Douglas County Commissioners approve $51M in bonds for new justice center

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - During the December 19, 2024, Douglas County Board of County Commissioner's meeting, the Board passed two transformative bond ordinances that secured $51 million in funding to bring the Douglas County Justice Center project to life. These approved key actions bring Douglas County one step closer to creating a state-of-the-art Justice Center that will enhance public safety, streamline judicial operations, and improve the quality of life for all residents.

“This is a bold step forward for Douglas County,” said County Manager Jenifer Davidson. “We are investing in the future by addressing critical infrastructure needs of the Courts and the District Attorney’s Office that have long gone unaddressed. In addition, through proper long-term planning, the Board of County Commissioners is also positioning the County to tackle the evolving needs of the judicial system into the future.”

Phase one of construction of the Justice Center, Guaranteed Maximum Price #1 (GMP #1), is currently underway allowing the construction team to preorder electrical and low voltage systems for the building, in addition to widening Buckeye Road, preparing the site, installing utilities, and constructing the Central Utility Building which will have the added benefit as serving as the onsite construction office to manage the project.

Click here to view a drone video of the Justice Center site preparations.

Key Features of the Justice Center

The new Douglas County Justice Center, currently under construction near Buckeye Road, will address longstanding challenges in the current Judicial and Law Enforcement Center. Here are some of the key features of the new Justice Center:

• Designed with Efficient Judicial Operations in Mind: The facility will feature a welcoming public lobby, appropriately sized service counters, a properly sized and equipped jury assembly room and jury deliberation rooms, four court hearing rooms, and additional spaces for family court mediation and attorney/client interviews, as well as a children's waiting room. The building will also incorporate sufficient office and conference space for the District Attorney’s Office, including witness preparation rooms and victim support areas.

• Enhanced Security: Incorporating judicial best practices and recommended security measures, the building will prioritize safety for residents, judicial officers, and staff with secure access points and separation between victims and defendants.

• Accessibility for All: With increased ADA-compliant accessibility, the Justice Center will serve every member of the community equitably.

Funding for the Project

The project will be funded through General Obligation Bonds and Medium-Term Bonds, backed by consolidated tax revenues. No new taxes will be required for Douglas County residents.

The adoption of Ordinance 2024-1648, also known as the "2025 Justice Center Bond Ordinance," authorizes up to $37 million for the project. Meanwhile, Ordinance 2024-1649, or the "2025B Medium-Term Bond Ordinance," provides an additional $14 million.

Partnerships That Build the Future

The County has partnered with CORE Construction—known for their exceptional work on the Douglas County Community and Senior Center—and Tate Snyder Kimsey (TSK) Architects—specialists in courthouse design—to ensure this project exceeds expectations.

Public Outreach Campaign

Since 2014, the County has held multiple public meetings to review the deficiencies and safety concerns of the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center and to evaluate the need for the Justice Center.

In 2024, the County facilitated a rigorous Justice Center public feedback campaign, which showcased an extensive commitment to community engagement and transparency through a multifaceted public outreach initiative. The campaign was designed to inform residents about the critical need for the project and to seek input on the final exterior design. The campaign included online and paper surveys, in-person events, social media outreach, targeted emails, posters, and a dedicated website. An online survey received 889 responses, while hundreds of paper surveys ensured inclusivity for those without digital access.

In-person events like the Minden Farmer’s Market and Community Center Senior Lunch provided direct engagement opportunities, complemented by the distribution of posters at key locations across the county. Social media efforts encompassed nearly 75 posts across platforms, reaching more than 70,000 people, while targeted emails and a quarterly newsletter drove significant traffic to the survey. A press release amplified outreach through earned media coverage in regional outlets. This comprehensive approach highlights the vital role of public input in shaping the Justice Center’s design.

Why This Matters

The Justice Center is more than a building—it is a promise to the residents of Douglas County. It represents the county’s commitment to public safety, the efficient delivery of high-quality government services, and the judicial process. As the community continues to grow, the Justice Center and the site on which is it constructed are designed to evolve to meet the needs of the County for generations.

For more information and to follow the progress of this landmark project, visit Douglas County's official Justice Center project page.