A Message from Damien | Founder & Developer, JemezVillage.com
Hi Neighbors,
When I launched the new version of JemezVillage.com this past April, I had a simple vision: to build a digital home for our physical one. I wanted a place where the information was as clear as the morning air in the canyon and where we could rely on each other instead of outside corporations.
Looking back at 2025, I am floored. This isn’t just a website anymore; it has become the digital town square for the entire canyon.
A Major Investment in our Future
I have invested my time and resources into this project because I believe the Jemez deserves its own independent systems. Between the custom coding, integrated software, and man-hours, the estimated value of JemezVillage.com is now $76,000. This is a world-class asset built specifically for our small village, and I am proud to host it for all of us.
The Year of Half a Million Views
I thought I was running a small project, but the data tells a much bigger story. Since we ramped things up in May, the reach of this platform has exploded:
- 26,196 Unique Visitors: We welcomed over 26,000 individual people to the site this year.
- 479,204 Pageviews: Our community content was viewed nearly half a million times.
- Deep Engagement: On average, every visitor explores 18 different pages—they are staying to look at our businesses, our news, and our trails.
- October Peak: Our busiest month saw over 10,600 visitors in just 31 days!
It Takes a Village: Our 2025 Supporters
The total cost to develop, host, and launch the site this year has exceeded $6,000. While I have put in the labor, this platform would not exist without the financial backing and belief of our local partners. I am deeply grateful to:
- The Lodger’s Tax Committee: For the $2,200 grant for the essential software that got us launched.
- Ray at Amanda’s Jemez Mountain Country Store & Andy’s Jemez Mountain Liquors: For their early and steady support, contributing a combined $1,350 over the last 9 months.
- Los Ojos Restaurant & Saloon: For their generous $1,000 contribution to the launch.
- Jemez Valley Wellness Center: For being our most consistent content contributors.
- The Village of Cuba: For their constant support and social media advocacy.
- Talty & NewMexiGirlDesigns.com: For believing in the vision and helping establish JemezVillage.com as the “Home of the Trail Sale.” Talty is quickly becoming our top vendor!
What We Built Together in 2025
I’ve been head-down in the code to provide tools that keep our community independent. These features are live and ready for you:
- News & Event System: A place to post your own updates and gatherings.
- The Social Feed: Share photos, videos, and documents with neighbors in a private, local space.
- Multivendor Ecommerce: A complete marketplace and booking system for local artisans and services.
- Education Hub: A course builder for local training and neighborhood resources.
The 2026 Roadmap
I am already building the next phase of our local economy. This year, look forward to:
- Jemez Jobs: A board for locals to hire locals, with secure bidding and payment handling.
- Jemez Rides: A local-to-local ride-sharing service to help neighbors get to town or around the canyon.
- Rental Service Network: Connecting property owners with local cleaners, grocery services, and transportation for their guests.
- Neighborhood Management: Tools for small HOA and Water Co-op administration.
A Final Request
The “plumbing” for the village is finished, but now I need you to help turn the faucet on.
- Post Your Events: If you have a meeting or a sale, put it on the calendar!
- Claim Your Business Page: With 479k views, this is the best place to be seen.
- Share the News: Use our social feed to keep your neighbors informed.
Thank you for an incredible 2025. I’ll see you in the canyon.
Damien
Founder & Editor, JemezVillage.com
Thank you, Damien, for all of the work you have done here for the Jemez community and TRPOA.
Your welcome! Thank you for your support!
This is such an exciting report. Makes me extremely eager to see what the 2026 report will be. 🙂 Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. I’m so happy you’re seeing the fruits of it.
Thanks Sam. I was blow away when I looked at the stats. I have been busy so far this year with a lot of interest, this should be a good year for the site.
Thank you for all your work!
Thank you for your vision, it’s truly what is needed
Thank you. It is nice to see it coming alive as i spent so many hours in the dark working on it.
I’m so impressed with what you have created so far Damien and look forward to your future plans. The village needed someone like you to implement these ideas!
Rurh
Thank you Ruth! Look forward to the future.