Los Alamos County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Los Alamos County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Anti-harassment training rollout
A new mandatory anti-harassment training was rolled out — all employees take it every two years, supervisors annually.
Voter Convenience Center Relocation
Because the Betty Ehart Senior Center is closing for renovations, Election Day voting for Precincts 17-23 moves next door to Mesa Public Library for the November 3 general election — subject to District Court approval.
Lab security and surveillance concerns
A resident raised concerns about heavy surveillance around the lab and ski hill after a weekend lockdown, urging the council to prioritize resident safety over GRT revenue.
Diamond Drive pedestrian crossing at Sycamore
The Transportation Board reported the county has agreed to add a crosswalk with high-intensity flashing beacons at Diamond and Sycamore, linking bus stops and the Pajarito Complex area — a spot where crossing on foot has been hazardous.
Street light maintenance and LED conversion
Public Works is finally fully staffed on signal/street light electricians and has fixed 21 of about 60 backlog work orders; nearly 1,000 lights will convert to dark-sky LEDs.
Wildlife-activated warning signage
The county is researching signs that light up only when wildlife is nearby, using cameras and AI or possibly LiDAR. A wildlife study from the county manager's office will guide where signs go — and staff hope to avoid the privacy concerns raised about flock cameras.
Proposal for a local AI policy group
A resident asked the county to create a balanced community task force on AI policy, outside the lab, to weigh both skepticism and usefulness — and to use AI tools to tackle local problems like the LAMC maternity crisis.
Dog-bite impoundment authority expanded to pets
Police can now impound and quarantine dogs involved in attacks on other domestic animals, giving officers time to assess whether a dog is a continuing danger. Public commenters asked that horses and other animals be covered; the county attorney confirmed the definition is broad.
LANL weapons production safety concerns
Greg Mello of the Los Alamos Study Group asked for agenda time to discuss the lab's rapidly expanding pit production mission, saying safety standards are being lowered and the community's early support is eroding.
County wildlife assessment project
Council heard a proposal for a phased study of deer and human-wildlife interactions — data gathering, risk ranking, and management options — with a final report due by May 2027 and a Council briefing in June 2027.
Wildlife-vehicle crashes on Diamond Drive
Animal crashes are climbing — 189 already this year. The county is launching a wildlife assessment and testing AI-triggered flashing animal signs instead of $600,000 in street lighting.
Handheld Device Driving Penalties
The Council strengthened the penalty structure for drivers using handheld phones. The goal is safer streets — fewer distracted-driving crashes.