Housing Plans and Data

Read the Affordable Housing Plans, Housing Market Needs Analysis, and other Housing Studies in Los Alamos.

Affordable Housing Plan

The newly adopted 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.

Affordable Housing Plan - 2024(PDF, 4MB)

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.

Housing Market Needs Analysis

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.