Los Alamos County

CSD leadership team kicks off community tour

The leadership team for the Los Alamos County Community Services Department (CSD) is kicking off a rotating Community Tour over the next six months beginning January 28. Attending a different county facility each month, the leadership team will avail themselves to citizens for one-on-one discussions and questions on various CSD projects and initiatives.  READ MORE...

Household hazardous waste drop off moves to monthly schedule

Los Alamos County's Environmental Services Manager Angelica Gurule announced a change to the household hazardous waste program. The existing weekly drop off schedule will move to a monthly schedule, beginning on February 3, with new hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  READ MORE...

Update: Los Alamos County Manager announces closure for non-essential county government facilities

Los Alamos County Manager Steven Lynne has ordered closure for all non-essential county government facilities and operations for Tuesday, January 17, due to hazardous weather conditions.  READ MORE...

Hazard Branches to be Trimmed

To mitigate hazards and power outages, a new round of tree trimming coordinated by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is scheduled to begin in Los Alamos and White Rock on Tuesday, January 17. Residents may see Southwest Fire Defense & Tree Services professionals throughout the townsite, White Rock, Pajarito Ski Area and Rendija Canyon.   READ MORE...

Community Services hosts public meetings to share Integrated Master Plan

Los Alamos County Community Services Department (CSD) will be hosting three public meetings January 25 and 26, 2023, to share the results from the development of the new Community Services Integrated Master Plan (IMP). Berry Dunn, the professional consulting service that assisted in the development of the IMP will be onsite to present the recommended action plan and answer any questions. These meetings are in person and have Zoom access.  READ MORE...

Final week to participate in the biennial Community Survey

Los Alamos County, in partnership with its contractor National Research Center (NRC), began its biennial Community Survey in early December with a mailing to 2,500 randomly selected households throughout Los Alamos and White Rock. On January 2, 2023, the Open Participation survey began, allowing all Los Alamos County citizens to share their feedback. The Community Survey closes for everyone at 11:59 p.m. on January 15, 2023. All paper copies of the survey must be received by then.  READ MORE...

BPU to Consider a Nuclear-Powered Los Alamos

Energy generation comes in many shapes and sizes, some of which leave lasting carbon footprints and others that don’t. One type of future generation that aims to power cities fully without polluting the environment with carbon involves Small Modular Reactors (SMR)—or nuclear energy. The public is invited to attend an informational workshop on the subject, to be held during the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) monthly work session, on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 5:30 pm.  READ MORE...

EV Charger Prep Work Scheduled

In preparation for the installation of a Level 3 EV fast charger in front of the Los Alamos County Municipal Building, a portion of the parking lot and a section of sidewalk on Iris St. will be closed for potholing operations beginning Tuesday. The work is expected to be completed no later than Friday, January 20.  READ MORE...

LAPD Follow-up Regarding Denver Steels Incident on Jan 4, 2023

The Los Alamos Police Department was called to Pueblo Drive at approximately 4pm Wednesday January 4th, after receiving several 9-1-1 calls and that a woman was suffering from gunshot wounds. Los Alamos Officers responded to the scene and entered the home and located a woman deceased from her wounds and a male subject with a self-inflicted single gunshot wound.  READ MORE...

LAPD Statement Regarding Two Denver Steels Incidents January 4, 2023

Los Alamos Police Department released a statement January 5, 2023 regarding two unrelated incidents in the Denver Steel neighborhood on January 4, 2023.  READ MORE...

County Parks Division announces stables lot reallocation draw process

Los Alamos County Community Services Department (CSD) kicks-off the North Mesa Stables lot reallocation draw process next week. The random draw selection process includes a registration period, followed by the draw itself. Interested patrons can submit registration forms beginning January 09, 2023.   READ MORE...

New Year, New Opinions

The Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is kicking off 2023 with the launch of its now annual Voice of the Customer Survey to measure customer satisfaction and engagement in areas like quality, reliability and service.   READ MORE...

