The New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) has announced over $1 million in grant funding for beautification and litter reduction initiatives for fiscal year 2026. This funding will support a record 71 partners, with approximately 67 percent allocated to reducing waste, beautifying communities, and eliminating litter. The remaining funds will focus on youth empowerment and enhancing local program capacity.
Acting Secretary Lancing Adams commented on the growing participation in the program: "Observing the number of communities participating in this program continue to grow demonstrates there is a real need for cleanup and beautification efforts, and we’re grateful to contribute to those efforts through this program."
In FY26, the program will emphasize partnerships with educational institutions. Six grants totaling $91,969 have been awarded to schools and school systems. Additionally, tribal partners such as Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of Pojoaque, and Pueblo of Santo Domingo will receive a combined total of $43,022.
The Clean and Beautiful Grant Program encourages creativity among recipients while aligning with its mission to end littering, reduce waste, beautify communities, empower youth, and increase program capacity. For instance, Luna County plans to transform old wine barrels into waste receptacles. Meanwhile, the New Mexico Academy for the Media Arts will engage students in creating Route 66-themed murals.
A comprehensive list of grant recipients includes cities like Albuquerque receiving $40,759.50 and smaller towns such as Tularosa receiving $8,000. More information about the Clean and Beautiful Grant Program can be found at www.NewMexico.org/industry.
Information from this article can be found here.
