Taos County is inviting residents to help identify and safeguard the places, traditions and lifeways that define the region through a new initiative called the Cultural Treasures Project (CTP).
The project is part of a broader effort by Taos County to guide inclusive planning for the future. Community members are encouraged to submit local “treasures” they wish to see recognized, documented and considered in upcoming development and land-use decisions.
The Cultural Treasures Project maps the people, places and landscapes—both existing and those no longer present—that matter to local communities. By identifying these assets, the project aims to ensure that lawmakers, planners and political leaders understand what residents value most.
County leaders say the project comes at a pivotal time as the region faces increased attention from visitors and developers. Many residents have expressed concern that Taos County could be “loved to death” if growth is managed without local input.
“We cannot steward what we have not identified,” project organizers said in a statement.
Cultural treasures are broadly defined as people, customs, natural sites or events that hold aesthetic, historic or spiritual value. Examples include physical sites like acequias, trails and community centers, as well as intangible assets like language, land-based practices and ceremonies.
Organizers noted that the project is grounded in consent and respect. While the goal is to inform future policy, the county recognizes that some stories or locations are meant to remain private, and residents are encouraged to use their discretion when participating.
The project aligns with the principles of Destination Stewardship, a strategy supported by Taos County to balance tourism with the needs of local residents.
Residents across Taos County are encouraged to participate by sharing their treasures at culturaltreasuresproject.org. To date, three local meetings have been held in Red River, Questa, and Amalia where people were able to join in the conversation and provide their recommendations.
For more information and interviews, please reach out to: Jessica Stern, Taos County Economic Development Director, jessica.stern@taoscountynm.gov or Contessa Trujillo, Fellow, Economic Recovery Corps & Project Manager, Cultural Treasures Project, ctrujillo@economicrecoverycorps.org
