Meet DLCP’s Executive Director, Jennifer Garcia Kozlowski and the new things that DLCP has planned for 2023!
Jennifer, tell us about yourself! What is your role within DLCP?
I am from northern New Mexico by way of Albuquerque, where I was a statewide political fundraiser and community organizer for several years. After months of commuting to Las Cruces, for a contract with a local developer, I knew I wanted to make Las Cruces my home, that was 17 years ago. I’ve never looked back! I am also a member of Piro/Manso/Tiwa Indian (PMT) tribe here in Las Cruces.
I was hired as the executive director for DLCP five years ago. This job has pulled together my love for community organizing and working with people. Every day in Downtown Las Cruces is new and different. I love being able to tap into my past experience while growing in my role as and economic developer. This skill set has helped me tackle issues with no easy solutions. My main role with DLCP is to revitalize downtown while helping make it THE place to be!
Before we jump into the new year, let’s reflect a little bit on 2022. What do you feel is DLCP’s greatest accomplishment in 2022?
DLCP and Las Cruces Arts & Cultural District (LCACD) helped bring on 11 new businesses to downtown. But it’s hard to take time and reflect when we are constantly moving forward to revitalize downtown. In 2022 we worked extremely hard to keep up with all of our downtown businesses, that is not an easy feat. We made it a priority to visit and meet with the businesses available. Having these personal relationships with our local merchants is the only way that we can grow and nurture our district. Fostering a strong sense of community is always top of my list of what I am proud of.
I am also proud of the partnerships DLCP/LCACD has created with other economic development organizations and government entities. Pursuing our goals as a team allows us to assist more small business owners.
What were some of the other highlights from 2022?
Zombie Walk was a huge highlight for us here at DLCP/LCACD. After a two-year hiatus the 2022 Zombie Walk was the best ever. We saw over 5000 people come downtown to celebrate. What I love most about Zombie Walk is the fun and sense of community of the event. A plaza is for gathering, and that is exactly what this event does, it brings together family and friends in a fun, safe environment. Additionally, Zombie walk provides an opportunity for our downtown merchants to hang out with regulars and introduce themselves to newcomers to their stores, bars, and restaurants. Events like Zombie Walk are important because they work on two levels: the first is to provide a community experience, and the second is to foster the downtown business climate.
DLCP is launching a workshop series called the Creative Economy seminars. Can you tell us more about this new series?
DLCP and LCACD are looking for ways to help encourage established and emerging businesses in the creative industries. To accomplish this, we are offering a 4-part series of creative economy seminars. We are using the term “seminar” loosely, we are envisioning more of an informative conversation over lunch rather than a lecture in traditional classroom setting. The seminars can be attended as individually or as a series, they will all be on separate topics, so business owners can jump in wherever they feel they need the most help. The seminar series will begin Thursday, February 23 and will continue on the third Thursday of the month through June. These seminars will take place in downtown venues and cost $20 with lunch included. Our February topic is “Professional Writing for Business.” In this session we will look at way to maximize communication on businesses websites and social media platforms. We will also discuss strategies for writing a compelling bio and artist statement. For me, one of the most exciting aspects is being able to offer up to two hours of one-on-one consultation, allowing us to take a deep dive and provide personalized support and assistance.
Speaking of launches, ACD Icons are coming back1 Can you tell us a little bit more about this program? How will this be different than the Artists in Residency program?
Susan Cabello, our Director of the Las Cruces Arts and Cultural District, has worked very hard on cultivating a strong sense of place for our local artists. The ACD Icons (formerly Artist in Residence) is a program designed to highlight local artists, makers, and creators. For this year’s cycle, Susan and the LCACD Coordinating Council have invited artists who live and/or work in the district and exemplify southern New Mexico culture.
Artists come to us in many forms: writers, brewers, chefs, tattoo art, makers, and woodworkers to name a few. By showcasing specific artists, we have had the opportunity to introduce their work, talent, and ideas to a broader audience. The LCACD strives to teach others that creative economy is an ever-changing segment of business that brings together the uniqueness of human intellect with the products of commerce such as design, creation, and production.
What do you feel is the most valuable benefit of being part of DLCP?
I love my job! Being able to help people achieve their dreams is probably my favorite part. We get to work side by side with innovative people and watch their ideas come to fruition. No matter your location, owning a small business is hard, but through our Main Street program we can offer meaningful assistance to businesses owners in our district. As an added benefit these businesses make up a vibrant downtown community where Las Crucens and visitors can enjoy the best of what our city has to offer in a safe, walkable district with a distinct culture and rich heritage.
As we enter a new year, what advice would you give to downtown businesses?
With the growth of downtown Las Cruces we are seeing that there is more of a demand from the workforce. Making sure that you are keeping consistent hours of operation and that you have a social media presence is important. With today’s fast service culture many people want to know what to expect before they get to their destination.
Using 5 adjectives, what can we expect to see from DLCP in 2023?
Motivated, dynamic, thriving, welcoming, and authentic.
If you would like to be a part of DLCP in 2023, click here for information to volunteer or donate. We would love for you to be a part of our vision for downtown Las Cruces
