Groundwork Studio is currently working with the Town of Taos and Taos MainStreet on their Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Plan, a community planning process designed to protect what Taoseños love about their community while addressing real economic challenges. The planning process builds from previous planning efforts and engages Taos residents in the identification of catalytic projects and programs that will create a more beautiful, welcoming, and accessible downtown. In 2019, through NM MainStreet Design Technical Assistance, Groundwork Studio assisted the Town in the development of their MRA Designation Report and subsequent Resolution to create the MRA. Our team is evaluating a proposed expansion of the boundary to help ensure the planning process guides future development in key areas of downtown.

The MRA Plan is designed to identify specific redevelopment projects that when implemented will help stimulate business and community building activity. MRA projects can include land acquisition, building rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, demolition, site specific zoning standards, transportation improvements, construction of community facilities, cultural facilities, and housing. Once adopted, the MRA Plan enables the contribution of public resources to private redevelopment projects identified in the plan. These projects are guided by development agreements that ensure projects provide tangible community benefits.