The Washoe County Board of County Commissioners reported on the “State of the County” through five videos depicting the status of key strategic initiatives. While not intended to be an annual event, it has been nearly a decade since Washoe County last presented a public recap of the progress made on its priorities with a look at what’s to come.
The program, titled “Washoe At Work Serving our Community,” highlighted the areas that the County Commissioners have previously identified as priorities for 2025. These include Senior Services, Attainable Housing and Eviction Mitigation, Behavioral Health, Community Involvement, and Quality of Life.
Senior Services: Washoe County closed the Senior Center on 9th Street for three months to renovate and upgrade the 50-year-old center. The $2.8 million renovation brought upgraded lighting and flooring, a new kitchen and dining room, and updated ADA-compliant restrooms and redesigned library, billiards room, and game room. The Senior Center also became home to the region’s first OnMed CareStation, a tech-enabled, care delivery system that will provide hybrid care to residents. It is described as a “clinic-in-a-box,” offering individuals the opportunity to have real-time consultations with a licensed clinician via high-definition audio-video capabilities and a comprehensive suite of medical devices. (video)
Attainable Housing and Eviction Mitigation: Many services are focused on the most at-need and vulnerable members of the community. Washoe County has worked diligently to identify the unmet needs of those in the middle. The County’s eviction mitigation program has helped thousands avoid homelessness through $6 million in emergency rental assistance. Washoe County’s tenancy support program has a 91% success rate—helping people navigate landlord issues and stay in their homes. Additionally, Washoe County updated its codes to allow for accessory dwelling units (better known as “granny flats”) or duplexes or other multi-family dwellings. This provides more attainable housing for those who cannot afford to keep up with the price of single-family housing in our region. Additionally, Washoe County has begun the effort of housing those who experience homelessness because of medical or behavioral health issues that require supportive services. In August, Washoe County opened the first 50 units of permanent supportive housing to meet this need. (video)
Behavioral Health: Since launching a Behavioral Health Program in 2024, Washoe County has built a framework for helping those in crisis. Washoe County adopted the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) to divert those with mental illness or substance use disorders from the justice system and into treatment. SIM maps out six points of potential intervention to prevent people from cycling through courts, jails, and hospitals when what they really need is help. Additionally, Washoe County has worked to find funding to reopen Renown’s shuttered Crisis Care Center and is currently renovating the former West Hills Hospital to become the Washoe Behavioral Health Center. This center will provide comprehensive care for youth — with a focus on trauma-informed, age-appropriate support. (video)
Community Involvement: Government works best when it involves residents in identifying needs and devising solutions. This starts with public meetings and Citizens Advisory Boards (CABs). There are more than 75 CAB meetings each year where residents come together to address issues in their region of the county and where the County provides information that is important to residents. From fire services and emergency alerts, traffic safety, and utility projects, CABs connect residents directly with the agencies that shape their daily lives. Washoe County also works with residents on cleanup projects, donation drives, and information fairs. (video)
Quality of Life: Leading the news for Washoe County Regional Parks is the unveiling of a planned amphitheater at Rancho San Rafael Regional Parks. Guided by the 2024 Master Plan and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, Washoe County is planning to build a new open-air amphitheater through a public/private partnership. The 30-by-40-foot performance stage, with terraced lawn seating for up to 2,500 people, will host concerts, festivals, educational programs, and community celebrations. County parks provide numerous programs for residents, and just this year, Lazy 5 Regional Park celebrated 20 years of its summer concert series. Residents also enjoy the free services of the Library System. From technology help to career resources, our libraries connect residents to the tools they need. Computer classes, one-on-one help from a “Book-a-Librarian,” and free access to databases and digital collections are empowering our community to learn, adapt, and thrive. Through the American Rescue Plan Washoe Arts and Culture Funds, more funding will be invested in commissioning public art, murals, and sculptures, and expanding the Washoe ArTrail. (video)
Watch the full presentation here, and watch each of the State of the County updates on YouTube here, and help Washoe County spread the word on how it is serving the community through these strategic priorities.
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