uni Pueblo Mainstreet Plan

Original Zuni Dancer Image by: Joseph Zummo

CRP. 470-570 Indigenous Town Design Studio

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GREAT SEAL OF THE ZUNI TRIBE

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Zuni Pueblo MainStreetBoard

Zuni Tourism/MainStreet Program

Zuni Tribal Government

Tom R. Kennedy, Director Loren Thomas, PresidentMario Hooee, VP

Dale Dedrick, Sec/TreasRueben Ghahate

Todd WestikaLynelle PablitoTony Eriacho

Governor Arlen Quetawki, Sr.Lt. Gov. Steve K. Boone

Councilman Loren L. Leekela, Sr.Councilman Gerald Hooee, Sr.

Councilman Mark MartinezCouncilwoman Birdena Sanchez

Zuni Tourism/MainStreet Program • PO Box 339 • Zuni, NM 87327(505) 782-7239

New Mexico MainStreet Program

Rich Williams, Director

Credits

iii

Charles JoslinStephanie Kean

Daniel MichelErin Montoya

Lucas PedrazaPriscila Poliana

Jose RivasMaida Rubin

Jeremy SeatonJessica Sebring

Dr. Ted JojolaMoises GonzalesRic Richardson

Noah BerkeSteven BishopErin Chavez

Gabriela de la TorreJulie Dickey

Mathew DraperRachel Erickson

James FotyLeonard Gilmore

Josh Johnson

StudentsStudents Professors

Indigenous Design + Planning Institute

December 2014[final version is pending Zuni Tribal Council approval]

Director: Dr. Ted Jojola Project Specialist: Amanda Montoya

Graphic Editor: Grace Vicuna

Student Assistants: Gabriela de la Torre James Foty SFIS Leadership Institute Summer Intern: Nikki Tsabetsaye

CreditsCredits

Part I

Part II

Part IV

Part V

Part III

Part VI

References

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Cultural ContextContextContext MapHistorical Background Traditional Village Morphology Post Traditional Village MorphologyTimelineZuni culture Place & Religion Zuni Calendar Language Sacred Landscape Traditional Farming

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Socio-Economic FactorsPresent Day ChallengesCommunity InputBusiness ClimateDemographics Social and Economic ConditionsHealth

Physical FeaturesThe Zuni WatershedAgricultureLand UseHighway 53 / Zuni MainStreet Surface Drainage

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IntroductionZuni Pueblo MainStreetIndigenous Design and Planning Institute

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Design SolutionsCommunity Overlay DistrictsStreet DesignArchitecture and ArtWayfindingLandscapingSupporting Community SpaceExamples Tribal Administration Building and Post Office New Pop-Up Vendors Site Old Hawikuh Trading Post

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54TrailsTrail Systems Hokdi Dasha (Mountain Lion) Exercise Circuit Donashi (Badger) Interpretative Trail Loop Yuna(Wolf) Pathway

StrategiesCatalyzing Sustainable Economic DevelopmentK’ok’shi (it is good)

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ReferencesBibliography

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Table Of Contents

Part IIntroduction

1

Table Of Contents

2

Zuni Pueblo MainStreet

In July of 2012, Zuni Pueblo became the first Native American community to be designated a MainStreet Community in the United States. The project is centered on State Highway 53, a State Scenic Byway, which runs through the heart of the Pueblo. As the only indigenous community to receive a MainStreet designation, the project has garnered increased recognition by state, federal, and tribal governments.

Zuni Pueblo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in North America. The Pueblo itself has been inhabited since at least the year 1300,

although Zunis and their ancestors have lived in the larger region for millennia. It was one of the first places contacted by outsiders during the 1540 Spanish expeditions into the region.

The Pueblo has evolved traditionally along Indigenous practices and is not a typical western grid city. Zuni’s Main Street features a mixture of public, commercial and residential places. It does not have a commercial district

or a downtown. Instead, MainStreet skirts and separates the traditional Halona:Itiwana (Middle Place), from the rest of the

modern Pueblo. The traditional village of Halona is a culturally vibrant area that is utilized year-round for cultural and ceremonial events that follow a ceremonial cycle. These events sometimes require closing the area to outsiders.

This is an exciting time for Zuni. It finds itself poised to benefit from MainStreet resources and expertise. Success in Zuni could lead to the implementation of new strategies to stimulate positive development along its street corridor.

By engaging with community members, the project is able to encourage a variety of developmental strategies for Zuni MainStreet that incorporate the beauty, identity, and cultural assets of the Pueblo.

The main goals that inform these concepts are:

• Celebrate Community Identity

• Create Physical Improvements and Enhance Connectivity

• Catalyze Sustainable Economic Development

Project Team

3

Zuni Pueblo MainStreet

4

Indigenous Design and Planning Institute (iD+Pi)

On July 5, 2013, the Zuni Pueblo MainStreet program incorporated itself as a non--profit 501(c)3. Beginning in August 2013, the Indigenous Design and Planning Institute was awarded a contract by the NM MainStreet Program to conduct analysis and make design recommendations needed to guide planning and economic development along Zuni Pueblo’s main highway. It used the funding to support graduates students in the Advanced Planning Studio (CRP 521), Masters of Community and Regional Planning (CRP) program.

During the Fall 2013 semester, over the span of 16 weeks, twenty graduate students under the supervision of three faculty members, used a variety of techniques to inform the findings and develop recommendations for this plan. Students were initially organized by the formal concentrations in

CRP: Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Community Development. Midway through the semester, these groups were reorganized into planning

teams that focused on specific recommendations and strategies.

Students traveled to the village several times during the course of the studio. The students made formal and informal presentations to Zuni residents and stakeholders. Feedback were solicited from MainStreet practitioners, other CRP faculty, Zuni MainStreet committee members, tribal officials and residents. During the semester, the students conducted historical, economic and demographic research as well as used geospatial mapping to better understand the conditions of Zuni Pueblo. They had the benefit of making informal and formal presentations at UNM and Zuni Pueblo. The sessions were rounded out with invited guest speakers and Skype sessions with the Zuni Visitor and Arts Center Director. A final studio presentation before the Zuni Tribal Council and Governor was made on November 25, 2013.

The studio document was finalized during the Spring and Summer of 2014 by the iD+Pi staff in collaboration with its partners. More visits to Zuni were made and iD+Pi staff made additional presentations and printed and provided additional display boards for local presentations. The final report was revised to incorporate relevant comments and information generated by the Pueblo of Zuni MainStreet Program. Additional resources to support this effort were provided by the Santa Fe Indian School Leadership Institute, who provided a student summer internship, and the SURDNA Foundation whose funding provided administrative and logistical support for iD+Pi.

Project Team

5

Part IICultural context

6

The Zuni Indian Reservation lies within the Colorado Plateau in the mesa country of western New Mexico. Elevations range from 6,030 feet near the Arizona border to 7,700 feet on the eastern mesas. The Continental Divide is nearby and borders Zuni Pueblo on the east side. The village and its environs are situated along the Zuni River Valley in McKinley County. It is about 37 miles south of Gallup, 75 miles southwest of the City of Grants and 153 miles west of the City of Albuquerque. Other nearby communities include Black Rock (4 miles,) Ramah (22 miles), Vanderwagen (19 miles), Fence Lake (42 miles), Pinehill (43 miles), and the small farming villages of Pescado, Nutria and Ojo Caliente.

New Mexico State Highway 53 bisects the Pueblo, which in addition to being Zuni’s MainStreet, is also part of the Trail of the Ancients Scenic

Byway. Highway 53 is eighty-six miles in length. It becomes State Road 61 at the New Mexico/Arizona border and State Highway 122 at the juncture of Interstate 25 at the City of Grants. The Scenic Byway invites tourists to explore the area’s legendary landscape and attractions including the El Morro National Monument, El Malpais National Monument, the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, and the Bandera Ice caves.

Once inside the Zuni MainStreet proper, there are several local attractions including the Zuni Visitor & Arts Center, the historic Halona village and Mission, and several retail and jewelry trading store businesses. At the only 4-way stop on Highway 53, is Pia Mesa Road. This roadway leads to the only other retail and tourist establishments that include the Inn at Halona, Halona Market, and the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center.

Panoramic View looking east toward the 4-way stop

Context

New Mexico Zuni Reservation Zuni Mainstreet

AlbuquerqueGrants

Gallup

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Halona

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Context Map

1881 1915 1948 1972 100 m

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Traditional Village Morphology

Over the last century and a half, the village of Zuni has grown along the alluvial valley floor of the Zuni River to encompass an area of just over 8.5 square miles. In 1881, the historic Halona Pueblo was comprised of seven large, irregular housing blocks massed alongside four plazas. At this time, the Pueblo population was estimated at 2,000 residents (Ferguson and Mills, 1987). This configuration allowed for high density, but few large open areas within the Pueblo. Along the Zuni River were open fields used for grazing and agriculture.

Halona is designed and planned according to Indigenous practices and principles. The Pueblo is oriented toward the four cardinal directions and was designed to fit harmoniously with the surrounding environment (Ferguson and Mills, 1987). Originally, its south facing room blocks were

designed with multiple terraces and openings to take full advantage of the sun’s passive solar heat. Similarly, west facing rooms were designed

with few openings to protect against the prevailing westward winds. Its room blocks were several stories high and the terraced roofs were used as

walkways and as work areas for processing goods.

In 1904, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) constructed the Black Rock Dam. The BIA then designed a platted complex where government offices, an Indian boarding school and employee housing were built. This new development of Black Rock was four miles east and upstream of the traditional Pueblo. The new development dramatically changed the Pueblo by introducing it to outside ways of life. The dam altered the course of the Zuni River by channelling irrigation away from the village and into adjacent open fields.

Around 1910, single-storied buildings began replacing the multi-storied terraces. Diagrams of Halona at the end of the 19th century and into the 20th centuries below show that the room blocks were eventually broken up and reconstructed into smaller clusters. This dispersion has led to lower density development and a gradual disintegration of the tightly constructed, multi-story room blocks inside the Pueblo of Halona. It is possible that this change is the result of modernization around infrastructure needs and automotive traffic.

Historical Background

1952 1970 1970 1991 20131 mile

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To Blackrock

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Post Traditional Village Morphology

In 1935, the Black Rock development was incorporated as a sub-agency for both the BIA and the Indian Health Service (Dodge, 2007). Soon after that, State Highway 53 became a paved road that linked Zuni to the rest of New Mexico and Arizona.

