BY SUZIE HAVEMANN
Los Alamos County Councilor
Good things are happening in Los Alamos County!
Residents have repeatedly said they want to see more economic vitality in Los Alamos and White Rock. Fortunately, in partnership with the private sector, we have the tools to help make this happen: LEDA (Local Economic Development Act), for economic development, and MRA (Metropolitan Redevelopment Area), for revitalizing neglected areas and re-developing blighted property.
Public-private partnerships have become essential and County Council will be considering several forward-moving projects this fall. I hope you will take time to learn about them and if you are as excited as I am about them, voice your support.
A few things to know:
Any business, new or existing, can apply for LEDA support.
Any business, new or existing, if within the designated MRA areas can apply for MRA support.
The LEDA and MRA tools may not be the best options for every business but the County will
work with anyone wanting to pursue avenues to meet their goals.
Our town’s population makes private sector investment harder to attract without complimentary investment.
Nothing is free. LEDA and MRA grants and/or loans are made on behalf of our residents. They are an investment toward achieving the overall economic vitality objectives. They also require a return for that investment: incremental jobs, GRT revenue, and amenities that serve our community.
Sufficient collateral is required because if the endeavor were to fail, the County, again on behalf of its tax-paying residents, will be guaranteed a form of security comprised of a legitimate asset to cover its investment. Every LEDA or MRA applicant is required to include information and data to articulate the public and economic benefits.
Finally, all LEDA and MRA applications are reviewed by County staff in consultation with the applicant; the goal is a successful outcome for both the business and tax paying residents.
County staff may inquire about how a project might achieve various strategic goals for County residents, but staff does not dictate the scope of these private projects.
Project applications, including the funding mechanisms and justification to support the applications are available to the public prior to being presented to County Council. This presentation occurs at a public meeting where citizen and Councilor questions can be addressed.
Council will then vote to support, deny, or request modification of a project application during the open, public meeting.
In the end, we can’t keep doing things the same way and expect different results. It’s time to
make some investments in our community for our residents, visitors, and business owners.