Metropolitan Redevelopment Area - Los Alamos

Los Alamos County, in collaboration with its Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) partners—the Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation and New Mexico MainStreet—adopted a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan for East Downtown Los Alamos aimed at enhancing the downtown area’s vibrancy by identifying community-supported projects, programs, and policies while leveraging development and incentive tools.

The MRA Plan adheres to the New Mexico Metropolitan Redevelopment Code, which empowers cities and counties to address development challenges through public-private partnerships focused on revitalization.

This designation marks the first step toward revitalizing the area, as the East Downtown Los Alamos MRA Designation Report highlights the conditions requiring public investment. (Read the Frequently Asked Questions and corresponding Answers).

Approved East Downtown Los Alamos MRA Plan(PDF, 14MB)

Council adopted the final Plan on September 09, 2025.

Tools and Strategies

The Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Plan provides access to various tools to revitalize Los Alamos, including:

The Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan authorizes a range of tools to encourage revitalization, including:
- Tax abatement (up to 7 years)
- Direct financial incentives and gap financing
- Fee waivers for development costs
- Public infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, utilities, and parking

These tools aim to address the identified issues and achieve the goals of the Downtown Los Alamos Master Plan(PDF, 53MB). The MRA Plan complies with the New Mexico Metropolitan Redevelopment Code, which allows cities and counties to address development barriers, often through public-private partnerships. All actions are designed to improve the area and realize the Master Plan's vision.

Addressing Key Issues

Vacant and Underutilized Properties: High levels of vacant storefronts, especially in the former Mari Mac Shopping Village, inhibit growth.
Low Commercial Activity: Persistent challenges in attracting and retaining tenants has negatively impacted downtown economic vitality.
Deteriorating Structures: Many buildings are in poor condition and need updates to attract new tenants and investments.
Deteriorating Infrastructure: Issues include outdated narrow sidewalks, unmaintained pavement and landscaping, and deficient access to commercial properties.

Project Journey and Public Meetings

On September 09, 2025, Los Alamos County Council approved the East Downtown Los Alamos MRA Plan.
Council held two MRA discussion sessions with County Council on March 25, and April 8 of 2025.
On December 16 a Community Forum was held titled "Community Forum: East Downtown Los Alamos MRA Draft Recommendations & Feedback." The slides for the hybrid presentation can be found here and you can watch the recording of the meeting in Council Chambers below.

Public Town Hall: A town hall was held for insight and questions about the MRA plan on June 27, 2024, at Fuller Lodge from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Click here to view the slides from Groundwork Studio at the Town Hall. You can watch the online recording of the town hall below. An online survey was available June 27 - July 11, 2024.

Boundary Approved: The proposed East Downtown Los Alamos MRA Boundary was presented at the county council meeting and approved by Resolution No. 24-08(PDF, 1MB) at the May 7, 2024 Council meeting.
Introduction Presentation: An introductory presentation about the MRA initiative, the benefits and the timeline to the County Council on February 20, 2024.
Initial Assessment: Assessments in May and December 2023 documented physical conditions, identifying factors contributing to blight conditions.
Community Engagement: Since late 2018, Los Alamos MainStreet has engaged with local business and property owners about the benefits of the MRA zone.
Master Planning: The County, with consultants Dekker/Perich/Sabatini (DPS), initiated Downtown Master Plans and Development Code Updates for White Rock and Los Alamos.

Plan and Additional Resources

Questions and FAQs

For more information about this MRA initiative, please contact Economic Development Program Manager Anita Barela at economicdevelopment@losalamosnm.gov. You can also explore the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section and the corresponding answers.

FAQs