County accepting applications for Personnel Board

Los Alamos County is accepting applications for eligible candidates for an immediate appointment to complete the term of a vacant seat on the Personnel Board. This vacancy will expire on March 31, 2024. Interested Los Alamos County residents who do not hold public office and are not employed by the County may submit an online application by visiting the County’s Boards and Commissions webpage and selecting “apply.” Applications will be accepted now until the vacancy is filled.  READ MORE...

County & United Way of NNM thanks the community for their generosity

“Kindled Hearts for Warm Homes” Nov 22-Dec 31 - Los Alamos County and United Way of Northern New Mexico (UWNNM) would like to say “thank you” to the Los Alamos County employees and the community for their generosity during the CommuniTree “Kindled Hearts for Warm Homes” drive November 22 through December 31, 2022. The two organizations partnered to collect warm weather apparel and everyday essentials, as well as raise funds for families impacted by the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fires and subsequent flooding in Taos, San Miguel, and Mora Counties earlier this year.  READ MORE...

Open Participation Community Survey Launches Jan. 2

Los Alamos County, in partnership with its contractor National Research Center (NRC), began its biennial Community Survey in early December with a valid sample mailing to 2,500 randomly selected households throughout Los Alamos and White Rock. January 2, 2023, the Open Participation survey begins, allowing all Los Alamos County citizens to share their feedback. The survey aims to provide a comprehensive picture of citizen perspectives on community livability.  READ MORE...

Beware of Scammers Demanding Payment

Representatives at the Los Alamos County Customer Care Center have again been made aware of scam phone calls to Los Alamos residents who are told they must pay their utility bills right away over the phone or risk disconnection. No one from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is making those calls.   READ MORE...

DPU remains vigilant of Winter Storm Elliott impact

As Winter Storm Elliott promises to drive temperatures down across the western United States, combined with already increasing gas pricing, officials with the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) would like to remind natural gas customers to be cognizant of their gas usage this holiday season.  READ MORE...

Call Utility Emojis by their Names

You might recognize the utility emojis used by the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) —there’s the lightbulb one (electric), the blue flame one (gas), the droplet one (water) and the poop one (sewer)—but now you can start calling them by their names. The icons have been officially dubbed Blinky, Toasty, Droppy and Duke!  READ MORE...

DPU Forewarns of High Natural Gas Rates

Officials from the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) are encouraging county residents to consider the impact of natural gas usage on their pocketbooks this winter as rising market costs are driving the local natural gas rate up. The high price may motivate consumers to use less natural gas than usual when they are able to do so.   READ MORE...

County biennial Community Survey mailed to select households today

Los Alamos County, in partnership with its contractor National Research Center, kicks-off its biennial Community Survey. More than 2,500 postcards were dropped in the mail on Monday, Dec. 5, to randomly selected households throughout Los Alamos and White Rock. Recipients are invited to partake in this survey online, or if preferred, wait for a paper copy to follow. The survey aims to provide a comprehensive picture of citizen perspectives on community livability.  READ MORE...

Electricity is Back on in Quemazon

Power went out in the Quemazon subdivision at 7:32 p.m. and was restored at 8:20 p.m.  READ MORE...

Quemazon Subdivision is Without Electricity

Power went out in the Quemazon subdivision at 7:32 p.m. Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Electric Distribution standby crews are investigating. Approximately 323 customers are without electricity. Until more information is known, the restoration time cannot be estimated. More information to follow.   READ MORE...

CommuniTree campaign helps northern New Mexico families impacted by wildfires

County and United Way of Northern New Mexico partner for “Kindled Hearts for Warm Homes” campaign Nov 22-Dec 31  READ MORE...

Power Restored for Townsite Utility Customers

Power was restored at 3:55 p.m. in the scheduled power outage that affected much of the Los Alamos townsite. The first estimated restoration time was 3:00 but the initial repairs didn’t hold. Electric crews from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) were successful in restoring power to all Los Alamos residents on their second attempt.   READ MORE...

Planned Power Outage to Continue

The scheduled power outage affecting much of the Los Alamos townsite will continue past the estimated resolution time of 3:00 p.m. Initial repairs didn’t hold so electric crews from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) are continuing to work to fix the system. A new estimate for restoration has not been set yet.  READ MORE...

