Executive Order 2026-004

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2026-004

Order Directing the Nevada Housing Division to Make Temporary Assistance Funds for Short-Term Rental and Housing Available

WHEREAS, beginning on August 10, 2026, the Washoe County community has been impacted by severe and widespreadfire activity; and

WHEREAS, the Bug and Fred Mountain Fires have collectively burned over 130,000 acres in Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony; and

WHEREAS, on August 10, 2026, pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 414, I declared a State of Emergency in the areas impacted by the Bug and Fred Mountain Fires; and

WHEREAS, beginning on August 22, 2026, the Hawk Fire devastated areas of Northwest Reno and the North Valleys as it was exacerbated by dry conditions, high temperatures, and severe winds, resulting in over forty thousand Nevadans receiving orders to evacuate their homes; and

WHEREAS, on August 22, 2026, pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 414, I declared a State of Emergency in Washoe County due to the Hawk Fire, and on August 23, 2026, a formal, written Declaration was issued; and

WHEREAS, Washoe County has recently experienced the fire emergencies listed above, collectively the "2026 Wildfire Disasters"; and

WHEREAS, the 2026 Wildfire Disasters destroyed approximately fifty-eight homes and left another ten homes uninhabitable; and

WHEREAS, as the families who have lost their homes, or the ability to return to them, begin to rebuild after the 2026 Wildfire Disasters, their recovery efforts would be bolstered by State-led financial support; and

WHEREAS, the 83rd Session of the Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 540, the Nevada Housing Access and Attainability Act ("Act'') and established the Nevada Attainable Housing Account ("Account'') to be administered by the Nevada Housing Division ("Division''); and

WHEREAS, the Nevada Legislature appropriated State General Funds to the Account; and

WHEREAS, the Act authorized the distribution of funds by the Division to eligible entities for expenditures relating to attainable housing, including, without limitation, for programs for rental assistance; and

WHEREAS, the Act defined "Eligible entity" as a term to include, without limitation, a local government or nonprofit organization; and

WHEREAS, Article 5, Section 1 of the Nevada Constitution provides: "The supreme executive power of this State, shall be vested in a Chief Magistrate who shall be Governor of the State of Nevada."

NOW, THEREFORE by the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and laws of the State of Nevada and the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

SECTION 1: The Division will consult with the Nevada Attainable Housing Council and provide rental assistance for Washoe County residents impacted by the 2026 Wildfire Disasters. The Division will provide funds to impacted local governments consistent with Section 6(2) of the Act, as enacted.

This order is effective upon signature and shall remain effective until December 31, 2026.