Los Alamos County Seeking Applicants for One of Two Planning Commission Seats

Los Alamos County is accepting applications to fill one of two vacant three-year seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission, a move that opens a pathway for local residents to shape zoning and development decisions that affect neighborhoods and public services. The county announced the openings on January 14, 2026.

Eligible applicants must be Los Alamos County residents who do not hold public office and are not county employees. The commission’s responsibilities include reviewing site plans, subdivisions and variances, and advising the County Council on zoning and Development Code changes. Commissioners serve as a public review body that helps translate policy into specific approvals and recommendations.

For a small, tightly knit community like Los Alamos, decisions about where and how development occurs have visible impacts on daily life - from traffic patterns and utility needs to the character of residential areas. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews projects early in the process, which means its recommendations can influence both individual proposals and broader code updates that guide future growth. Participation on the commission offers residents a chance to bring local knowledge to technical review and to ensure community priorities are considered before matters reach the County Council.

Applications will be accepted until the vacancies are filled. Residents seeking more information are directed to the county’s Boards & Commissions web page or may contact Community Development staff member Danyelle Valdez for guidance on eligibility and application materials. The county did not set a firm deadline, indicating the positions will be filled as suitable applicants are identified.

Serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission is a civic opportunity that demands attention to both community values and regulatory detail. For readers who follow development and land-use conversations in Los Alamos, this opening provides an avenue to influence how the county balances preservation, housing needs and infrastructure requirements. Visit the Boards & Commissions page or reach out to Community Development staff to learn the next steps and submit an application.