By Anita Valdez
With an exodus of over 5,000 people in over twenty years when its mining industry closed, Raton experienced what any other small American town faced: an economic devastation. But alas! What can a small town do to reinvent itself? Welcome entrepreneurs for one thing! So that is what Raton, New Mexico is doing.
Over the last two years, and despite the pandemic struggle, over a dozen new small businesses have opened. From a prosperous Italian leather shop to custom tents and homemade donuts, entrepreneurs from within the town's mountainous boundaries or across state lines, have migrated or returned to the cozy, little town bringing their visions and talents.
While vacant, commercial buildings may seem an eye sore to some, those entrepreneurs with a sparkle in their eye see only opportunities... and they are taking advantage!
Residential property projects are plentiful, too. Local realtors can hardly keep up with the uptick in residential sales. And why not? Raton's awesome outdoor recreation is just minutes from anyone's front door by car, bike or foot. Not much concern about finding something to do here when one is not hiking, fishing, or celebrating.
Whatever project that does not become a business likely morphs into a social or civic project accomplished by the joining of community hands. A dog park looks for a welcomed upgrade and new businesses are announced with pride during crowded ribbon-cuttings from the Raton Ambassadors, a five-year-old nonprofit organization.
Event and local promotions are handled professionally by the expertise of the local nonprofits like Center for Community Innovation and Explore Raton.
Further, local businesses are pampered with exclusive bi-annual networking events hosted by Colfax County's certified economic development organization, GrowRaton. Fun-fabulous annual events such as Raton's Balloon Rally and Fourth of July celebration are designed with fun for all by Raton Mainstreet.
Raton's youth enjoy fun and creativity in safe places at Zia Youth and Craftsman Ministries Teen Center. Let it be known that the town supports its strong high school booster club! This is only the tip of the iceberg of family-friendly and youth-enjoyed activities available.
With Raton boasting low property taxes, a business friendly environment, and oodles of opportunities, things have certainly been making a turning around. Having a blank slate to work from in a town that can use, well, everything, the exodus is now from the cities to the quaint, slower lifestyles of yesteryear.
If a visit to Raton isn't on your schedule, you may be missing out on a grand opportunity!
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