Revitalizing Taos MainStreet: Contract, Workplan, and Economic Development Initiatives

FY22-23 Taos MainStreet Contract and Workplan A Presentation to: Town of Taos Council July 2022

Coordinate and Implement Physical Improvements in the MainStreet District Statement: Improve the physical environment and public infrastructure to create a clean, safe, and appealing environment for locals and visitors. Improve physical assets and create connectivity and walkability between different areas of the district. Revitalization efforts will include public and private properties, buildings, streets, alleyways, and pedestrian areas. ETS #1

Support Local Business Needs and Lead Economic Revitalization in the District. Statement: Facilitate a sustainable, diverse economy that meets the needs of locals and visitors. Encourage a strong, diversified entrepreneurial environment where existing businesses and startups can thrive. Support an appropriate mix of retail, restaurants, entertainment, and housing in the district. ETS #2

Grow our organization through capacity-building. Statement: Develop human and financial resources to strengthen our organization and support our work. Implement systems to create long term sustainability and meet our organization s needs. Market our district s defining assets, activities, events, and businesses. Effectively communicate our organization's strategies, goals, projects, programs, and successes to the community. ETS #3

Key Highlights: Submit no less than four (4) service requests to the New Mexico MainStreet program to connect technical assistance to support the economic revitalization of the district, or to strengthen organizational capacity relating to: Rehabilitation of downtown properties and/or historic buildings. Implementation of placemaking projects or similar design initiatives. Support, develop or enhance local business practices and endeavors, recruit new businesses to the district and to establish hospitality/customer service trainings for district businesses. In collaboration with the Town of Taos, enhance branding, marketing, image development and events that support district revitalization. Developing skills and resources for the overall revitalization of the district or sustainability of the Taos MainStreet Program. Work closely with the Town's elected officials and professional staff, and all organizations, individuals, and entities in order to augment the work of its staff and board to bring projects to completion and meet common goals. Prepare and deliver monthly summary reports to be submitted with invoices and four (4) quarterly presentations to the Town Council or designated departmental staff outlining progress with service delivery, implementation of projects, and reporting of district reinvestment statistics/impact measures. Participate in planning/coordination meetings Town Manager and key Town staff as needed. FY23 Contract: Core Services

Strategy #1: Coordinate and Implement Physical Improvements Key Highlights: Implement at least one annual physical improvement activities and/or installation of amenities that support the Downtown Taos Walkability Initiative. Continue to offer smaller just in time projects in partnership with businesses and funders, i.e. yuletide activities, streetscape improvements, pop-up activities. Coordinate with the TOT to develop/implement public infrastructure or other special projects that align with MainStreet s strategies. Identify a public infrastructure project in the District for joint application for MainStreet Capital Outlay funds. Coordinate with the TOT on the development of the MRA and Downtown Master Plan. Work with at least 2 property owners to explore building rehabilitation or redevelopment efforts. Establish a comprehensive fa ade improvement program. Beginning in 2022, implement at least 1 facade improvement projects on district properties each year. FY23 Contract: Additional Services

Strategy #2: Support Local Business Needs and Lead Economic Revitalization Key Highlights: Convening monthly meetings of the TMS Merchant Advisor group for the purpose of identifying needs and priorities of existing businesses and prioritizing projects and solutions to support business retention and recruitment. Conduct an annual business needs surveys and ongoing outreach activities. Develop an economic vitality program aimed at business retention and recruitment. Compile and disseminate information to district businesses with respect to funding and training resources to help stabilize operations and safely adapt to current climate. Develop construction mitigation strategies in coordination with NMDOT and TOT to mitigate the impacts of the NM 68-64 Roadway Project on local businesses. Implement 1-3 events/activities annually that bring people to district businesses (Small Business Saturday, First Fridays, Dancing in the Plaza.) Explore ways to connect brick and mortar businesses to farmers market, summer concert series, and other events and activities in district FY23 Contract: Additional Services

Strategy #3: Grow our organization through capacity-building Key Highlights: Implement the fundraising plan to meet operational and project needs: Implement communication plan Weekly social media Quarterly newsletter Radio interviews Newspaper op-eds and press releases on programs Presentations to stakeholders, volunteers, and community Clearly communicate our vision, strategies, projects, and programs to the community Develop a marketing plan for the district and district businesses. Continue to build networks and partnerships to support operations and district revitalization projects. FY23 Contract: Additional Services

Thank You director@taosmainstreet.org www.taosmainstreet.org