Nevada's Governor Joe Lombardo is stepping up efforts to tackle the housing pinch in the Silver State, calling on local lawmakers to join him in pressing for federal intervention. In a letter addressed to Nevada's top legislative leaders, Lombardo highlighted a grim reality: nearly 87% of Nevada's land is in the hands of Uncle Sam, a situation that throttles the expansion of housing development. According to a report by News 3 LV, Lombardo's outreach to Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager and Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro underscored a bipartisan call to action.

"As you are aware, nearly 87% of Nevada's land is controlled by the federal government, significantly limiting developers' ability to increase the housing supply," Lombardo's letter reads. This concentration of federal land ownership has put a stranglehold on growth, particularly in rural areas. Clark County and Washoe County are on the brink, with development land expected to dry up by 2032 and 2027 respectively. Lombardo has engaged with Nevada's congressional delegation and has previously petitioned President Joe Biden to cut through the bureaucratic red tape, according to News 3 LV.

Lombardo's push goes beyond a mere land grab; it's a bid to diversify Nevada's economic profile, reducing reliance on tourism and gaming by fostering growth in infrastructure and economy. He also advocates for a respectful transition that honors the rights and cultural heritage of Nevada's tribal communities. In his Nevada Attainable Housing Act, Lombardo outlines a billion-dollar development scheme to create homes within reach for residents, while curbing speculative investments from beyond state lines. The details of Lombardo's plan and his call for legislative support were detailed in a piece by KTNV. To set this plan in motion, Lombardo is urging state legislators to align with his office. He's asking for a pointed demand to Congress and to President Donald Trump to "take immediate and decisive action to facilitate the systematic and responsible release of federal lands in Nevada."

The governor hopes for a collaborative effort involving federal agencies, local governments, and tribal communities to resolve this pressing issue. "I am hopeful that we can find a path forward together to address these issues for the benefit of Nevada's families," Lombardo wrote in a sentiment echoed by his letter cited by News 3 LV.