In 1949, the reservation area was enlarged by the Zuni North and South purchase areas (The Pueblo of Zuni, 1999). By 1976, the population of the Pueblo had grown to 5,155 residents, an increase of 3,662 people over 100 years (Ferguson, 1996). The impetus behind this increase was the passage of the 1975 Indian Self Determination Act. This Act allowed the tribal government to contract its own local services. Overnight, new buildings and facilities were constructed. New jobs in administration and tribal services attracted members living off the reservation to return back to the community (Ferguson, et. al., 1988).

The rapid increase in population and new construction resulted in dispersed settlement patterns along Highway 53. Mixed development such as housing, small arts oriented businesses, retail establishments, and public buildings occurred over time. In addition, the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal program introduced the community to detached, single-family

housing. Such housing was either clustered in a suburban fashion or built within family assigned lots. As demand outstripped the HUD program, trailer houses were moved onto family plots as well. Highway 53 has created a linear corridor that is gradually urbanizing the areas between the Pueblo of Halona and Black Rock.

The diagrams below show an outward pattern of growth that is neither a grid nor radial. Instead, development is along secondary roadways that were once wagon and foot trails. Historically these led to surrounding agricultural fields. As wage economy replaced farming, many of these lands have been converted to housing or other mixed uses.

Although growth seemingly appears to be characterized by runaway development, there are major constraints on land use. Sacred buildings, pathways and sites exist throughout the area. Although the easements along Highway 53 provides public egress, the secular tribal government and the traditional religious leadership work hand-in-hand to resolve and mitigate conflicts over public and private usage of land in the community.

Historical Background

The A:shiwi stop at Hanlibinkya where the clans

are named and the Ahayuda (twin gods) are created.

Ma'lokkyattsik'I (Zuni Salt Mother) flees to Zuni Salt Lake, piercing a hole through the Mesa (Pierced Rock) and dropping one of her feathers on the way there.

The three groups reunite at Halona:Itiwana, the Middle

Place. Here, the A:shiwi meet K’yan’asdebi, the water spider, who helps them find the exact center (Itiwana) by spreading

his 6 legs in the 6 cardinal directions. His heart marks the

center of the world.

The A:shiwi journey in search of the Middle Place, stopping at spots along the way and forming small villages. They stop at Sunha:k’yabachu Yalanna (The San Francisco Peaks), the valley of Kyawanahononnai (Red River), and Kumancha A’l’akkwe’a (The Little Colorado River).

The A:shiwi emerge from the Fourth Underworld, Chimik’yana’kya deya (The Beginning Place) and begin seeking “the spot in the middle of all the heavens of the universe, a spot destined to be their home.”

Halona is inundated in a great flood and the A:shiwi seek shelter on the top of Dowa Yalanne. The water serpent, Ko’loowisi, rests his head on Dowa Yalanne, taking a huge chunk out of the mesa. A son and daughter are offered as sacrifice to end the flood, and after the flood waters recede, are forever turned into towering pillars of stone.

At the Little Colorado River, the A:shiwi are given a choice between a beautiful egg with blue spots or a plain egg. Out of the beautiful egg hatches a black raven, while out of the plain egg hatches a beautiful parrot. Those who chose the plain egg journey south, never to return. The rest continue their search for the Middle Place, splitting into three groups.

Migration

Splitting

of Groups

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The M

iddle Place The Great Flood

Zuni Salt M

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After the Spanish reconquest, Zunis

reconsolidate their villages into the area of Halona:wa

Catholic mission established at Hawikku.

Francisco Vasquez Coronado leads a large military expedition into the region. A major battle occurred between the Zunis and the Spaniards. Zunis flee atop a fortification at Dowa Yalanne.

First Contact with the Spanish. Estevan, a black Moor, reaches Zuni and he was killed. His party fled back to Mexico, telling exaggerated stories of the "Seven Cities of Cibola."

The Pueblo Revolt. The Zunis kill one of the friars in their villages and burn the mission at Halona:wa. Over the next twelve years the tribe lives on top of Dowa Yalanne defending itself from the Spanish army.

1539

1540 1680

1629 1693-1700

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Timeline

First Portion of Zuni Reservation Established.

Representatives from Zuni travel to meet with the U.S. Territorial government. They are promised protection.

More than two hundred Zuni men serve in the

armed forces in World War II. On returning to

the Pueblo, they cause a large change in the

tribal economy.

Black Rock Dam is completed. A new system of irrigation

canals is installed and farming

practices begin to expand.

A federal court determines that 14,835,892 acres of land were taken from Zuni without payment. An out of court settlement provided Zuni with $25 million for their lost aboriginal territory.

Zunis expand their irrigated agriculture

to the villages of Nutria, Pescado and

Ojo Caliente.

Zunis begin using silver in their jewelry. The importance of the artisan economy expands as the Zunis become widely known as jewelry makers and blacksmiths.

Black Rock Indian Boarding School is

opened.Multistorey pueblo

architecture declines.

Zuni Constitution is adopted.

Zuni Pueblo designated as a MainStreet district.

The Christian Reform Church founds a

mission at Zuni. In 1898 the first school is

opened.

An Act of Congress provides

for the return of the Zuni Salt Lake to the Zuni Tribe.

Electricity made available.

Zuni Post Office opens.

Major Zuni streets named.

Zunis n the battle to save Zuni Salt Lake from a proposed coal mining project.

The first automobile is brought onto the

reservation. Settlement patterns begin to

change, extending away from the Middle Village.

Jewelry and other crafts grow in importance until they account for 65% of

the total cash income of the Pueblo in 1945.

Restoration of old Zuni mission started.

Zuni craftsmen’s cooperative founded.

Mutual help housing started.

Zuni HeadStart building opened.

Tribal Sales tax Instituted.

Highway cutoff to Gallup paved.

First Tribal community plan adopted.

Paving of village streets begun.

Zuni River re-channeled.

Zuni Pueblo State created School

district.

State Highway 53 repaving begun.

Pueblo of Zuni Arts and Crafts Founded.

Administration for Native Americans (ANA) funds the establishment of a tribal museum.

1850

c,1870

1913 1950 1967 1970 1975 1977 1979 1984 1990 20121925-1945

1872 1897

1877 1907 1918 1966 1969 1971 1976 19801978 20031941-1945

1987-1990

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Timeline

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Place

As numerous visitors have discovered, Zuni Pueblo has a rich culture that is rooted in its Pueblo identity. Zuni people have been part of a living landscape that is reflected in the built environment and in the natural environment. The community is attuned to its culture and the seasonal cycles. Zuni’s endurance of place is remarkable. Despite changes to its natural environment and challenges brought about by outside influences Zuni Pueblo has retained a remarkable sense of cultural resiliency.

It is important for the community to celebrate and invigorate its cultural sense of place. Its culture should be presented along Highway 53 in a manner that gives cohesion and coherence to the landscape.

Religion

Religious ceremonial life is central to the Zuni culture. Ceremonies and dances follow a seasonal cycle that is closely tied to the seasonal solstices and equinoxes (Bassmen, 1996). These include closed and outdoor ceremonies in the Pueblo of Halona, such as those practiced during Shalako. These ceremonies pay homage to ancestors and deities. Many of the dances and ceremonies are associated with specific Kiva houses and clanships. Other activities include religious pilgrimages to sacred sites, where seasonal prayers and offerings are made.

These religious events occur regularly in and around the traditional Pueblo. For example, at the 4-way stop on Highway 53, a ceremonial pathway exists that connects a Kiva house to the traditional plaza. During dances, the intersection poses a challenge for the ceremonial procession.

During certain periods in the year, the Pueblo of Halona is closed to outsiders. Ceremonies and dances that occur in the traditional plaza cannot be photographed or recorded. For the most part, staff at the Zuni Visitor and Arts Center advise tourists about these restrictions. On the other hand, due to the seasonal nature of the ceremonial calendar, the Center cannot indicate in advance when cultural events will occur.

This complexity is captured in the depiction of the Zuni Calendar. This calendar documents events that occurred during the year 2013. In accordance to the Zuni traditional worldview, the calendar is read in a counterclockwise fashion.

Zuni Culture

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YATOKIA TECHI Summer Solstic

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Zuni Calendar

Deshkwi

Winter Rain Dances

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Shalako

Traditional Events

Festivals

Zuni Cultural Arts Expo

Zuni/ McKinley County Fair

Christmas Parade

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Zuni Culture

NorthSouth

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Nadir

Direction KivaDirectionalMeaning Animal Color

North Hehe:wa Barren regions Mountain lion (long tail)South

YellowBadger (black masked face)Chuba:wa The beautiful Red

East Ohe:wa Day (hang tail)Wolf WhiteWest Muhe:wa The waters Bear (Clumsy foot) Blue

Ubana:waZenith High Eagle Hues of the skyNadir Hekk’yaba:wa Low Black (darkness)Mole

* Water Spider Image by: T.J. Ferguson and E. Richard Hart

14

Language

The Zuni language is a true language isolate. It has no discernible relationship to other languages in the region. The language embodies a unique worldview that has multiple meanings and associations that are attached to spatial relationships and migrations that have occurred over millennia.

Each cardinal direction has a sacred direction associated with clans, totems, and the colors of corn. Their meaning shapes the spatial relationships of buildings, sacred spaces and landscape alignments. As seen in the diagram,

the traditional plaza of Halona is located below the heart of the water spider. According to oral tradition, the water spider assisted the Zuni people in finding the “middle place.” With outstreached legs, it spreads its reach toward the six cardinal directions.

As Zuni has become more modernized, the spatial relationships described by their worldview have become less evident. That is not to say that these relationships are no longer important, but new patterns of growth beyond Pueblo of Halona have emerged. Government buildings, schools, businesses, and new housing clusters have created new activity nodes.

Zuni Culture

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Sacred Landscape

The landscape surrounding Zuni Pueblo is sacred to the people who live there. This connection can be seen in the innumerable landmarks surrounding the Pueblo. The most prominent of these is Dowa Yalanne, a mesa formation that rises to the southeast of Halona. This enormous bluff can be seen from most places within the Pueblo. Other examples of sacred places are Pierced Rock and Feather Rock. The massive sandstone rock formations, called the Gates of Zuni, depict ancient stories about the culture. There are also innumerable shrines along the river. At the Black Rock Dam, for example, is a sacred spring, Makyah K’yanna:wa.

The Trail of the Ancients Byway connects these and other important historic places along its route. At the junction of Highway 53 and Interstate 40, the El Malpais National Monument preserves an ethereal volcanic outcropping. Bisecting this area is the Zuni-Acoma Masai trail that linked ancient Zunian

settlements such as Hawikuh (12 miles outside of Zuni Pueblo) and Atsinna (on the top of El Morro National Monument). Although tourists may associate these places as historic, it is important to understand that Zuni people still revere these sites as sacred places.

