Welcoming the world to experience Los Alamos’ unique creativity
Did you know that that one of New Mexico’s six Arts & Culture Districts (ACD) is designated right here within downtown Los Alamos? The designation was made in 2009 and keeping it depends on Los Alamos County adopting a plan to guide the development of the district. The County Council will discuss the proposed plan at their work session on Tuesday, July 26th in White Rock. A decision on County adoption of the plan is anticipated a few weeks later.
What is at stake? The State designation brings with it tax advantages for historic properties within the district, a commitment to develop State resources within the economic development, tourism, cultural affairs, and historic preservation departments to assist the ACD’s, and the ability to use provisions of the State’s Local Economic
Development Act (LEDA) to aid in implementation of the district. In other words,retaining the designation will provide a greater range of tools and resources to be put into play to enhance cultural and downtown vitality.
Los Alamos MainStreet has led the process of applying for the designation, forming a steering committee of stakeholders, and meeting a series of requirements of the State program leading up to developing the plan for the district. A wide variety of organizations have partnered with the initiative including the County itself. A nationally prominent consultant that specializes in cultural planning, the Cultural + Planning Group of San Diego guided the development of the plan under the direction of the steering committee. The consultant was hired using State grant funding obtained by Los Alamos MainStreet. The planning process entailed multiple public meetings and input gathering sessions over the past year and a half. You can read the plan and supporting materials on the web at www.creativenm.org
The plan establishes goals, strategies, and an implementation in six key areas: programming (ongoing activities and events that reflect the cultural identity of the community); branding and marketing; physical development and facilities; economic development; management; and funding. The initial boundary for the district was the subject of considerable discussion. To receive State endorsement of the plan, it was critical to link the boundary to clear strategies for implementing a cultural district.
Without this, the State indicated they would not be willing to accept the plan. The State has fully endorsed the plan that is proceeding for adoption by the County Council. The
plan includes the idea that success within the designated boundaries could lead to enlarging the district at a later date if there were a reason to do so.
Cultural districts are being implemented throughout the country and are a proven method of increasing tourism traffic and revenues, while simultaneously supporting local economic and cultural development. Districts create a stronger argument for coming downtown, by promoting a stronger mix of local businesses, cultural activities, visitor amenities, and successful urban design. Districts enhance the attraction of a walkab downtown area, so they serve residents as well as visitors, and generate greater synergy among the unique elements of a place.
Los Alamos MainStreet is anticipated by the plan as the lead implementing organization and the manager of the district process. Los Alamos County would be the source of funding to begin the implementation process. Longer term funding sources would be a proposed downtown tax increment development district (TIDD) and a proposed elective 1/16 GRT increment. TIDD resources would be used for physical and facilities improvements. The GRT increment would be used for programming, marketing, and support of cultural organizations. The TIDD would require no change to tax rates or impose any additional tax burden on local individual taxpayers. The GRT increment could only be established by a successful general referendum indicating support for the initiative.
Want to know more? You can read the plan and other supporting documents and materials at www.creativenm.org. Contact a member of the steering committee that you know, or Kevin Holsapple, 661-4806, Kevin@losalamos.org for more information