County Council Chair Theresa Cull presents an update to Kiwanis Club members on Aug. 11 about the happenings in the County Government. Courtesy/Kiwanis
By BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos
At the Aug. 11th Kiwanis meeting, County Council Chair Theresa Cull presented an update on the happenings in the County Government, projects both underway and planned for the future.
She first talked about housing projects. The County adopted the Los Alamos Affordable Housing Plan in September 2024 and in January 2025, entered into a new contract with the SF Community Housing Trust for Homebuyer and Rehabilitation Programs. There are now 134 low-income units on DP Road that have been completed and are fully occupied.
Looking forward, there is 2026 budget guidance to dedicate ¼ percent GRT to a Housing Fund. Projects underway include the Hill Apartments behind the medical center which are expected to be completed by the end of the year, Mirador in White Rock with 106 units complete, affordable housing deed restrictions on the 9th Street Apartments, and the North Community (Black Hole) units, which are currently delayed but expected to resume shortly.
Cull outlined many pending projects, among them A Habitat for Humanity unit at 2400 Diamond Drive, 20th Street redevelopment of approximately 300 units, 29 units in Sherwood Rounds in White Rock, Ponderosa Estates Phase 3, Canada Bonita Apartments of 160 multi family units and commercial space, and LA Center (Mari-Mac) with 322 multi family units, a hotel, and commercial space.
The County is addressing the issue of business engagement and support by establishing a 3 councilor Small Business Working Group to identify issues and report findings. They are also working on wayfinding sign installation, an updated activity guide and map to businesses within the county. County workshops for business owners are being offered, including LEDA, business regulations and requirements, and homebased business.
A host of other projects are in the works. These include community broadband design, converting the historic Women’s Dormitory to become the Manhattan Project National Park visitor’s center, DP Road Phase 2, Performing Arts Center asbestos abatement, urban trails ADA improvements, ice rink refrigeration and cover, Wildlife/Urban Interface Ordinance, and regional support for the Rio Arriba County Nursing Facility and Espanola Parks Projects.
Looking to the future, the County intends to complete a Pedestrian Master Plan, Electrification Plan, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Brewer Rodeo Arena seating, a Trails and Open Spaces Management Plan, Artificial Turf Study, and a Wildlife Feeding Ordinance.
