Planning Services for a 2016 Los Alamos County Comprehensive Plan, Los Alamos NM

Architectural Research Consultants, Incorporated

21517

Top left: Photo of Aspen Trees symbolizing the Los Alamos County environment

Top right: Public Engagement Phases

Left: Comprehensive Plan Random Sample Survey Results Gaging Support for Tourism

Los Alamos County contracted with Architectural Research Consultants, Incorporated (ARC) to provide planning services to support development of the 2016 Los Alamos County Comprehensive Plan, the first complete update of the 1987 plan. The plan includes contextual information and analyses, goals, policies and potential implementation strategies, and a future land use map.

ARC, with subconsultant Tim Karpoff, was responsible for public engagement and document development. Public engagement took place in three phases to 1) articulate and confirm community vision; 2) narrow the focus of the plan to specific topics of interest and concern; and 3) adopt the plan. We also conducted a random sample public survey by mail to obtain input about community vision, and another to validate and refine goals and policies.

Rounds 1 and 2 each included three meetings in dispersed areas of the County, as well as additional Planning and Zoning (P&Z) meetings, interviews and focus groups.

ARC used several methods for public notification. We developed a dedicated project web site and frequently updated it. We mailed postcard announcements to all addresses in the county to notify the public about the start of the planning process, the schedule for Round 1 meetings and the launch of the project web site.

We published display ads featuring the project logo in both local newspapers and online, and both newspapers covered the plan process with regular articles. The P&Z chair, staff and consultants participated in four radio interviews.

Working closely with County staff, ARC was responsible for document design, development of various graphics, and contributing to planning analyses and policy development.

Client: Los Alamos County

Completion: December, 2016

Los Alamos County Comprehensive Plan Public Engagement Phases

Topics/Elements

Round 2

● P&Z review of Community Meetings Results on April 13, 2016● Housing, Neighborhoods and Growth Public Meeting at UNM-Los Alamos on June 15, 2016● Development, Redevelopment and Downtown Public Meeting at Fuller Lodge on June 22, 2016● Open Space, Trails and Mobility Public Meeting at White Rock Fire Station on June 29, 2016● P&Z workshops on July 20, August 10 and August 17, 2016

Public and P&Z Meetings

Round 3

● P&Z draft plan review workshops and meetings on September 14 and September 28, 2016 ● P&Z action recommending adoption on November 9, 2016● County Council workshop and public meetings on October 18 and November 14, 2016 ● County Council adoption on December 6, 2016

Public and P&Z Meetings

!County Boards and Commissions● Los Alamos Public Schools and U.S. Department of Energy ● KRSN radio interviews● Community Events: Farmers’ Market, Los Alamos Chamberfest, County Fair & Rodeo

Additional Meetings

Plan Adoption

Community Vision

Round 1

Interviews and Focus Groups

Additional Meetings

● White Rock Fire Station on March 14, 2016● UNM-Los Alamos on March 16, 2016● Los Alamos Golf Course on March 19, 2016

Community Meetings