By JAMES WERNICKE
Economic Equity Working Group
The Economic Equity Working Group, which operates under the Los Alamos Inclusivity Task Force, has outlined a series of priorities aimed at tackling ongoing issues related to housing affordability, workforce engagement, and community access to essential resources in Los Alamos County.
During its latest meeting, the group pinpointed several areas for both immediate action and long-term planning, focusing on collaborative solutions that involve local organizations, landlords, and County officials.
Key Priorities Identified:
Rental Application Fees: The group intends to work with landlords to explore ways to reduce or simplify application fees, which can become a significant burden for renters applying to multiple properties. A shared background check system will be considered to eliminate redundant costs.
Affordable Housing Strategies: Members are looking into policies such as inclusionary zoning, which mandates that developers allocate a portion of new developments for affordable housing. They also discussed relaxing restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and legalizing trailer rentals on residential properties.
Safe Parking Pilot: The working group will assess designated overnight parking options for individuals living in vehicles, potentially in collaboration with local churches and community centers.
Employment Readiness Support: Initiatives will include coordinating job-readiness programs, offering basic skills training, and evaluating the effectiveness of referrals to Workforce Solutions.
Resource Coordination: A visual resource guide or “flowchart” will be developed to assist residents in identifying where to seek help for housing assistance, utility support, and other services. The group is also examining platforms like Unite Us to enhance referral processes and tracking.
Community Integration: Plans are in place to reintroduce a welcome basket initiative to help newcomers connect with local businesses and services.
Local Business Promotion: The group will push for increased promotion of Los Alamos businesses, especially during community events and to visitors from nearby areas.
Participants stressed that addressing cost of living and economic opportunity will require both policy updates and stronger collaboration among nonprofits, businesses, and County agencies.
In the upcoming months, the group will focus on gathering relevant data, engaging with stakeholders, and identifying pilot projects to demonstrate tangible impact.
About the Economic Equity Working Group
The Economic Equity Working Group is part of the Los Alamos Inclusivity Task Force and is committed to advancing practical solutions to improve affordability and access to opportunities for all residents. We’re seeking additional members! Los Alamos Economic Equity Working Group – laeewg@googlegroups.com.
Copyright © 2012-2025 The Los Alamos Daily Post is the Official Newspaper of Record in Los Alamos County. This Site and all information contained here including, but not limited to news stories, photographs, videos, charts, graphs and graphics is the property of the Los Alamos Daily Post, unless otherwise noted. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the Los Alamos Daily Post and author/photographer are properly cited. Opinions expressed by readers, columnists and other contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Los Alamos Daily Post. The Los Alamos Daily Post newspaper was founded Feb. 10, 2012 by Owner/Publisher Carol A. Clark.
— News Original —
Economic Equity Working Group Sets Priorities To Advance Solutions To Housing, Employment, Community Support
By JAMES WERNICKE
Economic Equity Working Group
The Economic Equity Working Group (part of the Los Alamos Inclusivity Task Force) has announced a set of priorities aimed at addressing persistent challenges in housing affordability, workforce participation, and community access to resources in Los Alamos County.
At its recent session, the group identified several areas for immediate action and long-term planning, focusing on solutions that can be implemented collaboratively with local organizations, landlords, and County officials.
Key Priorities Identified:
Rental Application Fees: The group plans to engage landlords in discussions about reducing or streamlining application fees, which can add up significantly for renters applying to multiple properties. A shared background check process will be explored to cut duplicate costs.
Affordable Housing Strategies: Members will research policies such as inclusionary zoning, which require developers to set aside affordable units in new projects. They also discussed easing restrictions on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and legalizing rental of trailers on residential lots.
Safe Parking Pilot: The working group will evaluate designated overnight parking options for people living in vehicles, potentially in partnership with local churches and community facilities.
Employment Readiness Support: Efforts will include coordinating job-readiness resources, developing basic skills training, and assessing the effectiveness of referrals to Workforce Solutions.
Resource Coordination: A visual resource guide or “flowchart” will be created to help residents identify where to turn for housing assistance, utilities support, and other services. The group is also reviewing platforms like Unite Us to improve referrals and tracking.
Community Integration: Plans are underway to relaunch a welcome basket program to help newcomers connect to local businesses and services.
Local Business Promotion: The group will advocate for enhanced promotion of Los Alamos businesses, particularly during community events and to visitors from neighboring areas.
Participants emphasized that addressing cost of living and economic opportunity will require both policy updates and stronger collaboration among nonprofits, businesses, and County agencies.
In the coming months, the group will focus on collecting relevant data, meeting with stakeholders, and identifying pilot projects to demonstrate impact.
About the Economic Equity Working Group
The Economic Equity Working Group is part of the Los Alamos Inclusivity Task Force and is dedicated to advancing practical solutions to improve affordability and access to opportunity for all residents. We’re looking for more members! Los Alamos Economic Equity Working Group – laeewg@googlegroups.com.
Copyright © 2012-2025 The Los Alamos Daily Post is the Official Newspaper of Record in Los Alamos County. This Site and all information contained here including, but not limited to news stories, photographs, videos, charts, graphs and graphics is the property of the Los Alamos Daily Post, unless otherwise noted. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the Los Alamos Daily Post and author/photographer are properly cited. Opinions expressed by readers, columnists and other contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the Los Alamos Daily Post. The Los Alamos Daily Post newspaper was founded Feb. 10, 2012 by Owner/Publisher Carol A. Clark.