County Approves Plan to Help Address Critical Housing Shortage

Published on August 28, 2024

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Los Alamos County Council has approved a new Affordable Housing Plan to begin addressing the acute housing shortage affecting Los Alamos and the nation. This comprehensive plan outlines goals, strategies and tools to support housing production to provide diverse, affordable housing options for residents across all income levels. 

The Affordable Housing Plan, which was developed with input from a wide range of interested organizations and community members, outlines a strategic approach to tackle the county’s current and future housing needs. The plan includes a mix of public and private sector initiatives, focusing on expanding housing availability, promoting affordability, and ensuring essential workers, including teachers, healthcare providers, and small business employees, have access to suitable housing within the county. 

Key Highlights of the Approved Plan: 

  • Increased Housing Supply: The plan calls for the development of 1,300 to 2,400 new housing units between 2024 and 2029. This range is designed to meet current housing demands while also allowing for future economic and community growth. 

  • Affordable Housing Targets: The plan sets targets, to designate new units as affordable for low- and moderate-income households. Additionally, the county aims to issue 10-15 homebuyer assistance grants and 15-20 small-scale rehabilitation grants annually. 

  • Diverse Housing Options: Recognizing the need for a variety of housing types, the plan emphasizes the development of low-, and moderate-income, “missing middle” housing, including compact, efficient, and higher-density housing options that are essential for accommodating different income levels and household sizes. 

  • Public-Private Partnerships: The plan encourages collaboration between public entities and private developers to maximize resources and accelerate the development of affordable housing. Case studies included in the plan highlight successful models that can be adapted for Los Alamos. 

  • Long-Term Economic Resilience: By addressing the housing shortage, the plan aims to enhance the county’s economic vitality. The availability of affordable housing is crucial for retaining essential workers, supporting local businesses, and maintaining a high quality of life for all residents. 

The approval of this plan marks the beginning of a concerted effort by Los Alamos County to ensure that housing is accessible to all, fostering a vibrant community that can sustain its unique character and economic strength. While the final version of the plan has not been published yet, you can read a drafted version at lacnm.com/ProposedAHP2024. 

For more information on the Los Alamos County Affordable Housing Plan, visit lacnm.com/2024AffordableHousingPlan or contact dan.osborn@lacnm.us.

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