Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council working group outlines targeted LEHI approach to reduce downtown vacancies
Summary
A council small‑business working group proposed a focused Local Economic/Housing Incentive (LEHI) program to help renovate underused storefronts, address code deficiencies and reduce vacancies; the plan calls for a streamlined call for proposals, third‑party security arrangements and early staff engagement to avoid lengthy application loops.
Los Alamos County council members on Tuesday reviewed a draft plan from a small‑business engagement working group that would use the county’s LEHI authority to target funding and technical assistance at underutilized retail and mixed‑use properties.
Councilor Rady, who led the working group, said members and other local stakeholders have talked with property owners, the Los Alamos Community Development Corporation (LA CDC) and the local business coalition to shape a program that prioritizes renovations that bring properties up to current code and improve long‑term viability. The goal is to reduce commercial vacancies and accelerate projects that are currently stalled by complex LEHI application requirements.
Councilor Regard (presenting the detailed proposal) described a multi‑step process: a short pre‑proposal, a pre‑application meeting with staff to identify code and accessibility deficiencies and a gap analysis to establish the financing shortfall. Because many small tenants and landlords cannot meet LEHI security requirements, the plan envisions a vetted third‑party nonprofit or similar organization to provide required security guarantees, with meaningful private “skin in the game” from property owners or tenants.
Council staff said funding approved in the upcoming fiscal year would be available starting July 1 and recommended developing the collateral pieces—third‑party security arrangements and access to design professionals—before launching a call for proposals. County Manager Andrew Laurent told councilors staff has budgeted funds and would work with LA CDC to identify architects and engineers to assist applicants.
A coalition representative, Alan Signs, offered public comment saying the group appreciated the initiative and urged more stakeholder input as the plan is refined.
Why it matters: The proposal attempts to make LEHI funding accessible to small businesses and property owners by reducing procedural bottlenecks and supplying technical and security support, which could speed renovations and bring vacant storefronts back into productive use.
Speakers who participated in the discussion included Councilor Rady (working group lead), Councilor Regard (proposal author/presenter), Councilor Hand, Manager Andrew Laurent and public commenter Alan Signs.
