Leadership Los Alamos participants listen to Deputy County Manager Juan Rael and Sustainability Manager Angelica Gurule speak during the Dec. 13 session on local government. The session was held at the Los Alamos County Municipal Building. Courtesy/LLA

Leadership Los Alamos participants attend a session on local government Dec. 13 at the Municipal Building. Courtesy/LLA

LLA News:

Leadership Los Alamos (LLA) hosted an insightful session focused on local government Dec. 13 at the Los Alamos County Municipal Building, guided by Deputy County Manager Juan Rael and Sustainability Manager Angelica Gurule. This session provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the governance structure of Los Alamos County and the responsibilities of a County Councilor.

Throughout the session, students actively engaged in a public comment exercise, allowing them to practice voicing their opinions and concerns in a constructive manner. This hands-on experience emphasized the importance of civic engagement and the role of community feedback in local governance.

In addition to the public comment exercise, participants delved into a case study that analyzed the results of a recent community survey. This analysis sparked important discussions on critical issues affecting the county, particularly its housing challenges. By examining real data and community sentiments, students were able to connect theoretical knowledge with practical implications, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in local government decision-making.

“Today’s session was a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn directly from experienced county officials,” Leadership Los Alamos representative Jack Allison said. “The insights shared by Angelica and Juan not only enriched our understanding of local governance but also inspired us to think critically about the challenges our community faces.”

Leadership Los Alamos remains committed to fostering the next generation of leaders by providing them with meaningful experiences and knowledge about local governance. The organization looks forward to continuing its efforts in empowering individuals to engage with their community and contribute positively to the future of Los Alamos County

For more information about Leadership Los Alamos and upcoming sessions, visit https://www.leadershiplosalamos.org/

County Manager Anne Laurent speaks to Leadership Los Alamos participants. Courtesy/LLA

A scene from the Dec. 13 Leadership Los Alamos session. Courtesy/LLA