From the Douglas County Manager's Office

Dear Douglas County,

As we move forward into an exciting new season, I am pleased to share a snapshot of our county’s progress and a vision for the future. Douglas County continues to thrive through a steadfast commitment to quality public services, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility.

This past year has been a testament to our collective strength. Through a variety of programs, services, and initiatives, our county has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. I'm excited to share the "By the Numbers" graphic below to tell a story of active participation, community support, and a shared dedication to improving the quality of life for all our residents.

In addition, I’m particularly excited about the groundbreaking steps we are taking with the new Douglas County Justice Center. This initiative represents a major investment in modernizing our public safety and judicial operations while ensuring that our services remain accessible, secure, and efficient for everyone in our community.

I'm also excited to welcome two new members to the County Manager's Office team: Assistant County Manager Wendy Lang and Chief Operating Officer Kathy Lewis! Both bring exceptional leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and a strong commitment to public service, making them invaluable assets to our team. Their leadership will enhance County services and promote efficiency in operations.

Your ongoing support and engagement make it possible for us to achieve these milestones. Whether through social media interactions, public meetings, or community surveys, your voice is essential in shaping our path forward. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Douglas County.

Thank you for being an active part of our journey. I look forward to working together as we embrace new opportunities and continue to make Douglas County a great place to live, work, and play.

Sincerely,

Jenifer Davidson, Douglas County Manager

Douglas County By the Numbers 2024

We’re excited to present the Douglas County By the Numbers graphic for 2024! This comprehensive snapshot highlights key projects, initiatives, and activities across various County departments, showcasing the impact of our work throughout the community.

To enhance accessibility and engagement, we’ve also developed an interactive version of this document, featuring clickable links to additional resources and in-depth information. You can explore it here to dive deeper into the initiatives shaping Douglas County in 2024.

Stay informed, stay connected, and discover the many ways Douglas County is growing and evolving!

Douglas County Justice Center Update

Douglas County is taking a historic step forward! On December 19, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners approved two bond ordinances to fund the Douglas County Justice Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance public safety, streamline judicial operations, and serve the community for generations.

Key Features

The new Justice Center will feature:

🔹 Modern Court Facilities – Four hearing rooms, jury spaces, mediation areas, attorney-client rooms, and a children’s waiting room

🔹 Enhanced Security – Secure access points and separation of victims and defendants

🔹 Improved Accessibility – Fully ADA-compliant design

👉 Watch drone footage of the site.

Funding: No New Taxes

The project is funded through General Obligation Bonds ($37M) and Medium-Term Bonds ($14M)—all backed by tax revenues, with no new taxes for residents.

Community-Driven Design

Since 2014, Douglas County has engaged the public through meetings, surveys, and outreach. In 2024, nearly 900 survey responses and 70,000+ social media engagements helped shape the Justice Center’s final design.

A Lasting Commitment

This project isn’t just about a building—it’s about ensuring safety, efficiency, and access to justice for all Douglas County residents.

🔗 Stay updated on the project here.

Northern Nevada Development Authority Annual State of the Counties

Douglas County Manager Jenifer Davidson recently joined County Managers from Carson City, Storey County, Mineral County, and Lyon County at the Northern Nevada Development Authority's State of the County. Davidson gave a regional update, providing key insights into Douglas County’s progress, challenges, and future priorities.

Key Takeaways

🔹 Population Growth - The growth management ordinance was adopted by the County in 2007. It caps building permit allocations at 2 percent annually. Since its adoption, population growth in the County has averaged less than 2 percent annually through a variety of factors including market demand, housing costs, and demographics. Currently the population (54,343 State Demographer 2024) is 11,826 less than the 2 percent projected growth rate of approximately 66,169 residents by 2024.