For the Pueblo community, new development must not infringe on these sites, either by impeding access, or by over-commercialization. The same factors may apply to places alongside the Zuni MainStreet. The highway connects many of these sites, many of which are unmarked. These sites are part of a sacred geography that will require extra consideration and diligence in the planning and economic development processes.

Zuni Culture

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Traditional Farming

Zunis have farmed the Zuni River Valley for at least 3,000 years, making Zuni Pueblo agricultural lands some of the oldest continuously farmed areas in the northern hemisphere. The alluvial washes provided them with verdant farmlands. These extended from Halona outward, toward natural washes where smaller farming villages such as Ojo Caliente, Pescado, Nutria and Tekapo were settled.

Traditionally, the Zunis relied on the runoff, which took floodwater along ephemeral streams and arroyos. The water was diverted and collected

in swales constructed from brush piles and other natural impediments. This system of water management yielded important crops such as corn, squash, beans and other vegetables. Many of these

were cultivated to match the local soils and its temperate seasons. These heirloom varieties became native to the Zuni region. Until recent times, farmers relied on “waffle gardens” to grow vegetables next to their homes and alongside the banks of the Zuni river.

The 1904 Black Rock Dam disrupted the natural flow of the riparian system by the construction of irrigation systems that diverted water away from the village and into the hinterlands (Dodge, 2007). The new fields that were farmed introduced monocrops such as alfalfa. New federal policies impacted the livelihood of the reservation by introducing cattle for beef production. Eighty-eight individual grazing allotments were eventually designated to support such efforts.

Zuni Culture

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Part IIIPhysical Features

N

Dowa Yalanne

TraditionalFarmland

ZUNI

Zuni Pass

Black Rock Reservoir

Pierced Rock Feather Rock

Eustace Lake

To Gallup

To Ramah

HIGHWAY 53Zuni River

Black Rock

To Arizona

RoadStream

Oak Wash

DOWA YALANNE

BLACK ROCKRESERVIOR

BLACK ROCK

ZUNI PASS

ZUNI

Legend

Town Boundaries

River

Vegetation Gain

Vegetation Loss

N

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Watershed—Historically, the Zuni River carried most of the water resources used by the Pueblo. It sustained their farming tradition and was integral to the ceremonial practices (Dodge, 2007). Today, the river remains an important part of the Zuni people’s spiritual practices.

The Zuni River watershed drains about 840,155 acres (1,313 square miles) as it flows from its headwaters in the Zuni Mountains to the Little Colorado River

in eastern Arizona. Around Zuni Pueblo, the river becomes intermittent and is interrupted by a number of reservoirs. The Zuni River typically dries up in June before the summer rains restore its flow in July and August. Since 2000, however, the river dries up by May and remains dry until December. Periodic flooding occurs after strong rainstorms. These aberrant patterns make the Zuni River an unreliable source for sustainable farming.

The Zuni Watershed

DOWA YALANNE

BLACK ROCKRESERVIOR

BLACK ROCK

ZUNI PASS

ZUNI

Legend

Town Boundaries

River

Vegetation Gain

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Agriculture—Zuni Pueblo reached its peak agricultural period between 1850 and 1870 when almost 10,000 acres of farmland was put into production. Since then, most of the historic farmland around Zuni has been slowly taken out of production.

Irrigation water that had been stored at the Black Rock dam decreased in volume over time due to siltation. Moreover, many of the irrigated lands became unsuited for agriculture because of the lack of soil replenishment.

Over the course of the 20th century, three interrelated processes have contributed to a significant desertification of the Pueblo’s lands. The construction of reservoirs, the down-cutting of arroyo channels, and the affects of global warming have changed the natural landscape. Coupled with the increase of the wage-economy after WWII, the number of people engaged in agriculture has steadily declined. As a consequence, many of the farmlands adjacent to the Pueblo lay fallow or have been turned into homesites.

A changing Landscape

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Zuni Public SchoolHeadquarters

Tribal AdministrationBuilding

Giant (Mustang) Gas Station

Twin ButtesHigh School

A:shiwi A:wan Museum

Zuni ChristianReformed Mission

Grocery

“Bus Stop”

Halona Inn B&B

Lemon TreeLaundry & Ice

Creme

Zuni Visitor &Arts Center

Zuni ExpressGas Station

PostOffice

ZuniMission

FoodStand

TraditionalPlaza

SocietyHouse

Pueblo TradingPost

Turquoise VillageTrading Post

HawakuTrading Post

All TribesTrading Post

PuebloTraders

All TribeJewelery

1st FinancialBank

ZuniArts Guild

Zuni MiddleSchool

Movie TheatreVideo Rental

Old High School Site

Halona Plaza

Chu Chu’sPizza

Zuni Arts& Crafts

Malco GasStation

VeteransWall

Rt. 53Cafe

Highway 53

Highway 53

Pincio

n St

Pia

Me

sa R

d

Old Gallu

p Rd

Lesarlley Rd

Sunshine St

Zuni River

Zuni RiverN

Legend

Mainstreet Boundary

Roads

Residential Buildings

Public Buildings

CommercialBuildings

VacantBuildings

4-way Stop

Points ofinterest

Street Vendor areas

20

Highway 53 currently serves as the primary corridor for the Pueblo. The tribal government office building, post office, various tribal services and schools ac-count for the majority of local traffic. The historic village, trading stores and Zuni Visitor and Arts Center attract the tourist traffic. But overall, there are few establishments that would compel thoroughfare traffic to stop.

Several of the main businesses, the Halona Grocery and Inn, as well as the A:shiwi A:wan museum are located on Pia Mesa, off of the MainStreet, and are hidden away from outside visitors. Even the historic village of Halona is

unmarked.

The overall condition of the MainStreet does not communicate a sense of vibrancy to outsiders. The roadway is replete with differing historic and contemporary styles. Traditional sandstone buildings coexist along-

side trailers, modern stucco and wood frame buildings.

Residential—Private residences are interspersed throughout the corridor. Housing density is highest toward the historic Pueblo. Because there are

neither uniform architectural nor land use standards, it is dif-ficult to distinguish the different neighborhoods alongside the

MainStreet.

Businesses—Abandoned buildings and vacant lots dot the stretch of Highway 53. Malco Gas Station where a small convenience store was located has now closed. This lot is now a brownfield site.

There are less than a half-dozen wholesale and retail Zuni arts establishments along the MainStreet. Most of these proprietors are not from the community. Due to the lack of a vibrant retail market, many local artists choose to travel outside to sell their items at local fairs or at surrounding cities like Gallup. Be-cause the vast majority of artisans work out of their homes, buyers also tend to buy directly from them for resale.

In addition, artists and food vendors regularly set up tables along the roadside in vacant lots. In some cases, outside buyers also park their vehicles alongside to wait for itinerant artisans.

Orientation—Signage to differentiate public from private buildings are practi-cally non-existent. The business and public signs that exist are in various states of disrepair. Many of these signs cannot be easily spotted or noticed by tour-ists travelling along the highway.

Transportation—At one time, there was a commercial Z-Transportation bus stop at the Giant (Mustang) gas station that provided service to Gallup and Ramah. It has been replaced by the Gallup Express. Today, individuals with no other means of transportation regularly hitchhike by catching rides at the “Bus Stop.”

Land Use

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6315

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6300

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6295

6305

Halona

Wellness Center

ZuniCoop

Zuni Public SchoolHeadquarters

Tribal AdministrationBuilding

Giant (Mustang) Gas Station

Twin ButtesHigh School

A:shiwi A:wan Museum

Zuni ChristianReformed Mission

Grocery

“Bus Stop”

Halona Inn B&B

Lemon TreeLaundry & Ice

Creme

Zuni Visitor &Arts Center

Zuni ExpressGas Station

PostOffice

ZuniMission

FoodStand

TraditionalPlaza

SocietyHouse

Pueblo TradingPost

Turquoise VillageTrading Post

HawakuTrading Post

All TribesTrading Post

PuebloTraders

All TribeJewelery

1st FinancialBank

ZuniArts Guild

Zuni MiddleSchool

Movie TheatreVideo Rental

Old High School Site

Halona Plaza

Chu Chu’sPizza

Zuni Arts& Crafts

Malco GasStation

VeteransWall

Rt. 53Cafe

Highway 53

Highway 53

Pincio

n StPi

a M

esa

Rd

Old Gallu

p Rd

Lesarlley Rd

Sunshine St

Zuni River

Zuni RiverN

Legend

Mainstreet Boundary

Roads

Residential Buildings

Public Buildings

CommercialBuildings

VacantBuildings

4-way Stop

Points ofinterest

Street Vendor areas

21

Land Use

Highway 53 / Zuni MainStreet

22

State Highway 53 is a 45 foot wide, two-lane highway with a middle lane that is used as a crossover. There is no divider and the traffic flows in opposite di-rections. Although it is designated as the Trail of the Ancients scenic byway, oddly enough it has no local street name. Locals simply refer to it as “the 53.”

Traffic Accidents—Highway 53 functions as the primary street for local ac-cess to the Pueblo. Local traffic competes with cross-state traffic and tourists. Aside from automobiles and trucks, tour busses, delivery vans, school busses and semi trucks ply this route. According to NMDOT crash data, 23 traffic acci-

dents occurred within the study area between 2002 and 2011. The highest reported number occurred outside the Tribal Offices and in front of the Mustang gas station, with 8 and 5 crashes respectively.

Physical Features—Highway 53 is separated by a 12 foot median. This allows vehicles to turn and crossover anywhere along the way. The

shoulders along the roadway range from 4 to 9 feet on either side. High-way 53 has a high number of legal and illegal curb cuts along the road-

way. It is often unclear where some of these cuts lead to. The sidewalks are approximately 5 feet wide and pedestrians are hampered by over 50 curb cuts within a 1.25 mile stretch.

The highway curbs and sidewalks are in disrepair with many cracks and uneven surfaces. There are no benches or landscap-ing features along the sidewalks. Bicyclists use the sidewalk be-cause there is no designated bike lane. One of the most dis-tracting aspect of the highway is a State Highway Department

right-of-way fence. The wire fence is in disrepair and serves no useful purpose. It gives the highway a disheveled look. Because of its

condition, this fence no longer deters people and animals from cross-ing into the highway. Drivers face the challenge of dogs and animals alongside the road.

Business and Visitor Parking—Infrastructure to accommodate visitor or tour-ist parking is extremely limited. There are no paid-parking lots and there is no street parking for visitors. Visitation is further hampered by the lack of signage and wayfinding elements to orient them towards public parking. And, unlike major towns, there are no address numbers painted along the curbsides to indicate where buildings are located.

