Governor Joe Lombardo (R) is making a strategic move in Nevada’s ongoing struggle to gain control of federally owned land. His recent letter to federal officials marks the latest step in his consistent efforts to address the housing crisis in our state.
The Federal Land Problem
The federal government controls more than 85% of Nevada’s land. This tight grip makes it hard for our state to build enough homes for our growing population. Lombardo has pointed out that Washoe County could run out of land to build on by 2027, with Clark County facing the same issue by 2032.
In his latest letter, Lombardo asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Housing Secretary Scott Turner to include Nevada voices on their new Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing. This request is significant because it builds on his previous efforts to free up federal land.
In His Own Words
In his letter to federal officials, Governor Lombardo makes a compelling case for Nevada’s inclusion on the task force. “As you know, more than 85% of Nevada’s land is managed by the federal government. This significantly limits our ability to expand housing availability, since growth is stifled by the lack of land available for development,” writes the Governor.
Lombardo emphasizes that this isn’t just about policy—it’s about people’s ability to achieve the American dream:
“I’m proud to support to the efforts of this Administration to create meaningful progress through the joint task force on this critical issue, so more Nevadans can soon realize the American dream of owning a home.”
Lombardo’s Consistent Advocacy
This isn’t Lombardo’s first time fighting for Nevada’s land rights. In March 2024, he wrote to then-President Biden, highlighting that “the federal process for privatizing land for development is too slow, too complex, and contributes to higher costs for Nevada families seeking homeownership.”
In his 2025 State of the State address, Lombardo promised to put “$1 billion in new attainable housing units” statewide and emphasized his plan for “streamlining permits and prioritizing the use of every buildable acre of land for Nevadans.”
Just last month, Lombardo pushed the state Legislature to issue a resolution urging the federal government to release land for housing development in Nevada. He even provided lawmakers with a draft resolution calling on Congress and President Trump to facilitate the release of federal lands.
Why Conservatives Should Care
This issue strikes at the heart of conservative principles. Local control and limited government are core values that this battle represents. When Washington bureaucrats control Nevada land, they restrict our freedom and economic growth.
Lombardo’s approach shows a commitment to solving problems through proper channels rather than growing government programs. By seeking land transfers rather than federal housing subsidies, he’s promoting self-sufficiency.
What The Other Side Says
Democrats in the state Legislature have questioned Lombardo’s approach. Democratic Assembly Majority Floor Leader Sandra Jauregui argues that opening federal land is only a “long-term solution” that doesn’t “address the needs of Nevadans right now.”
Democrats have also pointed to housing-related bills that Lombardo previously vetoed, suggesting he should “work with legislative Democrats and Republicans to provide immediate action for Nevada families.”
Why This Letter Matters
Lombardo’s latest letter represents an important tactical shift. Rather than just demanding land transfers, he’s now seeking Nevada representation on a federal task force that could actually make those transfers happen.
This approach might help bridge the partisan divide. As David Edelblute, a commercial property and development attorney, noted, opening federal land is a “giant piece of a complex puzzle” that requires a “multifaceted approach” to improve housing affordability.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
