The Council will consider the Affordable Housing Plan at their next regular session on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. Their meeting will be held in Council Chambers starting at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and comment on the Plan or email comments to the County before the meeting. The meeting will also be shown on PAC 8 television or via internet streaming through the PAC 8 website.

The County’s Comprehensive Plan Policy Plan calls for housing “at a variety of price ranges so that firefighters, teachers, police, young people and elders can live comfortably in our community”.  An objective of this goal suggests that the County “regularly evaluate the amount, distribution and need for affordable and mid-range priced housing.”  Another objective asks that the County “seek methods to qualify the County’s low and moderate-income household for federal affordable housing programs.” In addition:

• The Plan accurately identifies specific affordable housing needs in the County and sets realistic goals for meeting those needs.
• Once approved by the New Mexico Housing Finance Authority, the plan will qualify the County for receipt of State and Federal subsidies.
• The Ordinance will establish the legal authorization for offering County assistance to non-government entities who want to help meet our affordability goals.
• The Plan will outline the specific housing assistance programs that the County should pursue in the coming years.

Piñon Trails

Piñon Trails, White Rock’s newest residential neighborhood, includes a mix of affordable and market rate homes.  The neighborhood was developed by the Los Alamos Housing Partnership Inc. (LAHP) with staff assistance from the Community Development Department.  The LAHP is a non-profit community organization lead by a volunteer board of directors whose mission is to provide affordable housing in Los Alamos.  For information about lots and affordable home re-sales, contact Steve Brugger. 

Possible Property Tax Reductions for Affordable Homes

If you already own a home that has been subsidized by a federal, state, or local affordable housing program you may be entitled to a reduced property valuation and therefore a reduced property tax liability as a result of new legislation (HB 661) enacted this year.  Click here to go the County Assessor’s web page for more information and an application form.