamogordo Main Street,” he said. A non-native who moved to the area, Ojeda credited the role with helping his family build deep community roots. He thanked his wife Taylor and their sons for their sacrifices, noting the position was often “Married to Main Street.”

Ojeda paid special tribute to the “Tired 20” — the dedicated core of volunteers and partners who consistently step up — and Board President Claudia Loya, whom he described as a partner, advocate, and friend. He also acknowledged improved collaboration with the City Commission and staff, moving from a sometimes rocky relationship to productive partnership.

Quoting a favorite line about planting trees whose shade one may never sit under, Ojeda reflected on the long-term nature of community development. “The opportunities of downtown Alamogordo today are greater than they were four years ago,” he said. “If this community can continue on the collaborative and supportive path… I genuinely believe the next chapter can have an even greater impact than the last.”

Commissioners thanked Ojeda for his service. When asked about a replacement, he noted that applicants are in process and interviews are expected to begin soon.

The presentation underscored Alamogordo Main Street’s vital role in revitalizing downtown as a hub for business, culture, and community pride. Updates on the organization’s transition and upcoming initiatives, including the July 3 Downtown Nights event, will be reported as details emerge.

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