Title
Update on County Housing Projects, Programs and Activities
Body
This staff report provides an update on Los Alamos County’s strategic housing production initiatives. Guided by the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, 2019 Housing Needs Analysis, 2021 Downtown Master Plan, and the 2024 Affordable Housing Plan, the County is actively developing public-private partnerships, targeted infrastructure improvements, and regional collaborations to address critical inventory shortages and expand affordable options.
The 2024 Affordable Housing Plan emphasizes that a diverse, affordable housing supply is critical to stabilize housing costs, increase economic growth and community vitality, by targeting households up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Projections for 2024-2029 outline indicate that the County needs:
1,300 new units to simply maintain the status quo, halt the growing deficit, and allow for limited growth.
2,400 new units to satisfy market demand, achieve long-term affordability, spur economic growth, and decrease future reliance on public subsidies.
To meet these targets, the County is prioritizing higher-density "missing middle" housing localized near Downtown Los Alamos and the White Rock Town Center.
Key Project Updates
County-Supported & Public-Private Partnerships
Thunderbird & Aspen Studio Apartments: A private partnership preserving 87 total units deed-restricted at or below 45% AMI for 20 years, featuring structural rehabilitations for ADA accessibility.
Coyote Mesa Workforce Housing (A-8-A): Partnered with Servitas to construct 380 multi-family units. 120 1-, 2-, 3-bedroom units will be permanently deed restricted for households earning between 60% - 100% with an average of 80% AMI. Additionally, the project secured a $4.6 million state grant to permanently deed-restrict an additional 98 units at a maximum of 120% AMI. Following successful entitlements and a March 2026 land closing, bond financing will finalize in Q3/Q4 2026, targeting initial unit delivery in Q3 2027.
Private Residential Developments
20th Street & Trinity Drive (RBMM LLC): A mixed-use development featuring 240-280 multi-family units and 25,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, coupled with intersection and pedestrian infrastructure upgrades.
Arbolada (Titan Development): A North Mesa project proposing 114 build-to-rent multi-family units and 23 single-family lots.
Sherwood Rounds (Twilight Homes): A 1.05-acre subdivision incorporating 29 multi-family residential lots.
Infrastructure & Special Projects
North Mesa Transportation and Utilities Study: Completed in August 2025, this study confirms that proposed residential developments can be constructed with modest water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
Special Projects: Ongoing initiatives include single-family and duplex affordable for homes (2400 Diamond Drive and 3661 Trinity), a feasibility study for a 3.2-acre County owned parcel for future commercial, industrial, and County land uses on DP Road, and a proof-of-concept study for a regional RV park.
Regional Partnerships & Market Outlook
To support regional organizational capacity, the County continues its ongoing engagement with Santa Fe County, Rio Arriba County, the City of Española, and regional Pueblos (including Santa Clara, Pojoaque, Nambe, and Ohkay Owingeh). Notable cooperative concepts include the Jacona Land Trust conceptual development, which proposes 124 single-family condo homesites and 36 multi-family condos.
While national macroeconomic headwinds persist, including "higher-for-longer" mortgage rates averaging 6.5% in New Mexico and tight inventory from the chronic "lock-in effect" restricting existing home inventory, Los Alamos County remains uniquely positioned for future investment and growth. This is due to swift local entitlement and permit reviews, a high-performing building department, coupled to progressive land-use plans, regulations, and policies. Overall, the County continues to offer a resilient, highly efficient environment for housing investment and business development.
Attachments
A - Housing Presentation