Nevada County labeled 2025 the 'Year of Youth,' with leaders saying they made a concerted effort to elevate young people’s voices in local policymaking. The county launched free bus fares for youth at the urging of its Youth Commission, with Supervisor Heidi Hall noting, “Transportation was a real barrier to getting to school, work, and activities and we listened,” according to the Nevada County.
On housing and social services, officials repurposed the old courthouse, advanced tiny home and RV housing options, and reduced costs and permitting fees for owner-built homes. The county also opened The Commons Resource Center for unhoused residents and secured a multimillion-dollar grant for a new psychiatric treatment center, as reported by the Nevada County.
Nevada County invested in infrastructure by expanding high-speed internet to underserved areas, increasing wildfire mitigation efforts, and updating the McCourtney Road Transfer Station to meet new composting rules and shorten wait times. The county also added a new parking area near a fire station, opened a trail connecting residents to schools and shopping, and held a Recreation Fair. In animal services, officials launched a spay and neuter program and took over management of the local animal shelter. Supervisor Hall joined the National Association of Counties Board and its Disaster Relief Task Force, and she said community collaboration and youth engagement helped guide the year’s initiatives, noting, “Our young people, whose voices helped shape this Year of Youth and the future of Nevada County.”