Planned Power Outage In Process

A scheduled power outage is affecting much of the Los Alamos townsite. Utility customers on North Mesa, Barranca Mesa and in North Community are currently without power while utility lineworkers from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) collaborate on a feeder repair.  READ MORE...

Townsite Outage Scheduled

After Sunday’s townsite-wide power outage, Los Alamos townsite residents and businesses have been patiently waiting to find out when a system repair will take place. That repair is scheduled for Wednesday morning.   READ MORE...

Don’t Fall for Phone Scams!

If you receive a call from someone saying they need to collect a utility payment from you right away, make sure it’s a legitimate call!  READ MORE...

Demand Likely to Keep Heating Costs High

With colder weather ahead and inflation hitting hard, people are concerned about the fluctuating cost of natural gas and how it is going to impact their budgets this winter. While the details are complex, the overview is simple: it’s a classic story of supply and demand.   READ MORE...

Let’s Discuss Future Energy

Community members are invited to attend a Town Hall meeting to discuss potential methods for powering Los Alamos County in the not-too-distant future. The meeting will be held on Thurs., Jan. 26, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Los Alamos County Municipal Building, 1000 Central Ave. Remote participation will be available through Zoom using the link ladpu.com/TownHall .   READ MORE...

Los Alamos County art in public places featured on national map

The Los Alamos County utilizes Public Art Archives (PAA) to maintain the inventory of the Los Alamos County Public Art. In April of 2022, PAA sent out a Call for Art, to represent the 10th Anniversary of Have You Seen My Public Art? map, that highlights art that can be found throughout the United States. Los Alamos County Art in Public Places Board submitted several pieces for consideration for the Have You Seen My Public Art? map project. The project received over 500 submissions and Kites of Many Colors, by Thom Norris and Eric Markow, located in the White Rock Branch Library, was selected to represent Los Alamos with 144 other works of art throughout the nation. Three other locations within the state of New Mexico are also highlighted: Hobbs, Albuquerque, and Fort Sumner.  READ MORE...

Small Business Recovery Assistance Program Launches

Economic Development Administrator Dan Ungerleider announced the launch of the Los Alamos County’s online Small Business Recovery Assistance Program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). As of today, Los Alamos small business owners who suffered financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic can visit the County’s dedicated website, ARPA.losalamosnm.us to apply.   READ MORE...

Drive Less Los Alamos

Now that the Los Alamos Public Schools are back in session and construction is underway on Canyon Road, Los Alamos County officials suggest that commuters consider taking advantage of other options to get to and from work or school.   READ MORE...

DPU Proposes Adjustments to Water Rates

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is proposing water rate adjustments spanning the next four years. Two public hearings for adjustments to the existing tiered water rates are planned.  READ MORE...

33rd/34th Segment Closed for Repairs

A stretch of 33rd and 34th streets will be closed to through traffic for emergency water repairs today and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  READ MORE...

Los Alamos moves to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions; County trails are open

With the increase in rain activity in the region, Los Alamos County will move to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective immediately. A revised Fire Marshal’s Order to reflect these changes will be issued on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. According to the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) officials, this action opens access to all County trails, and allows outdoor firing range activity with safety measures in place, although some “trail closure” signage may not yet be removed. Visit the websites of the Santa Fe National Forest and Los Alamos National Laboratory to find information on the status of trails under the jurisdiction of these agencies.   READ MORE...

Aquatic Center Reopens to the Public 6/3

Crews and staff worked steadily through the week to troubleshoot and find solutions to bring the Olympic pool equipment back online allowing the Aquatic Center to be reopen to the public.  READ MORE...

Aquatic Center Updates from the Project Management Team

Officials with the Los Alamos County Public Works Department realize that there have been several press releases regarding the Aquatic Center and Leisure Lagoon projects. In response to resident inquiries about why the Olympic and Therapy pools were closed again and why the Leisure Lagoon is not yet open, the Department issued additional communication to provide more detailed information.  READ MORE...

Community Art Tunnel at Canyon Rim Underpass

Those who have walked through the newly installed underpass for the Canyon Rim Trail, may have noticed some changes the last couple of weeks and definitely some changes this past weekend. Los Alamos County Community Services Department is initiating a new program called The Community Art Tunnel.  READ MORE...

