How to join Los Alamos County boards and commissions

Los Alamos County posts openings for its boards and commissions and accepts applications through the County’s online portal, giving residents a clear pathway to influence local policy and community stewardship. These volunteer roles range from advisory committees on planning and parks to decision-making bodies for public utilities, art in public places and historic preservation, and they directly affect land use, service delivery and quality-of-life choices across the Pajarito Plateau.

Eligibility is straightforward in most cases: applicants typically must be Los Alamos County residents who are not employed by the County and do not hold public office. Individual boards and commissions may impose additional eligibility rules and variable term lengths, so prospective applicants should review the specific requirements listed on each board’s web page. The County’s Boards & Commissions page also provides PDF packets describing each board’s mission and typical time commitment.

The application process is primarily digital. Residents submit an online application and any requested materials by the posted deadline via the County’s portal. After applications close, candidates are generally interviewed by the appointing authority—often the County Council or a council subcommittee. Appointments and term start dates are published after selection, creating a public record of who is serving and when terms begin.

Board service involves regular meetings, with frequency and time commitment varying by body. Some boards serve purely advisory roles; others carry decision-making authority that can bind the County on zoning, infrastructure investments and cultural projects. That range makes clarity about responsibilities and meeting schedules essential for both applicants and the broader public seeking accountability.

For position-specific questions, the County lists a staff liaison on each board’s web page. For procedural or application questions, contact the County Manager’s office. The online postings include current vacancy listings, application instructions, staff liaisons and PDF packets so residents can evaluate time commitments before applying.

Participation on boards and commissions is one of the most direct ways for residents to affect policy without running for elected office. The composition of these bodies matters for fiscal priorities, land-use decisions and how the County balances growth with environmental stewardship. Residents should watch application deadlines closely, request liaison contact information when needed, and attend public meetings to follow appointments and decisions.

Our two cents? If you care about planning, parks, utilities or preserving local character, apply early, talk with the listed staff liaison to scope the commitment, and show up at a meeting before you take a seat—knowing the questions to ask up front will save you and the community time.