Traffic Control—There are no traffic signals at major intersections. There is only one 4-way stop along the entire breadth of the MainStreet. The posted speed limit is 35 MPH and it has no indication of crosswalks, raised dividers or school zones to slow down oncoming traffic. This unimpeded road allows travelers to be inattentive as they pass quickly through Zuni.

Like many towns, traffic on Highway 53 peaks during various times in the day. Traffic has a tendency to slow down and back up during the standard morn-ing and evening rush periods. Because there are no designated bus stops along MainStreet, traffic flow also becomes impeded when busses stop to let children off.

Pedestrians can cross at any point along the highway, as long as oncoming traffic permits. Cross walkers face the daunting problem of waiting in the me-dian for the opposite traffic to clear. At night, pedestrians must use extra cau-tion. Tall cobra streetlights are meant to aid drivers, even though many of the lights are currently burned out.

Ceremony—One unique characteristic of Zuni that affects traffic are the cer-emonies. During ceremonial events, spectators gather around the feeder roads and cause even more congestion alongside the open areas next to traditional Pueblo of Halona. The overflow spills onto the smaller streets. At cer-tain times of the year, dancers cross the highway at the 4-way stop or along Pia Mesa road. Tribal police close or redirect traffic during these events.

6290

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6295

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6285

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6295

6305

Halona

Wellness Center

Zuni Public SchoolHeadquarters

Tribal AdministrationBuilding

Gas Station

Twin ButtesHigh School

A:shiwi A:wan Museum

Zuni ChristianReformed Mission

GroceryHalona Inn B&B

Zuni Visitor &Arts Center

PostOffice

ZuniMission

TraditionalPlaza

Pueblo TradingPost

Turquoise VillageTrading Post

Zuni MiddleSchool

Old High School Site

Halona Plaza

4-way Stop

Highway 53

Pincio

n St

Pia

Me

sa R

d

Old Gallu

p Rd

Lesarlley Rd

Sunshine St

Zuni River

Zuni RiverN

Legend

Mainstreet Boundary

Roads

Buildings

Zuni River

Crash Site

Total Crashes 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Highway 53 / Zuni MainStreet

23

6290

6285

6295

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6315

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6300

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6295

6305

Highway 53

Highway 53

Pincio

n St

Pia

Me

sa R

dOld G

allup Rd

Oak Wash

Lesarlley Rd

Sunshine St

Zuni River

Zuni RiverN

Legend

Mainstreet Boundary

Roads

Buildings

Zuni River

Main Channel

Channeldrainage points

Flood Plain

Ridgelines

Surface Drainage

24

During a heavy rainstorm in August of 2013, there was extensive flooding in the Pueblo, especially along Highway 53. Oak Wash has overflowed its banks at the Pueblo, flooding a number of homes and requiring residents to place sandbags around buildings to avoid further damage. At the peak of the rainstorm, the water flow was so intense that the storm sewer along the highway backed up and overflowed, clogging both the drains and the flow of the traffic.

Oak Wash, in years past, had diverted water to be used as run-off irrigation for farm fields. Zuni farmers dealt with flood events by diverting runoff to open fields. With the incursion of new development, this practice is no longer done. Today, the arroyo has been transformed into a roadway, thus exacerbating the runoff problem.

Stormwater in the upper reach drains directly onto Highway 53. Runoff for the lower reach drains into the river. Storm drain infrastructure alongside Highway 53 is proving inadequate during peak flows.

25

Part IVSocio-Economic

Factors

Present Day Challenges

26

The Zuni MainStreet project is based on the national MainStreet Four Point Ap-proach. As seen in the accompanying diagram, these points (Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Positioning) embrace eleven strategies for MainStreet revitalization. The process results in the identification and imple-mentation of shorter-term, incremental plans that, in turn, build the foundation for a vibrant community.

The Pueblo of Zuni is a federally recognized tribe. The Zuni MainStreet project is located on an Indian reservation and, as such, faces unique social, eco-

nomic and political challenges that are not present in mainstream Ameri-can towns. The success of a MainStreet initiative will hinge on how the Zuni MainStreet program will align its goals to those of the tribal govern-ment. In almost all situations, tribal government is the final authority in

all matters pertaining to land-use and economic development.

Tribal Lands—Reservation lands are held in trust by the federal govern-ment. In turn, tribal governments exercise sovereign authority over its lands

and tribal members. At the same time, authority over non-trib-al members is limited.

Tribal land assignments do not carry private titles. Under this system, land that is in tribal trust cannot be used as collateral. This

prevents individuals from mortgaging their land to gain capital or credit towards improvements or investment. The lack of capital has impeded infrastructure and building improvements along the Zuni MainStreet.

In other instances, land improvements are weighed against the pro-tection of traditional sites and activities. Because the lands, especially around the historic Pueblo, have been occupied for millennia, extra provisions are required to protect its archeological patrimony.

The biggest challenge facing Zuni MainStreet are the lack of provisions need-ed to control or enforce improvement practices along the highway. The tribal government does not have uniform policies to regulate the use of land and buildings thereon. Rather, land-use and buildings along the highway have developed rather organically.

Economic Development—Economic development is an essential component of Indian self-determination. Historically, federal and tribal government poli-cies have impeded the development of private enterprises and businesses. This situation is now being revised in a manner that affords “Investors, entrepre-neurs, and other business actors rules for their activities, rules that permit them to achieve their legitimate goals at the least expense” (Grover & Jojola, 2007).

In recent decades, tribes like Zuni have made efforts to prioritize economic development as a way to alleviate poverty, social distress, unemployment, and substandard housing. At the same time, the lack of capital and limited oversight over a mix of native and non-native enterprises along the Zuni Main-Street have hampered its progress. In particular, it is unclear how the tribal government regulates the business activities of non-tribal individuals and their enterprises

Currently, Zuni does not have an economic or legal infrastructure that pro-motes local businesses, investors, and entrepreneurship. This is exacerbated by the lack of business literacy and expertise to assist local entrepreneurs.

A Vision—Given the size of Zuni’s population and its economic potential, its community is poised to create a place with more commercial and retail op-portunity. The Zuni MainStreet program must find the ways and means to organize and promote local enterprises through redesign and economic po-sitioning.

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Old Gallu

p Rd

Lesarlley Rd

Sunshine St

Zuni River

Zuni River

Halona

Tribal Government Headquarters

Gas Station

A:shiwi A:wan Museum

Zuni ChristianReformed Mission

GroceryHalona Inn B&B

Zuni Visitor &Arts Center

PostOffice

ZuniMission

TraditionalPlaza

Pueblo TradingPost

Turquoise VillageTrading Post

Old High School Site

Halona Plaza

N

Organization

• Build partnerships & consensus• Build Capacity & Educate

Promotion

• Exploit self-promotion & event-planning• Create branding & improve street signs• Create venue & promotion for events

Design

• Improve street design & safety• Define/delineate spaces• Historic preservation

EconomicPositioning

• Build on culture of selling • Create spaces to sell foods/goods• Consolidate/connect businesses

Present Day Challenges

27

Community Input

28

Strategies and recommendations in this plan were guided by community in-put. There were studio presentations which were conducted at UNM that were attended by members of the Zuni Pueblo MainStreet program. Student teams also visited the Pueblo and met with representatives during various times throughout the semester. Class presentations were done during the Zuni Pueblo Ancient Way Fall Festival on October 5, 2013 and at a final community meeting with the Zuni Governor and Tribal Council on November 25, 2013. Representatives from Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments and the New Mexico Department of Transportation attended the final community

meeting. The event garnered a front page article published by the Gallup Independent, “Designing for Zuni a Delicate Balance” (Nov. 30, 2013).

Participatory Methods—During the Ancient Way Fall Festival, students conducted a series of participatory activities designed to engage local

interest and collect information.

The first activity displayed a pin-up board with the statement, “Along this road, I wish we had…” Community members were asked to

write their ideas or comments on index cards and post them to the board. Participants had the opportunity to affix red or

blue sticky dots onto expressions that were already posted. Red dots represented a negative opinion while blue dots showed

support. These ideas were used to generate a cluster diagram that were represented by 4 major nodes (Landscape, Roads & Trails, New Stores, and New Events).

A second activity consisted of a participatory mapping exercise. An aerial map and a 3D model were used to orient community members to the area. They were given color-coded dots to designate where they lived, shopped, worked, and went to have fun. Anecdotal comments were recorded to assist the class in determining the context of their physical relationship to the village. These findings are represented in the Zuni Activity Centers diagram.

The third activity provided community members the opportunity to draw and design their own places along MainStreet. Tracing paper was provided and participants drew simple sketches to illustrate places along MainStreet that they felt were important or were missing. Their illustrations conveyed important positive and negative insights about their quality of life.

Findings—Highway 53 is primarily seen as a road used for commuting between residencies, schools, tribal offices and services. All other travel is to surround-ing towns. There is little or no amenity that compels people to shop and recre-ate along MainStreet. With the exception of Halona Market, a gas station and a few food stands, there are no places to spend leisure time and money.

Overall, four recurring themes emerged. Community members want to see:• A more attractive and landscaped MainStreet;• A safer highway with major street improvements;• Public areas for holding indoor and outdoor community events; and• New businesses that provide retail and entertainment venues.

Landscape

Rem

ove

we

ed

s

Knock down old buildingsNo flashy picture signs

Decorate tops of

sandstone walls

Native p

lants

Reus

e v

ac

ant

bui

ldin

gs

Roads & Trails

Kee

p 4

-wa

y fo

r re

ligio

us

ac

tiviti

es

Ca

ution lights a

t 4-wa

y

Working street lights

Speed bumps bumps

Paved side roadsBette

r dra

inage

Scho

ol z

ones

New Events

Zuni

Tra

nsit

sta

tions

New

Tribal

Workspace

Create outdoor & indoor

performance Areas

Places to market Zuni community events

New Stores

Laundromat

Dollar Store, Walmart

Coffee shop

Drive

in th

eate

r

Rest

aura

nts W

iFi Store

Playground

Bowling alley

New Parks

Attractive billboards for stores

Improve steps by Veteran’s

wall

Connect village with

bike & walking trails

Sandstone benches &

historic info signs on walking trails

Convenience markets

Landscape

New EventsNew Stores

Live Shop Work Fun Live/Work

Zuni Pueblo Activity Centers

OJO LAKE

DOWAYALANNE

ALBUQUERQUE

GRANTS

GALLUP

N

Cluster Diagram

Community Input

29

Business Climate

30

The 1975 Indian Self Determination Act ushered new opportunities for the Zuni tribal government to run its own services. As a result, Zuni’s economy is driven by tribal operations, enterprises, and services. The local economy is rounded out by the Zuni Public schools and the UNM Zuni branch.

