A Village of Questa employee has become the first from the municipality to earn certification from the New Mexico League of Zoning Officials (NMLZO), a distinction that recognizes professional achievement and commitment to fair and consistent zoning practices.

Jacob LaFore earned the NMLZO certification after more than three years of education, training, and professional development. The certification process requires applicants to meet a series of standards including formal education, continuing education, attendance at NMLZO training and conferences, relevant job experience, and active organizational involvement.

The NMLZO operates as a subsection of the New Mexico Municipal League and works to identify, foster and promote academic and technical educational programs for zoning officials, according to its mission statement. The organization also strives to maintain open dialogue among planning and zoning professionals across state, regional, and national levels.
LaFore said the certification ensures that zoning practices in Questa will be applied fairly and professionally.

“This certification means the guidelines of the Village’s zoning ordinance will be applied evenly to all zoning applicants,” he said. “It means zoning consistency and fairness, that I can respond to all applicant requests professionally and provide accurate information. Above all, it means the Village has a professional zoning department that can assist our constituents with their zoning needs.”

LaFore added that he looks forward to helping update the Village’s existing zoning ordinance and to collaborating with a future zoning commission and governing body to strengthen local planning efforts.