Tucson Standard

Tucson, AZ—The Tucson Mayor and City Council have given their approval to the SOMOS UNO! Cultural Heritage Strategy. This plan sets out four main areas of focus and provides a sustainable framework for managing the city's cultural heritage. Developed in collaboration with LORD Consultants and involving extensive community input, the strategy aims to enhance public engagement, ensure equitable access, and foster partnerships across various sectors. Tucson's arts and culture sector supports over 52,000 jobs and contributes $4.1 billion to the local economy.

"Tucson is rich in history, arts, heritage, and cultural expressions, which are as vital to our social fabric as the Sonoran Desert is to our landscape," stated Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. "¡SOMOS UNO! recognizes the profound influence our cultural heritage has on our community's identity and vitality."

The development of this strategy involved significant community engagement initiated at Tucson Meet Yourself in 2022. It incorporated feedback from over 1,700 public surveys along with input from local experts through workshops and task force groups.

"I am deeply appreciative of the leadership and vision Mayor Romero brought to the creation of ¡Somos Uno!" said City Manager Tim Thomure. "It is clear from the community engagement that these are issues that resonate deeply with Tucsonans."

The planning process identified four priority areas essential for achieving an inclusive cultural heritage ecosystem: Creative Placemaking, Belonging & Cultural Equity, Governance & Policy, and Cross-Sector Collaboration.

¡Somos Uno! seeks to enhance appreciation for Tucson’s cultural heritage by highlighting historical sites, supporting local artists and traditions, and engaging residents in cultural activities. The strategy outlines steps such as developing a city governance framework for managing cultural assets effectively.

The region has been historically stewarded by indigenous communities including the Tohono O'odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Over recent years, Tucson's status as a destination for history and culture has grown significantly.

This initiative aligns with other strategic plans approved by Mayor Romero’s administration like Move Tucson and One Water 2100.

Further details on ¡SOMOS UNO! can be accessed online along with related reports on Tucson's state of culture.