Cerro Pelado fire community meeting Mon, May 16

The Great Basin Team 1 and community representatives will brief the Los Alamos community on the Cerro Pelado fire on Monday evening. The public is welcome to attend in person or virtually through Zoom.   READ MORE...

National Police Week

The Los Alamos Police Department will be holding the Annual Police Memorial Ceremony next Monday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. at 2500 Trinity Dr. in the north Justice Center Parking Lot in Los Alamos.  READ MORE...

Leisure Lagoon Update

On March 31st, the County informed residents the opening of the Leisure Lagoon was postponed to late June due to supply chain issues involving vital pool equipment. Unfortunately, these supply issues continue to delay shipment of this equipment further postponing opening of the pool, possibly to mid or late August. The contractor and pool engineers thoroughly investigated alternative equipment and supply sources and found no other available options to date. Staff is working closely with the construction and design team to open the new facility as soon as possible even as recreation facilities have been closed due to the nearby Cerro Pelado fire.  READ MORE...

2022 Primary Election: Make Your “Ready, Set, Go” Voting Plans

Today marked the start of in-person early voting for the 2022 Primary Election, and County Clerk Naomi Maestas would like to let residents know that her office is working hard to make sure citizens are still able to vote while the community is impacted by the Cerro Pelado Fire. As the County moves between the "Ready, Set, Go" phases of the wildfire preparedness program, Clerk Maestas recommends citizens stay informed by visiting their webpage for up-to-date election information, and urges residents to solidify a voting plan. “Our democracy is resilient in Los Alamos County - but it is important to have flexibility and options for voters, particularly in a time of crisis. It is vital that we give confidence to our voters, that even during this wildfire emergency, they can access their ballot and let their voice be heard,” says Clerk Maestas.  READ MORE...

Cerro Pelado Fire Sunday Update: Lab and Los Alamos County to move to ‘set’ stage on Monday as precaution; there is no emergency and no evacuation

Red flag conditions (high wind, low humidity) over the last day and a half have caused the Cerro Pelado fire in the Jemez Mountains to grow to over 37,425 acres. While small spot fires are burning slowly in a few locations, including Alamo Canyon, about 3.5 miles from the Laboratory and 7 miles from the Los Alamos townsite, fire officials said Sunday that there is no cause for alarm. There is no emergency and no call for an evacuation. As a precautionary measure only, the Laboratory and the County on Sunday announced that they will move to the “set” phase of “ready, set, go” at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 9, for the townsite and White Rock. “Set” means that conditions could change rapidly, and it is time to create a plan and prepare in case of an evacuation order. For frequently asked questions related to preparation, click here. The County has also posted FAQs on its webpage at lacnm.com/CerroPeladoFAQ  READ MORE...

Atomic City Transit Routes 4, 6, 2M and Peak Service Suspended Monday, May 9th

Atomic City Transit Routes 4, 6, 2M and Peak service will be suspended starting Monday, May 9th until further notice. Dial-A-Ride Service for areas not serviced by a fixed route will be provided on a space available basis. All other transit service will remain in service. Please call our office at (505) 661-RIDE (7433) for any additional information or use the ACTracker to locate your bus route in real-time.   READ MORE...

County provides list of shelter resources so residents can proactively plan

Los Alamos County remains in the "ready" phase of "ready, set, go," meaning there is no immediate emergency from the Cerro Pelado fire. However, according to Emergency Manager Beverley Simpson, residents should proactively consider where they could go, shelter animals and park vehicles if the County's status were to change and residents needed to evacuate.   READ MORE...

Los Alamos County Enters Stage 2 Fire Restrictions April 25

Los Alamos Fire Department’s Fire Marshal Wendy Servey is enacting Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for Los Alamos County, effective Monday, April 25, 2022.   READ MORE...

County Services Update for Wednesday, Feb. 2

Non-essential Los Alamos County government facilities are closed Wednesday, Feb. 2 due to hazardous weather conditions that are expected to persist throughout the day. County officials offer some additional clarifications. (read more)  READ MORE...