Taos County forges strong partnerships
Whether it’s a collaboration with the federal, state, nonprofit, or community sectors, strong partnerships are vital to the goals of Taos County.
“We’re all working together for the best outcomes,” said County Manager Brent Jaramillo, “and that includes the health of our community, our economy, and our environment.”
Land and environment
A prime example of a much-needed — and successful — partnership is the “Good Neighbor Agreement” which allows the U.S. Forest Service to transfer funds to Taos County for project work on Forest Service lands. That empowers the county to have a seat at the table in determining where and how work happens—by managing funds and setting up contracts to implement projects.
In the summer of 2023 alone, $1.3 million in Forest Service funding was funneled toward fuel reduction, specifically the thinning of forests, on 400 acres of federal land.
“It is critical that we bolster our efforts to reduce the risk of wildfire,” said Deputy County Manager of Operations Jason Silva, citing the catastrophic impacts of the 2022 Calf Canyon–Hermit’s Peak wildfire in neighboring San Miguel and Mora counties—which claimed 341,471 acres while devastating communities, watersheds and acequias.
“Taos County is serving a key role in coordinating tribal, federal, state and local partners in our collective efforts to reduce wildfire risk and protect watersheds,” said Taos County Forest and Watershed Health Program Manager JR Logan. “The Taos County Good Neighbor Agreement with the Carson National Forest is making it possible for land grants and acequias to become active stewards of the forests they rely on. That agreement is also supporting local forestry contractors and exposing more young people to careers in natural resources.”
Community development: Health and wellness
In northern Taos County, a partnership between the County and the Questa School District will allow the area’s senior center to reopen in a new home.
The former center was forced to close its doors more than three years ago due to structural issues in its foundation. “Basically,” said Madrid, “the engineers told us that the building needed to come down.”
The next option—rebuilding from scratch at a new location—would stretch County resources, particularly with the skyrocketing construction costs of recent years.
The solution came in the form of a former school building in Costilla that had been vacant for more than eight years. During that time, the Questa Independent School District was saddled with the upkeep.
“It’s a beautiful building that will serve the needs of the community well,” said Madrid. “And by leasing the building, we alleviate some of the burden on the district while being able to provide services to our seniors again. It’s a win-win opportunity brought about by the foresight of the School Board to partner with the County.”
Services at the Costilla/Amalia Senior Center will include congregate meals on site, along with Meals on Wheels for homebound clients. “We also hope to have exercise classes, bingo, and arts and crafts when we are up and running—provided we can find volunteers to lead these activities,” said Taos County Senior Program Coordinator Dawn Romero. By weaving together local, state, and federal funding partners, the Taos County Senior Program also provides Transportation services, the Foster Grandparent Program, and the Senior Companion Program.
A NEST for the Homeless
Thanks to a new, multifaceted partnership, Taos residents experiencing housing insecurity and/ or homelessness can now find safe refuge at the recently launched Taos NEST (Navigating Emergency Support Together), which provides emergency overnight shelter. Taos NEST is a collaboration between CAV, DreamTree Project, HEART of Taos, Taos Men’s Shelter, Youth Heartline, St. James Church, Taos County, and other service providers.
In 2023, Taos County awarded $250,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act funding to the NEST, with an additional grant from the LOR Foundation. Over the summer, the NEST signed a 25-year lease with Taos County to occupy the former Phil Lovato Senior Citizens Center. In the future, the NEST leadership aims to expand its support services to become a one-stop crisis intervention center.
“Successful programs like these would not have been possible without our strong partnerships,” said Jaramillo. “We’re grateful to our external partners as well as those within our community, and look forward to achieving much more together in the years ahead.”