VIDEO: Community Q&A session for Small Retail LEDA initiative

Published on July 22, 2025

Did you miss the meeting?  You can watch it here:

News Release: July 17, 2025

Los Alamos County will host a question-and-answer session on Tuesday, July 22, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 1000 Central Ave., to introduce and discuss its proposed Small Retail Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) initiative. The event is open to local business owners and interested individuals. A hybrid option will be available for remote participation via Zoom.

Staff from the Community and Economic Development Department will lead the presentation and answer questions about the proposed Small Retail LEDA initiative before it is formally presented to the Los Alamos County Council on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

The Small Retail LEDA initiative supports smaller-scale retail businesses that address gaps identified through the National Community Survey and other community feedback received by the county. These gaps include food service, clothing, health and personal care, and tourism-related services.

The proposed grant and loan program would offer awards between $20,000 and $100,000. Funds may be used to support small retail business expansion and infrastructure improvements related to the identified retail needs. Eligible projects could include storefront improvements, building upgrades, accessibility improvements, furnishings and equipment. In return, applicants must demonstrate how their project will generate economic benefits for the County, such as job creation and increased gross receipts tax revenue.

If a business would like to apply for LEDA assistance from the County that does not fit within this Small Retail LEDA initiative, the County maintains a general LEDA application and can schedule an individual meeting with Economic Development staff.

The session will be recorded and posted to the Los Alamos County website for those unable to attend. For more information, contact Anita Barela at anita.barela@lacnm.us.