Ranchos de Taos Neighborhood Association
& Traditional Historic Community
A 29-Year Journey: From Statute to Protection (1995-2024)
1995
NM Statute 3-7-1.1 passed—Traditional Historic Community law created. Initially applies only to Santa Fe County.
1995-2000
Santa Fe County declares three THCs: Village of Agua Fria (Sept 1995), Village of Tesuque (May 1998), La Cienega & La Cieneguilla (May 2000).
May 2004
Ranchos de Taos Neighborhood Association incorporates and registers with Taos County Planning Department. Becomes active in land use planning discussions.
Jan 2008
RTNA organizes meeting proposing "El Valle de los Ranchos Council of Neighborhoods" to jointly present issues to County.
May 2008
Rep. Bobby Gonzales proposes legislation to extend THC protection to Taos County neighborhoods.
2013
Town of Taos proposes annexation of Hwy 64 through El Prado. El Prado, Cañon, and Ranchos residents begin discussing THC designation as protection.
July 2013
Commissioner Gabriel Romero discusses assisting Ranchos Valley (La Cordillera, Llano Quemado, Los Córdovas, Ranchos de Taos, Talpa) in obtaining THC designation.
Oct 2013
RTNA meets with Agua Fria Village Council to learn about their THC experience.
2015-2017
Rep. Gonzales brings statute amendments to Legislature twice. Both pass but are pocket-vetoed by Gov. Martinez.
2018-2019
RTNA leads successful appeal of Family Dollar special use permit. County Commission upholds 5-0; District Court affirms.
2019
HB 74/A passes! Rep. Gonzales' bill extends THC statute to all NM counties. Gov. Lujan Grisham signs into law (effective July 1, 2019).
Jan 2019
Commissioner Romero asks RTNA to lead THC designation effort for Ranchos Valley.
Apr 2020
RTNA gathers information from Santa Fe County Planning. Both RTNA and El Prado proceed with THC applications.
Sept 2020
El Prado submits THC application to Taos County Planning.
Nov 2020
El Valle de los Ranchos Water & Sanitation District issues letter of support and endorses use of their boundaries for THC.
Jan 2021
El Prado THC designation approved unanimously by County Commission (Ordinance 2020-5).
Feb 2021
RTNA begins community outreach and petition drive planning.
Apr 2021
Taos News front page: "Ranchos de Taos 'Historic community' designation sought."
June 2021
RTNA granted 501(c)(3) status. Petition drive launched June 18.
Communities included: La Cordillera, Llano Quemado, Los Córdovas, Ranchos de Taos, Talpa
Aug 2021
Petitions submitted to County Clerk.
Sept 2021
County Clerk certifies petition signatures meet 25% registered voter requirement.
Oct 2021
Planning Director requires separate qualification documentation for each of five neighborhoods.
Mar 2022
Planning Director Edward Vigil retires. Position vacant until end of 2022.
Apr 2022
Meeting with County Attorney and Planning staff to resolve boundary description concerns.
Aug 2022
Draft THC application delivered to County Planning for review.
Dec 2022
VICTORY! County Commission approves Ordinance 2022-5 and Resolution 2022-70.
Las Comunidades del Valle de los Ranchos declared a Traditional Historic Community!
Commissioners: Darlene Vigil (Chair), AnJanette Brush (Vice Chair), Candyce O'Donnell
Las Comunidades del Valle de los Ranchos declared a Traditional Historic Community!
Commissioners: Darlene Vigil (Chair), AnJanette Brush (Vice Chair), Candyce O'Donnell
Nov 2023
RTNA & La Merced de Cristobal de la Serna host celebration matanza at Taos County Agricultural Center. 400+ vecinos attend.
Apr 2024
THC protection works! RTNA successfully defends against Town of Taos annexation attempt. Town Council defeats annexation 3-1.