By PAUL ANDRUS
Former Community Development Director
Los Alamos County

To the Residents and Businesses of Los Alamos County:

I write this letter as a heartfelt farewell to the Los Alamos community as I conclude my time as Community Development Director for Los Alamos County. My journey here has been immensely rewarding, and I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and accomplishments we have achieved together.

Working for the County has been an incredible experience, due to the dedicated individuals I have had the privilege to collaborate with. I am deeply grateful for the relationships with so many committed people who have worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life in this historic and internationally important community. Our team in the Community Development Department (CDD) has delivered successful projects and programs spanning planning, building permitting and inspections, code compliance, economic development, and housing. These achievements set a high standard for future initiatives, reflecting our shared commitment to the continued growth and success of Los Alamos County.

Given that expectations of this unique community for service are consistently high, the County has risen to meet them, providing levels of service and amenities often unseen in municipalities of this size. Our CDD team has contributed significantly to this success, navigating one of the most complex and sometimes misunderstood areas of community services. I, therefore, extend my gratitude to our CDD staff for their professionalism and integrity, which have been essential to our shared accomplishments.

Reflecting on my time here, I am especially proud of what we achieved together:

• Establishing critical affordable housing programs bringing downpayment assistance and housing rehabilitation support to lower-income households.
• Securing the County’s first low-income housing tax credit projects in years with the Canyon Walk Apartments and the Bluffs Senior Affordable Housing.
• Earning the State of New Mexico’s first IAS (International Accreditation Service) accreditation for Building Permitting and Inspections, a significant milestone for the CDD Building Division.
• Delivering Los Alamos County’s first Comprehensive Plan in nearly three decades.
• Leading a multi-year strategic planning process, culminating in the adoption of two Downtown Master Plans, one for the Townsite and one for White Rock, and a comprehensive update of the Development Code.
• Overseeing a robust development continuum in the County that resulted in 488 new housing units (including 134 affordable units) with an additional 676 units in progress.

Among my most fond memories are those spent working with the White Rock Master Plan Implementation Committee. Together, we saw $20 million in public investment come to life—a collective vision that continues to positively impact the community, and the active development of Mirador, a new residential subdivision.

Thank you to everyone who believed in my abilities and provided support and partnership in our work, which was often challenging but always meaningful.

Though I am moving on, I will hold Los Alamos close to my heart. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, and I look forward to seeing the progress of this remarkable community.

Respectfully,

Paul Andrus