On the down side, privately owned businesses are relatively sparse. A 1968 Zuni Comprehensive Plan noted that the Town of Aztec— similar in size and population to Zuni at that time—had over 100 retail businesses. By compari-son, Zuni had fewer than a dozen. Forty-six years later, things have not appre-ciably changed.

Locality—The Inn at Halona is the only overnight lodging establishment that caters to tourists. Various art and jewelry trading posts for tourists also exist. A few of them provide craft supplies for artists.

With only one store, Zuni residents must frequently travel outside of the com-munity for groceries. As for eateries, a couple of small food stalls are located near the traditional Pueblo of Halona. Zuni’s only sit-in dining restaurant,

Chu-Chu’s, is across town. Coupled with a decline in local ag-riculture, the community has essentially become a food desert.

Two gas stations, Mustang/Giant and Zuni Express are open, but two others, Malco and Chevron, have closed. Due to the lack of

retail stores in Zuni, the Walmart stores at Gallup and Grants were frequently mentioned as shopping destinations. Occasionally, families will travel to Albuquerque and Phoenix for larger retail pur-

chases.

Income—In 2000, the median household income in Zuni was $21,122. By 2010 it had increased to $31,837 (U.S. Census, 2010). By 2012, however, the median household income had taken a slight downturn at $30,250. The 2012 figure is significantly lower than the State’s median household income of $44,886 (U.S. Census, 2012). A lower than average median household income reflects low paying jobs for most Zuni residents regardless of where they work. This situation could compel some, especially among the younger workforce, to seek jobs outside of the Pueblo.

Leakage—By and large, it is difficult to track cash spending within Zuni. The lack of local opportunities for gainful employment has turned Zuni into a cash-based economy. Such sales transactions are not generally captured by eco-nomic data.

According to a 2013 retail market profile, credit card users from Zuni buy the bulk of their goods and services off the reservation. It is estimated that this sit-uation results in around thirty million dollars being spent elsewhere. Examples of such leakage include off-reservation purchases at car dealerships, health and personal care stores, and clothing and shoe stores. The only industries that show a surplus of sales in the community are jewelry stores and direct sell-ing establishments (ESRI Business Analyst, 2013).

As seen in the accompanying map, there are plenty of places surrounding Zuni which benefit from the purchase power of Zuni residents. This situation, however, comes at a cost. Travel to distant stores consumes gas and results in higher automobile maintenance, not to mention time wasted in commuting. It is clear, that the lack of local businesses to meet the needs of Zuni residents is affecting the quality of life for the community.

40

N

0 6 12 24

Zuni lost $30,040,288 due to lack of local business options.

40

40

602

602

53

5353

36

36

Vanderwagen 19 mi

Ramah 22 mi

Pinehill 43 mi

Fence Lake 42 mi

Zuni

Grants 75 mi

Albuquerque153 mi

Phoenix 289 mi

Gallup 37 mi

Business Climate

31

32

Zuni is the largest of the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico. Over the past 60 years, as seen in U.S. Census data, there has been a steady increase in the number of individuals residing in the Pueblo. In 1950, the U.S. Census Bureau established a Zuni Census Designated Place (CDP). The Zuni CDP encompassed Zuni Pueblo, the Black Rock vllage, and much of the surrounding reservation area. The population was 5,277.

The single largest increase in population occurred in 1970. The population of 7,469 represented an increase of 20% from the 1960 census. This jump coincided with the provision of new HUD housing and new job growth in anticipation of

the 1975 Indian Self Determination Act.

In the 1980 census there was a downturn. 6,857 people were censused at that time. This was followed by an increase to 7,382 in the 1990 census.

It was not until the 2000 census, however, that the population of 7,494 exceeded that of 1970. The most recent sample data released by the

2008-2012 American Community Survey estimated Zuni’s population at 10,160. This represents an increase of 22% over the 2000 census. Most of

this change is likely the result of natural increase, unless it can be demonstrated that Zuni members living off the reservation are migrating back into the community.

Tribal Membership—The U.S. Census data does not capture the entire picture. Tribal membership is based on one-quarter blood quantum. This gap between those who live in Zuni at the time that the U.S. Census is conducted versus those who are enrolled and may

not live at Zuni is substantial. Based on 2005 Indian Health Service data, the count for tribal membership was 10,258. Comparing this total

to the U.S. Census 2000 American Indian Alaska Native or in Combination total (7,627), this leaves a difference of 2,631. This 26% difference is a rough estimate of the proportion of tribal members who are living off the Zuni reservation.

Population Pyramids—A population pyramid is a graph that shows the age-sex distribution of a given population. The percent distribution of

males and females is shown in a side-by-side comparison for each 5-year age group.

The 2000 and 2010 population pyramids are provided for Zuni. The 2000 population pyramid is shown as an outline and is overlaid upon the 2010 pyramid. A comparison of the overall shape of the pyramids indicates that the population of Zuni is aging. The median age in 2010 was 32.8 years of age as compared to 28.6 years of age in 2000.

Another noticeable change is seen in the 0-14 year age groups. A narrow base in the 0-4 age groups during both decades indicates that the overall fertility of the Zuni community has not changed significantly. There is a larger narrow base for 2000, however. This may indicate that young families who have moved outside of the Pueblo are having their children elsewhere.

A comparison for persons who were 25-39 in 2000, and who grew older by ten years in 2010, indicates that they likely stayed put in the community. This has implications for the Zuni workforce. Assuming that they are in career ladder positions, it is unlikely that they will retire or leave the workforce until they retire. This situation creates fewer entry employment opportunities for the youngest workforce.

This pattern can be seen at the 20-24 age groups. For both decades there is a major decline immediately after the 15-19 age group. The is true for both males and females. This indicates that the 20-24 year age group likely left Zuni to seek employment or educational opportunities elsewhere.

Challenges—The population comparison indicates that Zuni still faces a challenge in reversing the out-migration among certain age groups. Children in the 5-14 age groups and, ostensibly, their parents who are in the prime labor force (25-39 years old) are leaving the community. This is also seen in the gap between enrolled members versus those who are residing on the reservation. Lastly, the overall aging of the population will also have an impact on Zuni. Together, these trends have major implications for the health care and education systems as well as affecting the economic climate of the area.

Demographics

15 10 5 0 0 5 10 15

% of Total Population

Age

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80-84

85-89

90+

Zuni Pueblo Population Pyramid

Male (3,841)Female (4,040)

Male (3,713)Female (4,036)

Zuni population 2010 (7,881)

Zuni population 2000 (7,749)

Zuni Pueblo Population Change

5277

6207

7469

6857

73827494

7881

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

33

Demographics

34

Educational Attainment

In 1980, the Zuni Public School District was created. This national milestone established the first state school district run by an Indian tribe. It was created specifically to serve native students in a manner that allowed the community to preserve its heritage and culture as well as make them more competitive in educational achievement tests (LESC, 2013). It also gave the school district the ability to develop and implement a Zuni/English bilingual program.

Although great strides have been made, educational attainment is still below the state’s average. Currently, only 76.3% of Zuni residents, 25 years and

older, completed high school or higher. This is compared with the state’s 83.4% average. 8% of Zuni residents, 25 years and older, have a Bach-elor’s degree or higher as compared to 26% for the state (ACS, 2012).

Gender—Differences in educational attainment among Zuni residents, 25 and older, are noted by the 2012 ACS. Females have a distinct advantage over their male counterparts. Approximately 88% of females versus 83% of

males reported a high school diploma or higher. 21% of females versus 12% of males have a Bachelors degree or higher.

The major implication of this educational trend is that females are outpacing males in educational attainment. This pattern has im-plications for the labor force and the economy in general. A more educated workforce comprised of women affects the workplace and the family.

Community Assets

As seen in the following diagram, Zuni has a vibrant organizational environ-ment. The explanation for this mobilization is a collective ethic which comes out of an embodiment of cultural values. This ethic has resulted in the estab-lishment of numerous groups that volunteer time and effort around communi-ty health, economic development and community engagement events. The existence of such groups is among the most understated assets in the com-munity.

These efforts cut across state, federal and tribal programs. Others are rep-resented by grassroots organizations. Together, they create opportunities for all ages to interact and engage. In particular, they represent an untapped resource for building dialogue around the economy, the health and the vi-brancy of planned development along Zuni MainStreet.

Venues—Despite this rich level of social engagement, there are few outdoor and indoor places along Zuni MainStreet to house this engagement. School facilities provide some of these venues as well borrowed spaces in other pub-lic or church facilities. The largest events are staged outside in parking lots or at designated open spaces like the Zuni fairground.

Communications—Information about such community events are largely done through word of mouth or through public service announcements on the KSHI 90.0 FM Zuni Radio station. At the only 4-way stop, organizations tape tempo-rary signs along the fence line to announce events. Use of flyers is limited. The grocery, tribal administration building, post office and schools are among the most popular places for posting announcements. Although awareness in the community is raised in this manner, outside visitors travelling along MainStreet rarely find out about local events.

Education and Community Assets

• Zuni Youth

Center• Zuni Senior

Citizens Center• Big Brothers & Big

Sisters

• Zuni Tribal Government• Zuni Mainstreet

• Zuni Indian Hospital• Zuni Wellness Center• Teen Health Center• Zuni Recovery Center

• Food DistributionProgram• Dive Into Preventive Strategies (DIPS) Program• Zuni Water Department

• Zuni Medical Supply• Health Lifestyles

Program• Big Brothers & Big

Sisters

• KSHI 90.9 FM Radio Station• Public Library

• Religious Leadership• Zuni Public Schools

• Halona Bed & Breakfast• Halona Market

•Turquoise Village• Chu Chu’s Place• Informal Art Businesses• Gas Station

Health Prevention & Tre

atm

en

t Ec

ono

mic

De

velo

pmen

t C

ommerce & Business

Com

munity Engagement Awareness &

Particip

ation

• ZECDC• A:shiwi

A:wan Museum

& Heritage Center

• Housing Authority• Community Corrections Program• Zuni Visitor & Arts Center• Office of Planning& Development

• Zuni Environmental Protection Agency

35

Social and Economic Conditions

36

American Indian health disparities have historically led to lower life expec-tancy and a disproportionately higher exposure rate to diseases that are preventable. In New Mexico, the American Indian populations have the highest rate of youth and adult obesity. Zuni mirrors this pattern (New Mex-ico Department of Health, 2013). Currently, 39% of Zunis are classified as overweight and 31% as obese. Twenty-three percent of Zuni’s adult popu-lation is diagnosed with diabetes, which is much higher than the average for the U.S. (11%) and New Mexico, 8% (CDC, 2011; NM DOH; Scavini, et al., 57).

