The Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area National Heritage Area A heritage-based economic development strategy
Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance Our Mission: Connect people to the cultural, historic, and natural treasures of the Santa Cruz Valley through education, preservation and promotion of its unique resources and living traditions.
What is heritage-based economic development? Using a community s heritage assets to grow the local economy Heritage valued objects and qualities that have been passed down from previous generations tangible culture historic buildings, monuments, books, artifacts intangible culture folklore, traditions, language, knowledge natural heritage culturally-significant landscapes, biodiversity
Working Towards a Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area What is a National Heritage Area Economic benefits Broad local support Legislation Status
Telling America s Story Places where natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources combine in nationally distinctive landscapes. 1. Honoring the region s contribution to American history 2. Tourism designation
Distinctive Stories of the Santa Cruz River Sky Islands and Desert Seas Streams in the Desert Bird Habitat and Migration Routes Native American Lifeways Desert Farming Ranching Traditions Spanish and Mexican Frontier Mining Booms U.S. Military Posts on the Mexico Border U.S.-Mexico Border Culture
Boundaries of National Heritage Areas are not regulatory Voluntary participation No affect on private property rights, land use zoning or property taxes Protection of property rights section included in the legislation
National Heritage Areas provide a framework for heritage-based economic development, including: Increased heritage and nature tourism. Tourism-related increases in local jobs, business incomes, and tax revenues. Promote local foods, crafts, and other traditional products.
Culture and Heritage Travelers average 5 trips per year, vs. 4 trip for non-heritage travelers spend $994 per trip vs. $611 spent by non-heritage travelers tourism has a $2.3 billion economic impact on Tucson annually and provides 40,000 tourism-related jobs Sources: Shop America Alliance and the Museum Store Association, 2010; MTCVB
Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Colorado River in the East Wetlands was clogged with Salt Cedars, exotic plant growth and silt build-up. Project restored 400+ acres of wetlands and is considered a model for restoration in the Southwest. In 2011 at the Yuma East Wetlands, seven endangered Yuma clapper rail were spotted at the restored wetlands, as well as the highest number of migrating endangered southwestern willow flycatcher
Wheeling National Heritage Area (WV) Invested $54,000 to conduct architectural re-use studies of four vacant downtown historic buildings. Within two years the studies spurred $17.2 million in private investment to renovate the buildings.
Designation will make the region eligible for matching grants of up to $1 million per year for 15 years Required 1:1 match Helps leverage locally raised funding $8 local for every $1 federal
Funding supports local heritage preservation, promotion, and education projects Promotion of heritage destinations Heritage education programs Rehabilitation of historic buildings Heritage foods promotion and education
Supporters and endorsements include: Former Governor Janet Napolitano Every county, city, town and tribal government in the region Agencies promoting tourism and regional economic growth: Arizona Office of Tourism Arizona Tourism Alliance Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce Marana Chamber of Commerce Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau Nogales Community Development, Inc. Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association Southern Arizona Lodging & Resort Association Tubac Chamber of Commerce Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, Inc.
Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Act Feasibility Study for the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area Legislation approved by the House of Representatives in 2007 and 2009 Local Coordinating Entity
Heritage Tourism Program Heritage Experiences of the Santa Cruz Valley A heritage tourism map Highlights the 10 distinctive themes or experiences of the Santa Cruz Valley Available to the public free of charge
Heritage Tourism Guides Interactive Heritage Experiences map Discover Tucson s Heritage Discover Green Valley Sahuarita s Heritage Uniquely Tucson
For more information contact: Vanessa Bechtol - (520) 429-1394 or vanessa@santacruzheritage.org www.santacruzheritage.org Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance ~ P.O. Box 3445 ~ Tucson, AZ 85722