City of the Sun Foundation, Inc :: Communities Directory

Formed: 1972

City of the Sun Foundation, Inc

Columbus, New Mexico,

United States

(NM Hwy 11 & Altura Av)

Founded in 1972, City of the Sun is located on 157 acres in Luna County, New Mexico, adjacent to the village of Columbus. Columbus is located on Highway 11, thirty miles south of Deming (off I-10), and three miles north of Palomas, Mexico. Our goal is to live and work in mutual cooperation, respecting unity in our diversity. Our spiritual beliefs vary, all paths welcome. We have Sufi, Pagan, Christian, Native American, to name a few. We offer workshops in the fall relating to spiritual practices, alternative healing, Dances of Universal Peace, and also alternative housing, including papercrete, straw bale, adobe, and earthships. We have a designated off-grid area for alternative housing, solar energy, and composting. We have one irrigation well. Some residents use solar water distillers. Due to lack of jobs in the area, residents must be self-sufficient or very creative.

Status: Active

Contact:

City of the Sun Foundation, Inc
PO Box 370
Columbus, New Mexico 88029 United States
Phone: 505-531-2637

Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses)

Former/Other Names: None

Last Updated:11/17/2011

Visitors Accepted

(Best time is fall/winter/spring. Summers are hot!)

Visitor Process: Email or write in advance to arrange for an escort or for sponsorship to stay a bit. You may need permission from some members to visit their alternative houses. Please be prepared to camp, have an RV, or arrange a rental before you come.

Statement of Housing Non-discrimination:

Our community does not discriminate in regards to housing based on race/color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, family status (i.e. having children, not having children, or being pregnant), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income, age, creed, personal appearance, political affiliation, HIV infection, military/veteran status, unfavorable military discharge, gender identity or expression, receiving public assistance, or being the victim of domestic abuse.

Our community does not provide land or housing and is therefore not subject to fair housing laws.

Population Members(adults and children): 54 (population varies) Non-member Residents: 5 (number varies) Open to new members: Yes (depending on available homesites)	Government Decision Making: By majority rule (full membership participation) Identified Leader: No Leadership Core Group: Yes (Board of Directors, elected by the membership)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: No (members must be self-sufficient) Labor Contribution: Expected (As able and willing, we have lagoon parties to clean brush around lagoon, maintain peace park, chop tumbleweeds) Join Fee: Yes ($1500 development fee) Regular Fees: Yes (currently about $20 per month per member for maintenance fees)
Land and Buildings Rural Area: 157 acres (63.5 hectares) Land Owned By: Independent land trust (not controlled by the community) (the Foundation holds the land in trust until 2072) Number of Residences: 40 Cohousing: No	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% Share Community Meals: 1-3 times/month (potlucks for workshops, holidays, birthdays) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (many vegetarians and vegans, some raw-fooders) Alcohol Use: Used Often (also many non-users. Used often by some, in the privacy of their own homes) Tobacco Use: Used Often (also many non-smokers. No smoking in public/shared spaces)	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: No Which Spiritual Traditions(s): Ecumenical (includes "all religions") (in the Light, toward the highest good, all denominations and paths welcome) Educational Style(s): Home schooling (also large new public elementary school in Columbus NM with geothermal, greenhouse)

Become an Editor Current editor(s): maya, COS

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Comment from Maya on 8/17/2010 (Reader Rating: 2)

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We are an eclectic group of mostly seniors with a common interest in alternative life styles, many are off the grid, many grow organic. Many of us are very private, and enjoy the privilege of privacy that this community offers. Living in the high plains northern Chihuahua desert can be challenging, and one must be self-sufficient or have a good retirement income. The local library has lots of computers and good books, plus art shows that everyone is invited to participate in. Our infrastructure needs development before we can accept new people, but a new people who know about laying water and sewer pipe would be nice! And who are interested in helping with our EM (effective microorganisms) wastewater lagoon system.

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