Walkability—Today almost half of the adult population of Zuni, 48.2%, is classified as physically inactive (Scavini et al., 57). Traditionally, the Pueblo of Zuni was a walking community. The traditional Pueblo of Halona is the only area where residents are still actively walking to

their destinations.

Yet, there are no trails, walkways and bike trails to connect the rest of the community. Tribal buildings, schools, and residential areas are spread

out. The current design discourages walking, biking or other forms of exercise. This situation has created an automobile-centric environment.

Zuni MainStreet is the main transportation artery for the commu-nity. In spite of that, the roadway provides little or few amenities to encourage foot traffic or alternative modes of transportation.

Health Programs—Zuni Pueblo is proactive in promoting health and well-being for its residents. Programs such as Zuni Healthy Lifestyles, the new Well-ness Center, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and Healthy Kids/Healthy Zuni are committed to improving community health. Together, they are partnering to offer healthier food options and expanding physical activi-ties. These efforts have resulted in organized sports, gardens and an exer-cise trail. Redesigning Zuni MainStreet in a manner that extends the op-portunity to reach these places can go a long way in expanding these activities.

Health

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Part VDesign Solutions

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Zuni MainStreet should consider establishing Community Overlay Districts to delineate and establish regulations for guiding development along its high-way corridors.

The use of Community Overlay Districts provides numerous possibilities for overseeing development. Regulations for each type of district can be varied according to its proximity along the highway as well as to adjacent areas. By varying standards within each district, it will allow the community to adjust and match the appropriate treatments for detailing the architecture, housing and building codes, parking design and regulation, noise and light abatement,

allowable business activity, landscape features, and infrastructure require-ments, to name a few. It will be necessary to reach agreement on the standards used in each district.

The Zuni Tribal government does not regulate land through zoning. Rather, land assignments are negotiated through custom law and concurrence

over their usage is reached by the Tribal government. Given this situation, the management of land-uses must be accomplished in a manner that is

consistent with cultural practices.

Historic District—This area encompasses the traditional Pueblo of Halona. The concept of a Historic District is not new. It was rec-

ommended in a 1976 Zuni Comprehensive Development Plan. The area contains historic structures, ceremonial buildings and spaces that are unique to the traditional lifeways of Zuni. It is a culturally sensitive area. As such, special attention to protecting the area

must be given.

The overarching purpose of designating a Historic District should be to protect and maintain the integrity of its ceremonial use. Modern additions such as carports, lawns, satellite dishes and other non-traditional add-ons need to be developed using accepted standards of historic preservation. Preserving the integrity of Zuni’s cultural village can lend itself to special designations such as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Monument, National Historic Site or listing on the National Historic Registry.

Buffer Districts—These three areas would encompass thoroughfares nearby or adjacent to Halona. Regulations need to be developed that would regulate commercial and retail activity as well as specifying land usage adjacent to the historic Pueblo. It would allow for the regulation and design of access points into Halona and serve to define the type of visitor experience alongside the highway. The designation and maintenance of informal spaces in the Buffer District will enhance opportunities for artisans to vend and engage visi-tors safely. Similarly, architectural features such as frontage parking, signage, lighting, and improvements for noise abatement can be designated.

Economic Development Districts—Two areas outside of the traditional Pueblo of Halona, along Highway 53 and around Halona Plaza, need infill incentives to encourage business and retail development. The concentration of estab-lishments can serve as an impetus for the creation of a downtown which can be a to create a destination for both local residents and visitors to Zuni.

The Economic Development Districts would support both private and tribal enterprise development. It would designate how the frontage would be used in order to provide visibility, access and parking along MainStreet. The streetscape would evolve into places that enhance economic activity. The landscape would emphasize Zuni’s cultural heritage and establish standards incentivizing the beatification of the street.

Among the features that could be added are areas for pop-up markets, road-side swales with vegetation, streetside parking, bike and pedestrian paths, commercial street signs, curbside names and numbers, pedestrian crosswalks and school zones.

Community Overlay Districts

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Wellness Center

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GroceryHalona Inn B&B

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Celebrating Community Identity

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With the exception of the Black Rock village, the Zuni streetscape is not layed out in a grid fashion. The typical township streetscape that aligns commerce along a central corridor and onto a downtown civic plaza does not char-acterize Zuni. The Tribal Council and Governor’s Office does not function in the same way as a municipal government. It does not regulate community development by deploying standards for land-use zoning. Instead, planning and other infrastructure needs are coordinated through other funding agen-cies such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service and other State of New Mexico entitlement programs. Improving business opportunities along the Zuni Main Street will require coordination across many agencies.

Enhancing the streetscape can be accomplished through basic design. De-sign features to distinguish developments alongside the roadway will diversify

the experience to the Zuni MainStreet traveler. Many improvements can be made to increase public safety and the aesthetics along MainStreet.

Fencing—Many sections of the original chain fencing that were construct-ed by the NM State Highway Department are in disrepair or non-existent.

During windy conditions, refuse piles up against this fencing making it unsight-ly and hazardous. More aesthetic options should be considered. This could

include low height rock quarry walls sectioned at various intervals to define egress at designated places.

Crosswalks—Crosswalks on Highway 53 are non-existent. Auto-mobile traffic is unimpeded in both directions. The only exception

is at the 4-way stop. Public safety at the crosswalks could be im-proved by constructing center islands. This would separate the two lanes of traffic and provide a safe place for cross walkers to pause. The islands can be enhanced by landscaping elements that create

raised walkways and use textured surfaces. The crosswalks could be equipped with pedestrian activated caution lights to warn oncoming traf-fic and slow down approaching vehicles.

Crosswalks should be considered at areas near public buildings, businesses and schools. This includes the 4-way stop, the Veteran’s Wall, the intersec-tion of Malani street, the two intersections of Harker Circle at the Tribal Ad-ministration Building and the Zuni Express Gas Station, and at the intersec-tion of Zuni Mid-School drive.

Sidewalks—Sidewalks are one of the most important components of a town. They separate pedestrians from the roadway. They provide benefits that contribute to the safety, mobility and health of the community. Recreational walking and biking are two of the assets that can be introduced in sidewalk design. Creating bikeway paths alongside the edge of the road separate pe-destrians from automobile traffic.

The Zuni MainStreet can be improved by moving the walkways away from the road and separating them with landscaping. These can be constructed using new paving materials that create permeable surfaces for rainwater ab-sorption. A landscaping plan can be developed to locate shade trees and benches at intervals suitable for rest stops. Streetlights can be positioned to provide safety not just for drivers but pedestrians as well.

Curbsides—Curbs fulfill a number of critical functions. They are used for ad-dressing, restricting the egress of vehicles along the street, drainage, and pro-viding protection as well as delineating walkways from oncoming traffic.

The Zuni MainStreet can be improved by eliminating all illegal curb cuts. Curbs should be constructed at appropriate intersections and driveways only. A curb with a nearly vertical face can discourage vehicles from leaving the road. This solution would be beneficial along areas where informal vendors spaces occur. They can also be designed to direct surface water away from low lying areas.

Address numbers can be painted on curb cuts along driveways. This will provide a necessary system for parcel delivery as well as assist enforcement and safety in locating places during emergencies. The addresses could be painted using local artistic designs.

Parking—Standards should be developed for both on- and off-street parking. There is no public parking alongside Highway 53. Moreover, there are no des-ignated public parking lots. This creates a problem for tourists and visitors. The addition of meters or pay stations can raise local revenue.

Street Design

Typical Proposed Sections

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Street Design

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Zuni architecture, painting, pottery, jewelry, beadwork and fetish carving have a worldwide reputation for their exquisite style, high quality, and beauty. The Zuni arts have evolved in technique and materials over time. According to the Zuni Tourism division, about 80% of Zuni families are involved to some extent in the production of arts and crafts. Zuni may have one of the highest concentra-tions of craftspeople per capita in the United States (Bassmen, 1996).

These arts provide for more than an economic livelihood. They are cultural ex-pressions that also serve as a means of uniting the past with the present.

Stonework—Zuni is surrounded by a bounty of natural building materials. The forests and bluffs have provided Zunis with the raw materials they have needed to build their historic buildings. Timber was harvested from the pine forest and most structures built with pink sandstone quarried from the

area. This sandstone has led to a unique vernacular architectural form.

When the Black Rock Dam was constructed in 1904, a sandstone quarry was opened and local laborers learned the art of stone masonry. The use of larger

blocks transformed the village making the buildings more mas-sive and durable. Although the quarries were shut down in the 1970s, these 20th century stone-working skills are still in evidence

along Highway 53 and in Halona. The tradition of stone masonry provides a unique opportunity for building as sense of cohesiveness

to the built environment.

The stonework tradition could be used to develop new architec-tural building standards. Such standards could provide a uniform

building landscape and reinforce Zuni’s cultural identity. Stonework not only adds to the permanency of structures, but it also serves as a visual vocabulary for distinguishing different types of buildings.

Building Inventory—Much work has been done on documenting tradition-

al buildings and places in the historic village. Little has been done on the more contemporary buildings along the highways. Zuni MainStreet should consider doing a building inventory along Highway 53. This inventory can identify those buildings that have historic, cultural, or architectural significance. Vacated buildings with architectural integrity can be preserved and purposed for public and retail usage.

Public Art—In spite of Zuni’s artistic traditions, there is little evidence of this along Highway 53. Except for artwork used in signage to advertise wares sold in trad-ing posts, there are no examples of public murals, sculptures, nor ephemeral land or water features.

The 4-way stop, which is the busiest intersection along Zuni MainStreet, has been identified as a prime location for public art. Other sites include the Veteran’s Wall, frontage next to the Tribal Administration Building and the Zuni Visitor and Arts Center. The commercial Halona Plaza area could benefit from public art as well.

Other non-traditional areas for art include school sites, trading posts, and in-formal vendor areas. Such art can be used to locate community places and serve as backdrops for tourists when taking photographs or as gateway mark-ers to important sites or destinations. Displaying this style of creativity along MainStreet provides a way for Zuni to express its unique sense of place.

Interpretive Art—Art located along pathways can be used to display and ex-plain Zuni history. Plaques can engender conversation, create a sense of ex-ploration, and inform both residents and visitors about Zuni’s culture and iden-tity.

D

Architecture and Art

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Architecture and Art

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Wayfinding—This refers to techniques that are used to refer and orient people to the built environment. These devices set up a system to help visitors locate and interpret places along a roadway.

