Los Alamos Manager Outlines 2026 Priorities: Infrastructure, Housing, Broadband, Fiscal Caution

Anne Laurent presented the county’s 2026 priorities to the Chamber Business Breakfast on January 20, laying out a plan that centers on infrastructure improvements, housing development, expanded broadband and fiscal caution in the face of revenue volatility tied to the county’s major federal employer.

Laurent reviewed key infrastructure projects carried from 2025 into 2026, including the Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project, road and utility improvements, and the replacement of Fire Station 4. Those projects aim to strengthen emergency response and maintain aging public works systems on the mesa, where utility corridors and narrow rights-of-way complicate upgrades. County leaders framed the fire protection work as both a public-safety investment and a way to protect property values across residential neighborhoods.

Addressing housing and workforce shortages, the county outlined a mixed approach using deed-restricted units, planned mixed-use and market-rate developments, and partnerships, including collaboration with Santa Fe’s Housing Trust. The plan relies on targeted use of economic development funds to leverage private development and preserve affordability for employees who live and work locally. Officials signaled that deed-restricted units will be prioritized to serve teachers, first responders and other essential workers who face high local housing costs.

Broadband expansion and transparency were tied together as operational priorities. Laurent announced continued investments to expand broadband coverage and improved public access to county data through an Open Books portal and a new 'Ask the County' chatbot. The portal and chatbot are intended to speed public inquiries and make budgets and permitting data easier to navigate for residents and business owners.

Fiscal caution was a throughline of Laurent’s presentation. She cited revenue volatility linked to the county’s major federal employer and outlined steps taken to stabilize finances, including using economic development dollars and a gross receipts tax increase of 5/8ths of a cent that will take effect July 1, 2026. The tax change is positioned as a revenue-stabilization tool; county managers described cross-departmental coordination and clearer communication as essential to track outcomes and protect core services.

Laurent tied these initiatives to the county strategic plan focus areas: Quality Governance; Operational Excellence; Economic Vitality; Quality of Life; and Environmental Stewardship. For residents, the 2026 agenda means visible construction on roads and fire infrastructure, a push for more affordable housing options tied to workforce needs, gradual improvements to internet access, and a modest tax increase aimed at balancing an unpredictable revenue base. County officials say implementation and transparency will be the measure of success as projects move from planning into construction and public-facing tools come online.