Housing
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Photo Margaret
Margaret Ambrosino, AICP 
Housing Program Manager

The Housing 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 Goals for Housing are:

"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."

 

Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program Eligibility


Covid 19 Emergency Rental Assistance

The State of New Mexico will grant $170M of federal aid to New Mexicans for rental and utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Apply For Rental Assistance: 

Am I Eligible? What does it Cover?  What documents do I need to apply?
 Must be obligated to pay rent, AND be able to demonstrate
current primary residence in a housing unit in New Mexico		   Rent  The applicant is renting a residential dwelling
Able to show a financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic   Utility bills includes electric and gas  That the applicant lives in NM
A household income that falls under the COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program Income Limits   Water and sewer  That the applicant has been indirectly or directly impacted by COVID-19
Unemployed and/or receiving unemployment benefits (optional)  Trash removal, fuel oil, wood, and           pellets  At least one household member is at risk of   homelessness or housing instability
 Able to demonstrate the risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability  Other expenses related to housing costs such as hotel/motel costs
  Documentation showing the applicant’s household   is under the Program Income Limit
 Able to demonstrate rent and utility obligations incurred since March 30, 2020    

 

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE?
If you live in any New Mexico county or within the Albuquerque city limits -
 Apply Here

Renthelpnm.org or call 833-485-1334


COVID-19 Mortgage Assistance

 The NM Mortgage Finance Authority’s COVID-19 Homeowner Assistance Program can help pay your past-due or current mortgage payments if you are experiencing a financial hardship because of COVID-19. The program provides emergency housing grants to income-eligible households and residents of tribal lands, up to $1,500 per month for a period of up to three (3) consecutive months, to maintain housing and/or to reduce housing cost delinquency. Some mobile/manufactured home lot rental payments may also be covered. MFA will pay your past-due housing payments directly to your mortgage or loan servicer, escrow company or other housing provider. The assistance does not have to be repaid.

 

For further details on the program, visit the following link:

https://www.housingnm.org/static/covid-assistance
   

Support development of affordable workforce housing.

North Mesa Housing Study

Map of North Mesa

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:

Los Alamos North Mesa Housing Study 

Los Alamos Public Schools / Los Alamos County Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)


HUD Income Limits

Home Renewal Program

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 

Los Alamos Housing Partnership

Affordable Housing Plan

The County’s Affordable Housing 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.
  • 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.

    • Contact:

    Margaret Ambrosiano, Housing Program Manager
    Community Development
    Los Alamos County
    1000 Central Avenue, Suite 150
    Los Alamos, NM 87544
    Phone: (505) 662-8116

    Email: margaret.ambrosino@lacnm.us

    Section 8 Affordable Housing Rental Assistance

    Los Alamos County has partnered with the Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority (SFCHA) -- Española Office for Section 8 assistance.