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LA CDC outlines small-business supports, facade-loan relaunch and visitor-center coordination
Summary
Los Alamos Community Development Corporation updated council and staff on small‑business outreach programs, a LA CDC commitment of up to $100,000 for a facade‑loan program, a chamber 401(k) offering for small employers, and collaboration on tourism and a unified business directory.
Laura McDaniel, executive director of the Los Alamos Community Development Corporation (LA CDC), briefed council on the nonprofit’s second‑quarter activities tied to economic vitality. LA CDC said it complemented county programs by providing business-marketing assistance, coordinating with regional partners and delivering targeted small‑business support.
McDaniel described ongoing efforts: promotion and distribution of community-cash gift cards to encourage shopping in downtown and DP Road businesses during construction; support for DP Road businesses with additional signage and outreach; a Chamber‑led business‑awards and ChamberFest participation; and work with the regional development corporation to build a commercial‑property database for site selectors. LA CDC and chamber leaders also plan a new small‑business 401(k) program to help employers recruit and retain staff.
LA CDC reported it will relaunch a facade‑loan program to help business and property owners pay for storefront improvements. The LA CDC board has committed up to $100,000 for 0% interest loans to support signage, façade restoration and outdoor patios; McDaniel said the organization will finalize application materials and outreach. LA CDC also coordinates the county’s visitor-center operations and will continue to push regional partnerships — including outreach to Bandelier National Monument — to encourage multi-site visits that benefit local vendors.
McDaniel said LA CDC will continue strategic planning and is refining metrics to better track small-business requests and vacancy data. She asked council and county departments to continue coordinated support for downtown businesses as infrastructure projects proceed. The presentation drew public comment from one business owner who said small-business coalition members felt outreach had not yet reached all affected businesses; McDaniel and county staff acknowledged the concern and said follow-up would continue.
