Governance

GovernancePangea Community Land Stewardship Association

Stewardship, not just management.

The Pangea Community Land Stewardship Association (LSA) cares for the land, the shared systems and the amenities, and it is run by the people who live here.

The LSA

A member-led nonprofit with a narrow mandate.

The LSA is a New Mexico nonprofit mutual-benefit corporation. Its role is deliberately limited: maintain shared infrastructure and common land, fund that work through assessments, enforce the governing documents, and protect ecological systems, fire safety and the community's structural integrity.

It does not regulate what happens inside your home, your personal lifestyle, or lawful uses of your lot that don't affect shared systems, safety or your neighbors.

Ownership and membership

Every owner becomes a member of the LSA when their deed records, and dues begin then. Active membership rights begin when the LSA issues your Certificate of Membership after orientation. Those rights are voting, committee service and eligibility for Board office.

The Declarant Control Period

While the community is being built, Pangea Design Build appoints the Board. Once 50% of lots have been conveyed to owners, residents elect the Board to staggered two-year terms.

Voice & vote

One lot, one vote.

Members vote on Board elections, budgets and amendments to the Declaration. On the workforce-housing lot, each separately owned unit has one vote, and no owner gets extra votes by holding several units. Quarterly Board meetings are open to residents and include a member forum of at least 15 minutes, and minutes are posted within 14 days.

Tenants don't vote, but they have full access to amenities and can serve on committees.

Standing committees

Design Review Authority

Reviews every home and site plan against the Architectural & Sustainability Guidelines.

Sustainable & Regenerative Living

Energy, water conservation, waste and off-grid infrastructure.

Culture

Taos cultural traditions and the Arts & Cultural Center.

Permaculture Land, Soil & Food Stewardship

Regenerative farming, soil, habitat and native landscaping.

Environmental Stewardship

Animal systems, buffers and operating protocols.

Finance & Reserves

Budgets, reserve studies and financial reporting.

Dispute Resolution

Hears appeals and supports mediation.

Dues & finances

What your dues pay for, and how you can see it.

Each dwelling unit pays the same base Regular Assessment, whatever its size. The Board sets the amount in the annual budget, publishes it at least 30 days before the fiscal year, and bills quarterly. Members can offset up to half through the work-credit program.

  • Roads, common areas, trails and open land
  • Community programs, Pangea Academy operations and cultural events
  • Reserves for greenhouses, shared systems, roads and major equipment
  • Insurance, legal, administrative and professional services
  • Fire safety infrastructure, emergency preparedness and training
BudgetAdopted each year and published to all members
Reserve studyA full study every three years, reviewed annually
ReviewIndependent CPA review, or a full audit when required
Open recordsMinutes, budgets, reserve studies, contracts over $25,000 and insurance summaries
Special assessmentsOnly for extraordinary or emergency costs, and larger amounts require a member vote
Good standingNo assessment more than 60 days past due and no uncured violations. Required to vote, serve, earn work credit and use amenities

Resolving disagreements

Dialogue first. Enforcement last.

The goal is to restore harmony, not to punish. No fine or suspension happens without notice, a hearing and a written decision.

  1. Direct dialogue

    Talk with your neighbor or the relevant committee representative in good faith.

  2. LSA mediation

    A confidential session with a neutral facilitator, arranged within 21 days. The LSA pays for the first two hours.

  3. Board review

    A written complaint gets a written Board decision within 30 days or at the next regular meeting.

  4. Appeal & enforcement

    Appeals go to the Dispute Resolution Committee within 15 days. Only after that can fines, suspension of amenity access, liens or legal remedies follow.

Protecting the community over time

Covenants that run with the land.

Term

50 years, renewing

Covenants bind every lot for 50 years from recording and renew automatically in 10-year periods.

Rentals

Neighbors, not guests

No individual rentals under 30 days on residential lots. Long-term leases run at least 12 months, and tenants receive the governing documents.

Resale

Screened transfers

A buyer completes orientation before closing. The LSA has 30 days to match any offer at the same price and terms, or to waive that right.

This page summarizes the Declaration of Covenants, LSA Bylaws, Architectural & Sustainability Guidelines, and Exhibits & Technical Bulletins, which control in that order. Applicants receive the complete governing document set after provisional approval and before signing any purchase agreement.

Read the full picture.

The Community Overview explains the LSA in plain language.