“Raton MainStreet’s remarkable revitalization efforts showcase the power of preservation-based economic development,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. ​“With decisive leadership and a community-focused commitment to historic preservation, they have not only honored Raton’s storied past but also built the foundation for a vibrant and resilient community for generations to come.” 

For over 100 years, Raton was a major railroad, mining and ranching hub. But when the last coal mines in the area closed in the early 2000s, Raton suffered a significant loss in jobs and population. Disinvestment in public and private property soon followed, leading to a deterioration of Raton’s historic downtown district.

To address these challenges Raton MainStreet was formed in 1985 as one of the original five communities to enter the New Mexico MainStreet program. After initial struggles with a lack of capacity and financial resources, Raton MainStreet relaunched in 2005, rapidly building momentum after identifying the necessity for forging vital public and private partnerships.

Since then, Raton MainStreet has become a success story in creating and guiding successful collaborative partnerships between local and state agencies and other community stakeholders, helping to plan, pool resources, and build off each other’s expertise and capacity to move their work forward.

“Raton MainStreet’s efforts in our downtown, from business technical assistance to event planning, have completely rearranged the narrative that Raton is dying, in fact, it is thriving,” remarked Patricia Duran, Executive Director at Raton’s Center for Community Innovation.

In 2015, working closely with New Mexico MainStreet and the City of Raton, Raton MainStreet implemented major public improvement projects, including a $2.2 million upgrade of infrastructure and streetscapes, revitalizing three blocks in the downtown district. These preservation-based economic development efforts also resulted in the restoration and rehabilitation of several historic sites, including the El Raton Theatre (ca. 1930), Yucca Hotel (ca. 1929), and Shuler Theater (ca. 1913).

“I could go on and on praising Raton MainStreet for the work, projects, and partnerships they have developed over the years,” remarked Daniel J. Gutierrez, New Mexico MainStreet Director. ​“Suffice it to say I am very proud of their program and grateful for the commitment and partnerships we have developed with their board members, staff, volunteers, and city leaders.”

Raton’s extraordinary efforts have resulted in a renewed and economically resilient community that supports growth and opportunity, while still honoring the main street’s historical and cultural heritage.

During Raton’s coal mining boom, immigrants from Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Serbia, arrived via the railway to work in the booming coal mines, joining Native American and Hispanic residents who already called the region home. By the early 1900s, more than 38 languages were spoken in Raton. Raton MainStreet embraces this identity, ensuring that its board, programs, and planning reflect the community’s rich cultural makeup.

Since 2021, Raton MainStreet has provided over $25,000 in grants to help small businesses improve their storefronts and stay resilient. These grants have prioritized support for women and minority-owned businesses. Raton MainStreet’s annual Gate City Music Festival, features a full day dedicated to music recognizing and honoring Raton’s large Hispanic population.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized as a 2025 GAMSA winner,” said Brenda Ferri, Executive Director at Raton MainStreet. ​“This award is a validation of the dedication of our board members, volunteers, business and property owners, and local and state partners who together have worked tirelessly to revitalize downtown Raton. Through collaboration and the Main Street Approach, we’ve been able to successfully transform Raton into a thriving community, while honoring our rich history.”