🔹 Fiscal State of the County – The County’s budget for the current Fiscal Year (FY24/25) reflects the vision of the Board of County Commissioners as adopted in the Douglas County Strategic Plan and prioritizes the allocation of resources based on the goals and objectives identified in the plan. Of the total $160.8 million the County anticipates collecting this year, 41 percent (or $67 million) will go to the general fund which is predominately supported by property tax, fees for service, and state consolidated tax (including sales tax). Of the total general fund budget 61 percent goes to support law enforcement and judicial services. The remaining revenue is collected for specific restricted purposes and must be used to support special revenue funds (room tax, parks and recreation) and enterprise funds (water and sewer utilities). Current revenue collections are on track with budget projections for the year and current expenses are near 50 percent for the fiscal year (also on track with the budget).

🔹 Economic Development & Infrastructure – A total of 162 commercial building permits were issued in Douglas County representing 146 tenant improvements to existing buildings and 16 new build/reconstruction permits. The total valuation of commercial improvements in 2024 is estimated at $74,524,411. Douglas County welcomed many new and expanded businesses in 2024, too numerous to list here. For more information on the county’s economic outlook, please subscribe to our Prosperity Press newsletter.

🔹 Looking to the Future – Davidson emphasized Douglas County’s commitment to strategic planning, economic vitality, and community engagement, ensuring a thriving future for residents.

🔗 Click here to view her presentation..

Department Spotlight

Emergency Management

Douglas County’s Office of Emergency Management plays a vital role in keeping the community safe by leading planning, response, and recovery efforts for both natural and man-made disasters. Working closely with local and state agencies, the department ensures a coordinated and effective response to emergencies.

What Does Emergency Management Do?

✔ Disaster Preparedness – Creating plans and resources to help residents stay safe before an emergency strikes.

✔ Emergency Response – Coordinating swift and effective action during wildfires, floods, severe weather, and other critical incidents.

✔ Recovery Efforts – Assisting the community in rebuilding and restoring normalcy after a disaster.

Stay Informed & Be Prepared

Visit the Douglas County Emergency Management page for essential preparedness resources, including emergency alerts and safety tips.

Your safety starts with preparedness—stay informed and ready!

Join Us in Welcoming Wendy Lang and Kathy Lewis to the County Manager's Office!

The County Manger's Office is thrilled to welcome Kathy Lewis and Wendy Lang to the County Manager’s leadership team!

Wendy has been an integral part of the County for nearly 11 years, including nine years as Director of Human Resources, where she led major initiatives and organizational transitions. Most recently serving as Acting Assistant County Manager, she played a key role in transitioning the governance of China Spring Youth Camp and shaping the Douglas County Strategic Plan. With her deep institutional knowledge and proven leadership, Lang is well-positioned to help guide the County’s future growth and innovation.

Kathy Lewis has been appointed as the County’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO), a newly created role designed to enhance internal operations and drive strategic initiatives. With an extensive background in public finance and management, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Douglas County, Lewis brings a wealth of expertise and a steadfast commitment to excellence. In her new role, she will oversee key internal service departments, including Human Resources, Finance, Technology Services, and Emergency Management, while also supporting long-term fiscal planning, process improvement, and public engagement efforts.

Please join us in congratulating Kathy and Wendy as they step into these important roles, helping to shape a stronger, more efficient Douglas County.

Book Your Next Getaway at Topaz Lake Recreation Area!

Your next adventure is just a reservation away! Topaz Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of camping options, including RV sites with hookups, dry camping, and primitive campsites for those looking to truly connect with nature.

Reservations Are Now Open!

📅 Opened January 7 – Secure your favorite spot today!

📍 Stunning lakeside views, outdoor recreation, and the perfect escape await.

🔗 Reserve your site now!

📽️ Watch the video here!

Start counting down the days to your Topaz Lake adventure!

Know the Rules: Off-Highway Vehicle Laws in Douglas County

Planning an off-road adventure? Stay safe and legal by knowing the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) laws in Douglas County! The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office enforces regulations to ensure responsible and enjoyable riding for everyone.