Business View Civil and Municipal | September 2022

109 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 billion over the next 10 years to boost scientific research in the U.S., particularly at national labs including Los Alamos. Keith shares, “We are entering an unprecedented era of expansion for R&D here in Northern New Mexico. Los Alamos National Laboratory is committed to seeing the region benefit from a robust and diversified R&D economy.” Not to stop there, the special charm and awe- inspiring natural setting of Los Alamos County has led to a burgeoning film and TV industry that showcases the area’s natural splendor. Although a fixture for close to two decades, recent film projects have taken on a larger scale bringing with them prime Hollywood exposure. While in the past, New Mexico was predominantly made to look like another location, the current production of ‘Oppenheimer’, based on the Manhattan Project will bring Los Alamos to major screens all over the world, embracing its unique history and natural gifts. Along with international releases, Netflix is working on building out production stages and more TV projects throughout the state with the potential to fill Los Alamos County’s production pipeline. Sitting at 7300 feet elevation, Los Alamos is also a high-altitude training destination for athletes from around the globe. The town sits at the base of Pajarito Mountain, the back side of a dormant volcano crater the is the Valles Caldera National Preserve, one of the three national parks that share borders with Los Alamos. Just five miles from downtown Los Alamos, residents will often drive or even cycle up to ski the mountain on lunch breaks and be back at their desks in the afternoon, highlighting the physical assets that Los Alamos can offer those that choose to call the area home. Looking to the future, Enloe and Ungerleider both feel very encouraged. Although housing shortages continue to be an ongoing issue with the influx of employees working through the Lab and other local tech spin-off companies, the county is working hard to provide the retail and LOS ALAMOS COUNTY , NEW MEX I CO