Bernalillo’s new director of economic and community development says she hopes to revitalize the town and its Main Street.
Christina Jones was appointed as the town’s economic development officer in February, succeeding Mike Kloeppel, who served in the position for seven years before becoming the town’s recreation director.
Originally from Albuquerque, Jones has lived in Sandoval County for 18 years. She spent seven years planning events with the Sandoval County Economic Development and Tourism Department and three years working in the Assessor’s Office.
“I’ve seen (Bernalillo) grow and I just love the small-town community feeling,” Jones said. “The town has kind of embraced me, I think they kind of knew I was working with the county and the visitor center and stuff like that.”
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in architectural interior design, with a minor in graphics and photography, from the now-closed Southwest University of Visual Arts in Albuquerque.
As the director of economic and community development, Jones works with local businesses to identify strategies for growth and expansion within the town. She also directs efforts to boost tourism by organizing community events and collaborating with the museum and the library to attract visitors and encourage local involvement.
Celebrating Route 66
One of the major events Jones is currently organizing for the town is a Route 66 centennial project for 2026 called “Cross Culture.” This project is part of a national campaign celebrating the 100th anniversary of the legendary highway, which spans eight states and covers 2,448 miles.
“Cross Culture” will be a seven-day exhibit that will focus on the art and fashion history of America’s Mother Road, showcasing the cultural influences and styles that have defined Route 66 over the years.
Preparations for the Route 66 centennial in two years include cleaning up the highway, which is now Highway 313 or Camino Del Pueblo. Plans also feature an exhibit at the museum, programming at the library, and various events at El Zócalo Event Center.
Part of Jones’ larger vision for the town’s revitalization is to take advantage of the town’s artistic and cultural heritage to drive community engagement and growth.
“I think that bringing Main Street back to the town would help and doing some sort of art and culture district, the town seems to thrive on art and culture in the area,” Jones said. “So I think that bringing that back to the town is my goal.”
Jones also hopes to include youth art projects, such as youth-designed murals throughout the town.
With only three months under her belt in her new role, Jones is already gearing up for a summer packed with exciting events like the annual brew fest and the town’s community yard sale.