atmosphere, and proximity to outdoor attractions and key transportation routes. “We have a small town, uh, village,” Mayor Felix Gonzales says, highlighting Milan’s intimate scale. Despite its size, Milan boasts a low crime rate and well-maintained parks, making it a safe and pleasant place for residents and tourists. “Recreation is a big thing in the village of Milan,” he adds. From the serene surroundings of Bluewater Lake to the grandeur of Mount Taylor and the Zuni Mountains, nature lovers have much to appreciate just a short drive from town. Milan is also a hub for those traveling on historic Route 66. “We have several businesses that would cater to a tourist,” Mayor Gonzales explains. With clean streets and welcoming local businesses, visitors often find Milan to be a comfortable and convenient place to stop.The village’s location near major highways, including I-40, further enhances its accessibility.As the mayor puts it,“We have very close access to I-40,” a critical factor in drawing traffic and commerce into the area. But Milan isn’t just a pass-through town.The village puts on a number of local events that draw in people from nearby areas. Denise Baca, who handles projects and village duties, lights up when describing these gatherings.“We have an annual pumpkin patch that we hold the weekend before Halloween every year,” she says. The event, which features free pumpkins for the kids, is a highlight of the fall season. It’s a lively, community-centered day that Baca and the village look forward to annually. ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESSES As Milan grows, the village leadership is actively pursuing strategies to attract new businesses and strengthen existing ones. While small in size, Milan is not passive when it comes to economic development. Thanks to proactive efforts and strategic partnerships, the village is positioning itself as a place where businesses can thrive. “We work closely with our economic development, both statewide and locally,” says Village Manager and Finance Director Candi Williams.The village has built strong relationships with representatives from 163 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 MILAN, NM
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