Wayfinding can be as simple as the provision of mileposts and directional posts along major junctions. These should be positioned at suitable distances ahead of key destinations. They can lead visitors toward major public build-ings, historic places, schools, residential areas, and recreational centers.

Highway 53 is a rural highway with few amenities and little context sensitivity. It needs a wayfinding system for orienting visitors to points of interest such as

Halona, A:shiwi A:wan Museum, and the Zuni Visitor and Arts Center. An important component of such a system involves the design and place-ment of signage to aid travelers in finding places around Zuni. Wayfind-

ing keeps visitors from getting lost and allows them to explore places that they might otherwise overlook.

Signage— Standards for signs along MainStreet should be developed and enforced. Signs are a visual means for displaying information

along roadways. Well placed signs enhance public safety.

Zuni MainStreet can deploy four general types of signs. Conven-tions include:

• Circular signs are used to indicate instructions that are either man-datory or prohibited;

• Safety and regulatory signs follow conventions used by federal and state agencies;

• Triangular signs are used to heed dangerous places or warn motorists of impending hazards;

• Navigation signs provide direction and distance. Navigation signs can use pictograms with minimal text as long as they can be interpreted from afar; and

• Rectangular signs follow generalized conventions for detailing information about points of interest. They can include building directories or the display of locational maps. They can denote trails and routes or provide historical information to make a site more meaningful. Such devices can be located at designated parking places and along pathways leading toward points of interest. They can detail the proper cultural etiquette for tourists when visiting sensitive cultural sites.

SignArt—Wayfinding systems can be creative. Both Navigation and Rectan-gular signage lends itself to cultural expression. Entry gateways that indicate that visitors have arrived into the Zuni MainStreet will draw interest to the corri-dor and alert motorists of its importance. These gateways can showcase local artists and traditional building techniques.

At the same time, commercial and business signs should follow certain con-ventions for size and placement. Sign standards for materials, text, and color should also be developed. Standards enhance the aesthetics of a place.

Lighting—Standards for lighting are another important consideration. Particu-larly because sensitive cultural areas may be affected by light pollution, am-bient artificial lighting such as that emitted by incandescent, neon or LEDs should be controlled.

Wayfinding

ZUNI PUEBLO

Museum Trail

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Wayfinding

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Landscape is essential to developing the aesthetics along the corridor. It en-hances the terrain and beauty of the area. Well placed vegetation can cre-ate ecozones that make places more habitable for animals and comfortable for people. In addition, landscaping can revitalize the ecology to sustain the food production of the community.

Plants—Planting drought resistant native plants along MainStreet will enhance the attractiveness of the streetscape and help to frame the experience of motorists along the road. Well placed plantings provide a sense of verdant enclosure and create a more hospitable environment. Trees can create both

microclimates and a canopy that will shield the harsh sun. Pedestrians and street vendors alike will benefit from a shaded environment. Planting lo-cal species will also highlight Zuni’s connection to the surrounding land-scape.

Zuni MainStreet should develop landscape guidelines that will serve as a unifying element and highlight different places along Highway 53. The placement of trees, rock cairns and flowering plants will add variety and tex-

ture to the monotonous roadway. Foliage is seasonal and can provide added utility by controlling dust and absorbing rain.

Stormwater—Zuni experiences seasonal rainstorms that create waterflows along Highway 53, flooding residences and businesses.

Planting trees and vegetation can also help mitigate intense storm-water runoff by slowing the flow of water along impervious road surfaces.

The Oak Creek Wash along Pincion Street is especially prone to sea-

sonal flooding. A stormwater retention system that diverts water into a open field, collection pond could be placed near the 4-way stop. When dry, such collection ponds are used as open space for playing fields and outdoor activities.

There are several other cost-effective, low maintenance, and environ-mentally responsible techniques for mitigating storm water runoff. These

include bioswales and rock gabion check-dams to check and slowdown run-off. Such solutions are ideal for the placement of traditional waffle gardens. Benefits gained from reviving the tradition of waffle gardens include its educa-tional benefit as well as providing a source of local produce. Standing ponds also help to diversify the wildlife in the area.

Rainwater Harvesting—Many regions are experiencing extended periods of drought, the likely result of climate change. Conservation water practices can help with the overuse of domestic groundwater sources. Zuni Pueblo should consider investing in rooftop rainwater harvesting cisterns at all admin-istrative, commercial and school buildings. This water can be used to sustain landscaped plots and small gardens alongside roadways as well as providing a supply of water for washing down streets and sidewalks.

Food Security—Although Zuni Pueblo once had a strong agricultural heritage, the Pueblo is currently designated as a food desert by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA, 1999). This means that healthy food is difficult or costly to obtain within the Pueblo. As such, it is crucial to pursue strategies that can in-crease residents’ access to nutritious food choices by supporting the distribution of fresh produce in Zuni. This can be done by reviving interest in traditional Zuni farming practices as well as working with existing food venders to sell more af-fordable healthy food options within Zuni. As a food desert, Zuni is eligible for federal funding through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI), which seeks to improve the affordability and availability of fresh produce in the Pueblo.

The creation of food markets for traditional Zuni produce could be a stimulant to local agriculture, small businesses, and to reviving traditions of healthier eating. Zuni MainStreet can help to create this market by working with Halona Market and providing spaces along MainStreet to house local farming cooperatives and mobile groceries. The La Montañita Co-op in Albuquerque and their Mo-Gro Program uses a refrigerated truck that serves as a mobile grocery store in rural communities. It is currently making weekly visits to Cochiti, Santo Domingo, Jemez, Laguna, and San Felipe Pueblos. In addition to selling fresh produce, MoGro also offers nutrition classes, fitness programs, farmer workshops, and technical assistance on school and community garden design.

Landscaping

Trees

American elm - Ulmus americanca (e)Black locust - Robinia pseudoacacia (nz)Flowering cherry - Prunus serrulata et. Al (e)Flowering crab - Malus “hopa” et al (e)Gambel oak - Quercus gambelii (n)Globe navajo willow - Salix matsudana “navajo” (e)Honey locust - Gleditsia triacanthos inermis varieties (e)New mexico locust - Robinia neomexicana (n)Green ash - Fraxinus pennsylvanica (e)Piñon pine - Pinus edulis (n)Rocky mountain juniper - Juniperus scopulorum (n)Singleseed (one seed) juniper - Juniperus monosperma (n)Soaptree yucca - Yucca elata (n)

Shrubs

Apache plume - Allugia paradoxa (n)Beargrass - Nolina microcarpa (n)Big sage - Artemisia tridentata (n)Currant and gooseberry - Ribes. Spp. (n)Mormon tea - Esphedra spp. (n)Fourwing saltbrush - Artiplex canescens (n)Rubber rabbitbrush - Chrysothamnus nauseosus (n)Seepwillow - Baccharis sarothroides (n)Shrubby cinquefoil - Potentilla fruticosa (n) Skunkbush - Rhus trilobata (n)Snakeweed - Gutierrezia sarothrae (n)Winterfat - Ceratoides lanata (n)Yucca - Yucca (n)

Ground cover

Kinnickinnick - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (n) Prairie sage - Artemisia ludoviciana (n)

Grasses

Blue flax - Linum perenne (n)Blue grama - Bouteloua gracilis (n)Globemallow - Sphaeralcea incana (n)Hollyhock - Alcea rosea (e, nz)Indian ricegrass - Oryzopsis hymenoides (n)Maximilian’s daisy - Helianthus maximiliani (n)Paper flower - Psilostrophe tagetina (n)Purple threeawn - Aristida longiseta (n)Ryegrass - Lolium spp. (e)Sand dropseed - Sporobolus cryptandrus (n)Shasta daisy - Chrysanthemum maximum (e)Sideoats grama - Bouteloua curtipendula (n)

(N): Native (NZ): Naturalized (E): Exotic

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Landscaping

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Compact Infill Development—New commercial development along Highway 53 should be infill projects that take advantage of existing vacant spaces. These infill projects should be clustered, instead of being distributed unevenly along the entire length of Highway 53. Densification will help create nodes of activity where complementary amenities and attractions can be located.

There are a number of places that would support infill development, including several open lots with abandoned buildings. There are lots with abandoned buildings between the Tribal Administration building and the Zuni Express Gas Station. Another available area is the old High School site. Another vacant lot

is at the abandoned Malco Gas Station. Soil remediation however will be necessary because it is a brownfield site.

Pop Ups—Organizing opportunities for “pop up events” along existing vacant spaces is also an entrepreneurial approach Zuni’s unique artistic

culture. There are already areas where vendors set up in informal areas to ply their artwork and food. They include open areas next to the Turquoise Village Trading Post, an area next to the Mustang/Giant Gas Station and

at the lot adjoining the abandoned old Hawaku Trading Post between the Tribal Administration building and the Zuni Gas Station. The tribal administration office parking lot and the Zuni

Visitor Center’s parking often function as pop-up spaces.

Programming various events throughout the year at more formalized designated sites will allow local residents to reach various markets. Through pop-up events, the community can learn what attracts visitors. Places to set up pop-up events does not require a large expenditure.

Pop-up events can tap into periods when traditional activities are not occurring. The Zuni Ancient Way Fall Festival is an example of an event that incorporates such programming. Artists and food vendors set up around the perimeter of the Zuni Visitor Center parking lot with a performance space for cultural dances in the center. A potential exists to expand such an event into an annual world class, Indigenous art market.

Civic and Public Spaces—Civic and public spaces are the heart of many communities. This should be no different for Zuni. Many of Zuni’s existing civic spaces are not along the highway. Halona has a ceremonial plaza and a historic church, but outsiders are sometimes restricted from visiting there. Other places such as the Zuni fair grounds exist, but these too are far away from the Zuni MainStreet.

The Zuni MainStreet can be enhanced by creating public spaces. These can be developed to include local and outsider amenities such as public restrooms, coffee spaces, internet sites and information kiosks. These spaces can also be improved through small-scale design interventions for vendors to sell their artwork.

Supporting Community Space

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Cultural and events programming can enhance a community’s social and economic environment. Since many artisans and vendors currently sell their products at informal locations along Highway 53, it may be to the advantage of Zuni MainStreet to provide more supportive arrangements for commerce. Locating spaces that give vendors protection from the outdoor elements is one aspect. Public restrooms and vending machines are needed. Providing safe areas for ATMs or interconnectivity WiFi spots is another business amenity. These facilities can increase the vendors’ ability to conduct more business transactions with tourists at any given time and during programmed events.

To accomplish this, phased design strategies will be necessary.

