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== County and Tribal Governments in Nevada ==
Local government in Nevada operates through two main systems: **county governments**, which serve the general public across rural and unincorporated areas, and **tribal governments**, which exercise sovereign authority over federally recognized Native American lands.

These systems serve as the closest level of government to residents—handling public safety, infrastructure, elections, and community services.

=== County Governments ===

Nevada has **17 counties**, including **Carson City**, which functions as an independent city-county.

==== Key Functions ====
County governments manage a wide range of responsibilities, including:
* Law enforcement and jails (via sheriff's offices)
* Local courts and judicial administration
* Elections and voter registration
* Road maintenance in unincorporated areas
* Public health and social services
* Building permits, zoning, and planning
* Property taxes and records (assessor and recorder offices)

==== Governance Structure ====
* Each county is governed by a **Board of County Commissioners**, typically with 3–5 elected members.
* Some counties (like Clark and Washoe) use **home rule charters** that allow more flexibility in local decision-making.
* County departments and elected officials (e.g., assessor, sheriff, clerk, treasurer) manage day-to-day operations.

==== County Highlights ===
* **Clark County** (Las Vegas area): Largest by population; operates major regional services including University Medical Center, McCarran Airport, and the Las Vegas Convention Center.<ref name="clark">"Clark County Government Services." https://www.clarkcountynv.gov (accessed May 8, 2025).</ref>
* **Washoe County** (Reno area): Includes the cities of Reno and Sparks and supports major regional health and emergency services.<ref name="washoe">"Washoe County." https://www.washoecounty.gov (accessed May 8, 2025).</ref>
* **Rural counties** (e.g., Elko, Nye, White Pine) often operate with leaner budgets and collaborate with state agencies on certain services.

=== Tribal Governments ===

Nevada is home to **27 federally recognized tribes**, bands, and colonies, each with its own sovereign government.

==== Tribal Governance ====
* Most tribes operate under constitutions adopted under the **Indian Reorganization Act (1934)**.
* Tribal governments may include elected **Tribal Councils**, **Chairpersons**, **Courts**, and **Departments** (e.g., housing, health, natural resources).
* Tribes maintain **government-to-government** relationships with the State of Nevada and the U.S. federal government.

==== Services and Jurisdiction ====
* Tribes operate their own police departments, health clinics, housing programs, and education services when funding and infrastructure allow.
* Jurisdiction is complex and can involve tribal, state, and federal laws depending on the type of land (tribal trust vs. fee land) and the issue at hand (criminal vs. civil).

==== Major Tribes in Nevada ===
* **Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe** – Based in Nixon, NV. Operates its own police force, court system, and health services.<ref name="pyramid">"Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe." https://pyramidlake.us (accessed May 8, 2025).</ref>
* **Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California** – Manages services across multiple communities and is active in cultural and environmental preservation.<ref name="washoe">"Washoe Tribe." https://washoetribe.us (accessed May 8, 2025).</ref>
* **Moapa Band of Paiutes**, **Ely Shoshone**, **Duckwater Shoshone**, and **South Fork Band** are examples of other sovereign tribal governments with active community programs.

=== State-Tribal Relations ===

* The **Nevada Indian Commission** serves as a liaison between tribal governments and the state government.<ref name="nic">"Nevada Indian Commission." https://nevadaindiancommission.org (accessed May 8, 2025).</ref>
* The state observes **Nevada Tribes Legislative Day**, and many agencies maintain tribal consultation policies.
* Tribes play key roles in land management, cultural heritage preservation, and education throughout the state.

== See Also ==


== References ==
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