The Los Alamos Housing Program, a component of the Economic Development Division, is responsible for developing and implementing programs and projects to maintain and increase housing opportunities for all segments of the Los Alamos Community. This includes contracting with non-profit service providers who oversee daily operations of affordable housing homeownership, rental, and rehabilitation programs. The Housing Division works to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations and updates to County Housing Programs' Policies and Procedures on an ongoing basis. We are also working with the Planning Division to produce an upcoming short term rental policy and Feasibility Studies with the Los Alamos Public Schools for housing on LAPS-owned land on North Mesa.
Los Alamos County does not provide services or manage housing directly. Please see our pages on Home Rehabilitation for home owners, Homebuyer Assistance Programs, Section 8 and affordable rental developments for assistance.
Los Alamos County Strategic Goal for Housing is "Increasing the amount and types of housing options. This includes a variety of housing options for all segments of the community, from affordable, entry-level, and live-work housing to new options for those interested in downsizing or moving closer to central areas of the community."
Los Alamos County's Social Services Division oversees a spectrum of programs centered around community health and well-being. Los Alamos residents of all ages can receive assistance with access to housing and food support, health insurance and benefits, and other resources to help meet their needs.
The Los Alamos Housing Program, a component of the Economic Development Division, is responsible for developing and implementing programs and projects to maintain and increase housing opportunities for all segments of the Los Alamos Community. This includes contracting with non-profit service providers who oversee daily operations of affordable housing homeownership, rental, and rehabilitation programs. The Housing Division works to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations and updates to County Housing Programs' Policies and Procedures on an ongoing basis. We are also working with the Planning Division to produce an upcoming short term rental policy and with the Los Alamos Public Schools on Feasibility Studies for housing on LAPS-owned land on North Mesa.
Los Alamos County does not provide services or manage housing directly. Please see our pages on Home Rehabilitation, Homebuyer Assistance Programs, Section 8 and affordable rental developments for assistance.
Los Alamos County Strategic Goal for Housing is "Increasing the amount and types of housing options. This includes a variety of housing options for all segments of the community, from affordable, entry-level, and live-work housing to new options for those interested in downsizing or moving closer to central areas of the community."
In 2020, Los Alamos County contracted with consultant Dekker / Perrich / Sabatini to explore the existing housing shortage, taking into consideration both the Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) needs along with County wide housing demand including the hiring projections of the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The subject area in the study is ±29 acres of vacant land owned by LAPS for the purpose of providing both affordable and market-rate workforce housing to address job retention concerns. Any future development will contain units reserved for LAPS staff.
A study of housing concepts was produced that incorporated significant community input.
Based on the preliminary work of the North Mesa Housing Study and a Memorandum of Agreement between Los Alamos County (LAC) and landowner Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS), County staff has been directed to enter the next research phase: to prepare a financial feasibility study to create a housing mix of both affordable and market rate units while generating revenue for LAPS.
The findings of the 2020 draft study can be found here:
The Los Alamos County Home Renewal Program (HRP) is managed by the Los Alamos Housing Partnership (LAHP) by agreement with the County. It allows selected income-qualified homeowners within the County to make needed repairs or improvements to their homes to increase comfort, safety and livability, without adding monthly expenses. A household with an executed contract for home purchase may also apply.
Applications may be received year round for the program, but new funding is budgeted at the start of each fiscal year on July 1. The HRP provides funding to income-qualified households within three priority areas: Energy Conservation, Emergency Repairs and General Housing Repair as considered essential.
Applicants should arrange to meet with LAHP to determine eligibility and complete the application. From date of complete application to approval is approximately three weeks.
Contact:
Steve Brugger
Los Alamos Housing Partnership, Inc.
1362 Central Avenue, Suite C-1
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone: (505) 662-8918
Email: stevelahp@gmail.com
The County's Affordable Housing Plan(PDF, 2MB) 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.
- The plan has been approved by the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, which qualifies the County for receipt of State and Federal subsidies.
- The Ordinance establishes the legal authorization for offering County assistance to non-government entities who want to help meet our affordability goals.
- The Plan outlines the specific housing assistance programs that the County may choose to pursue in the coming years.
Los Alamos County has partnered with the Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority (SFCHA) - Española Office for Section 8 assistance.
The Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) is managed by the Los Alamos Housing Partnership (LAHP) by agreement with the County. The program assists income qualifying households with a non-amortizing down payment deferred loan with County funding for homebuyers within the County. This program also provides homeowner education training.
The application period is open year round as funds are available.
For information on this program and how to apply visit:
LosAlamosHousingPartnership.org
Completed applications are to be submitted directly to Los Alamos Housing Partnership.
Contact:
Steve Brugger
Los Alamos Housing Partnership, Inc.
1362 Trinity Drive, Suite C-1
Los Alamos, NM 87544
Phone: (505) 662-8918
Email: stevelahp@gmail.com
Two affordable rental housing projects are located on DP Road. These are being financed by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program.
Canyon Walk Apartments contain seventy (70) one, two and three-bedroom units reserved for moderate-income households. The development is situated between DP Road and the Canyon Rim multi-use trail.
These units are not managed by the Los Alamos County Housing Program. For qualifying information and to submit an application, please contact the property management group at:
Severa Salimova
Kay-Kay Management Co.
505-662-8809
canyonwalk@kay-kay.biz
The Bluffs is an age-restricted, income restricted community targeting Seniors (55+). This development contains 64 units and is also financed with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). Pre-leasing will begin in late 2022.
These units are not managed by the Los Alamos County Housing Program. Interested Applicants can also contact Lisa Langley at the information provided.
Housing Market Needs Analysis(PDF, 3MB)
A housing market needs analysis was completed in December 2019 to provide the County information on community housing needs and preferences. The study was implemented as part of Council's 2019 strategic goals for housing. This includes a variety of housing options for all segments of the community, from affordable, entry-level, and live-work housing to new options for those interested in downsizing or moving closer to central areas of the community. Sites Southwest Consulting performed the study including several outreach activities for community input and to collect needed market data. The study concluded an acute housing shortage and identified immediate need for additional home and rental units to serve all market segments. Key findings also identified high unmet demand for middle- to higher-density homes for the workforce, students, and seniors such as town homes, duplexes and small-scale apartment buildings. Recommendations included development of sites close to existing infrastructure, developing strategies for higher density housing and mixed-use development in Los Alamos and White Rock town centers, and working with LANL and the School District on transportation and other redevelopment plans.