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The village of Ruidoso is slowly regaining its footing after a summer marred by devastating fires and flooding, but many challenges remain. Local businesses saw a significant downturn, with some reporting as much as a 90% drop in sales during the summer months.
The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce acknowledged the toll the disasters took on the local economy. “We lost a few members that just couldn’t make it through the fire season. The ones that closed down, closed down quickly,” said Deborah Douds, a representative of the chamber.
Among the affected businesses is 25th in Mid, a local clothing store. Owner Lori Robertson shared that revenues fell by 50% during the summer, but she remains optimistic about the upcoming winter season.
“We expect people to come back. The floods made them a little fearful. But now that they know everything’s better, with flood mitigation in place and necessary improvements made, I really feel like the holiday season will be great,” Robertson said.
Economic Losses and Hope for Assistance
Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford highlighted the financial impact on the community, estimating that businesses collectively lost millions of dollars.
“To date, we are down a little over $2 million in revenue. That’s about almost 20% of our annual income,” Mayor Crawford said.
Despite the setback, Crawford noted a gradual improvement in retail activity and encouraged visitors to return to the village.
“The businesses are open, and they need your support,” he emphasized.
Recovery Efforts Underway
The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is working to assist local businesses in their recovery. A recovery fund has been established to provide financial relief to affected business owners.
For more information about the recovery fund, visit the chamber’s website or contact them directly.
As the village works toward rebuilding, the resilience of its residents and businesses remains evident. With the holiday season approaching, the community hopes to welcome back visitors and restore a sense of normalcy to this beloved destination.