Examples for three sites have been identified for design and development. These sites are located at or near prominent public buildings and activity

nodes that generate a significant amount of local and visitor traffic. They are:

• The parking area surrounding the Tribal Administration Building and Post Office;

• A vacant lot across the street from the Tribal Administration Building; and

• The abandoned Hawaku Trading Post area near the Zuni Visitor and Arts Center.

Tribal Administration Building and Post Office

One example of a creative placemaking opportunity is the existing spaces adjoining the Tribal Administration Building and the US Post Office. There are multiple possibilities to making this area into an entrepreneur pop-up and civic event space. Public parking, amenities for commerce such at ATMs and free WiFi as well as public restrooms can provide visitors with amenities. Enhancing the site with sculptures and public art will give it cultural appeal. The hard landscape can be softened with specialty paving, architectural improvements, and foliage. The construction of a crosswalk will improve pedestrian circulation and safety.

Visitor orientation signage detailing the history of Zuni and cultural protocols would be an additional benefit. The parking area for the Tribal Administration Building can become an active staging place for the community when offices are closed. A large electronic board visible from the street for community announcements could be added as well as a designated public display board for pinning up poster announcements.

Adding these elements will create a civic hub for Zuni Pueblo.

Examples

Current Proposed

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Examples

Current Phase I Phase II52

New Pop-UP Vendors Site

The lot across the street from the Tribal Administration Building has tremendous potential as a large formal civic space that supports seasonal outdoor public events. The area could be developed in phases. Phase I includes a basic buildup for water and electrical hook-ups. Parking and temporary stall areas can be constructed in addition to an open seating and outdoor stage.

Phase II can include the construction of permanent stalls for vendors. Night lighting and trash stations for pickup and recycling can be introduced. Water stations and public restrooms could improve the visitor experience.

Phase III will remove the parking which will free spaces to support food vendors, and an expanded performance arena. Other amenities include grass and shaded tree-lined areas. Visitors can be provided picnic tables as well as amenities such as an ATM and WiFi station.

Examples

Current Phase I Phase II

Phase III

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Examples

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Old Hawikuh Trading Post

Another area that is opportune for development is a lot west of the Zuni Visitor and Arts Center. Formerly, this was the site of the old Hawikuh Trading Post. Developing this area will complement and expand events that already occurring at the Zuni Visitor and Arts Center.

Phase I includes leveling and repaving the site. Landscaped berms can be added to give definition to the site, especially parking. Areas for temporary vendor stalls and food trucks can be designated.

Phase II includes the rehabilitation of the old Hawiku Trading Post. It could be renovated to historic standards and used for the retailing and demonstration of Zuni arts and crafts. Trees could be added to the site as well as permanent vendor stalls along the periphery.

Phase III entails constructing a new building. This space will expand the operations of the Zuni Visitor and Arts Center by providing exhibit spaces and climate-controlled storage for fragile cultural items repatriated through the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Spaces would be designed to showcase larger art pieces such as furniture, sculpture and stonework. Other uses include visitor orientation and meeting rooms.

Examples

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Examples

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Informal Trails

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Zuni has many informal trails which have been created by residents driving and walking through open areas. A seen in the diagram below, the area is characterized by pathways that spread out like spiderwebs. Where these pathways conjoin is not clear to visitors, especially tourists who wish to walk to points of interest.

Aside of connectivity, there are many benefits to developing and maintaining formal trail systems. Exercise trails, historic trails, bike trails, and interpretive trails are among the various possibilities. Trails not only provide ways to access sites,

they can enhance the experience of a place and contribute to improving the quality of life for visitors and residents alike. Swales, gardens, trees, and ponds provide centers of activity and restful places along the paths. Such places create opportunities for social interaction and public engagement.

Trails

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The following map depicts examples of trails that can be developed on or near Zuni MainStreet. These are named after the cultural symbols of the community:

• Hokdi Dasha (Mountain Lion) exercise circuit trail • Donashi (Badger) historical interpretive trail loop • Yuna (Wolf) roadway

One trail (Hokdi Dasha) connects the Zuni Wellness Center to Highway 53 by creating an exercise loop. Another trail (Donashi) provides an interpretive historical pathway that connects the Zuni Visitor and Arts Center to the Zuni Mission Church. A third roadway (Yuna) connects the Halona Plaza via the 4-way and, potentially, onto Black Rock.

Trail Systems

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The Hokdi Dasha exercise circuit would connect the Zuni Wellness Center to Highway 53. It would parallel Old Gallup Road and loop back through Pincion Street.

This area has a perennial problem with flooding. In order to improve the situation, many water retention elements can added. The trail can be flanked by swales that serve to harvest rainwater. A larger stormwater detention pond can be built to divert and contain water before it converges at the 4-way stop. Agriculture and native plant landscape features can be introduced. These feature will add amenities and encourage outdoor use.

A safe and attractive exercise circuit is an effective way to encourage and motivate people to meet their fitness goals. Exercise stations can be installed along this route. Studies suggest that even 30 minutes per day of moderate intensity physical activity is enough to prevent chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Current Proposed

Hokdi Dasha (Mountain Lion) Exercise Circuit

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The Donashi historical interpretive trail is located along MainStreet and would connect the Zuni Visitor and Arts Museum to the historic Zuni Mission church. This trail would have informational signs along its path. The signs could be multilingual and would inform tourists about cultural etiquette and protocol during cultural activities.

In addition, the information signs would explain the history and significance of sites along the trail. This could include the history of the community as well as

explain Zuni’s wildlife, geology, and agriculture. Along the trail, demonstration sites exhibiting waffle gardens, bread ovens, and flagstone architecture could be had.

The trail should include rest stops and provide basic facilities such as water stations and restrooms. The walking experience could be supplemented by tour guides and small electric vehicles to traverse the longer distances.

Current Proposed

Donashi (Badger) Interpretative Trail Loop

Yuna (Wolf) Roadway

Halona Plaza

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The Yuna roadway is an extension of the highway systems that connect Halona Plaza across the Pia Mesa bridge and to the 4-way, traversing eastward alongside Highway 53, and eventually joining the existing Black Rock trail at the Senior Center.

The Yuna roadway affords the opportunity to create a bike path. By improving the sidewalk and inner lanes of the highway, both pedestrians and bicyclists can be accomodated and protected from oncoming traffic. Linking a pedestrian and bicycle pathway will build connectivity along the entire breadth of MainStreet.

Current Proposed

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Part VIStrategies

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Cultivating economic development in Zuni is imperative to the creation of a vibrant, engaging, and sustainable revitalization effort for Zuni Main Street. Given that approximately 80% of local families are involved in the manufac-turing or commercialization of arts and crafts, any economic strategy should be attuned to the needs of these artists. Similarly, given that there is a signifi-cant organizational capacity in the multiple community institutions operating in Zuni, strategies should target these organizations as catalysts to long-term economic development.

Determining the strategies for sustaining a viable economic environment is necessary. Among the possible approaches are creating partnerships with

other economic development institutions, working with local businesses to support artists, developing marketing and promotion plans, and ac-quiring properties for housing and leasing new start-up businesses.

Asset Development—An economic development plan must focus on spe-cific goals that engage existing assets. Strategies should not be pursued in an ad-hoc manner, but should be done for the long term and build com-

munity capacity. Strategies should also be implemented and integrated into Zuni’s Comprehensive Development Plan.

The process begins by assessing the existing economic condi-tions. Components that need to be determined are the following.

Identifying markets that are being underserved; determining who in the population is unemployed or underemployed; estimating how much of the labor force is lost to outmigration; and determining

where and how economic leakage can be plugged.

The second stage of the process is to conduct a community assessment. This includes identifying which homegrown businesses can be assisted; ini-tiating outreach and dialogue with community groups; engagement of the youth; and finding out how local artists and entrepreneurs can be assisted.

The third stage is to establish priorities and goals. This entails being able to decide which projects to prioritize and undertake; determining the organiza-tional capacity of Zuni Main Street to pursue projects; identifying what com-ponents of the Zuni culture can be used for promotion and marketing; and identifying leadership capacity of individuals to manage various MainStreet programs.

The fourth stage is phasing in the actual implementation. This includes secur-ing financing for the priority initiatives and providing educational opportunity for building community leadership in economic endeavors.

Zuni MainStreet Business Center—The creation of a MainStreet Business Cen-ter would serve to coordinate and implement Zuni’s economic development both for the short and long term. It could function as a Zuni Chamber of Commerce. Its staff could provide assistance for artisans and business owners to understand the tribe’s licensing systems and meet their requirements. Its staff could assist entrepreneurs in finding and applying for loans and grants.

The facility could house a business incubator and offer a curriculum to better position the artisan in a micro-business climate. It can offer design and web-design services as well as provide free or inexpensive access to the internet. It could serve as a receiving center for wholesale purchasing including silver, shell, semi-precious stones, artist paints and other raw materials used in artwork. This facility could also be open to the public for selling and showcasing local prod-ucts locally and worldwide.

A certified commercial kitchen could be provided that would fulfill federal and state health requirements and certifications. Creating products for a food re-tailing business would increase the community’s access to healthy foods as well as creating an entrepreneurial base for new eateries along MainStreet.

Catalyzing Sustainable Economic Development

Stage 1Economic Assessment

• Markets• Employments• Outmigration• Economic leakage

Stage 2Community Assessment

• Identify homegrown businesses• Build community service outreach• Engage youth• Interview artisans & entrepreneurs

Stage 3Establish Goals

• Prioritizing projects• Determine organizational capacity• Integrating Zuni cultural goals• Identifying leadership capacity

Stage 4Implementation

• Financing• Education

Strategies

• Create economic development partnerships• Build on Local businesses• Develop marketing and promotion plan• Develop new properties

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Catalyzing Sustainable Economic Development

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Implementation of an economic development plan for Zuni MainStreet over the long term will require purposeful infrastructure development and the designation of commercial and public sites along MainStreet. It will require a vision that will attune the Pueblo’s cultural landscape to developments along its MainStreet.

The success of this vision is contingent on building local capacity and meeting the needs and desires of the community. The approach will deviate from the so-called free market system because the entitlement that is gained from

the privatization of property is not a given on a Indian reservation. It is

also different because the traditional tool of land-use zoning that is used for controlling development is not generally practiced on Indian trust land.

The foundation of growth and development for Zuni is its cultural, religious and ceremonial life. All proposed development must attend to this. In as much as the community can imagine a new future, it will also look at protecting the past. As articulated in the Toward Zuni 1985 Comprehensive Development Plan, the guiding concept continues to be how the community evolves as a “growing expression of the people’s wants.”

K'ok'shi (it is good)

References

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References

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