Across Nevada, initiatives aimed at cutting waste, improving efficiency, and holding government agencies accountable are gaining traction. While DOGE NEVADA has been leading independent investigations into taxpayer-funded spending, state and local leaders have also been exploring ways to increase transparency and reduce government bloat. These efforts, whether through legislation, executive action, or public-private initiatives, show that the demand for smarter governance is growing.

 

State-Level Reforms: Moving Toward Fiscal Accountability

Governor Joe Lombardo’s administration has made efficiency a priority, acknowledging the need for better financial management and reduced bureaucracy. One of the most significant moves has been the plan to transition state employees out of costly leased office space and into state-owned buildings. This initiative alone is estimated to save taxpayers over $200 million. Rather than funneling money into long-term rental agreements with private landlords, Nevada is investing in its own infrastructure to lower costs over time.

Another major step toward reform is the proposal to consolidate or eliminate redundant licensing boards. With over 50 occupational licensing boards in the state, many of them overlapping in duties, lawmakers have begun taking a closer look at how to streamline these agencies. Senate Bill 78 is one such measure that aims to reduce unnecessary barriers to employment while saving taxpayer dollars.

 

Legislative Action to Increase Oversight

The Nevada Legislature has also introduced several bills aimed at increasing government accountability. One of the most promising proposals is AB33, which seeks to create the Office of the Inspector General. If passed, this office would be responsible for conducting audits, investigating fraud, and recommending policy changes to improve efficiency in state agencies.

However, this is not the first time such a measure has been proposed. In 2017, Democrat Assembly Member Brittney Miller sponsored a similar bill that had bipartisan support but ultimately failed to pass. The fact that lawmakers are reviving this idea shows that the public appetite for independent oversight has only grown stronger.

 

Joe Lombardo’s DOGE-Style Reforms

While legislative efforts like AB33 aim to formalize oversight mechanisms, Governor Lombardo has already implemented DOGE-style reforms within the executive branch. His administration has aggressively pursued cutting waste, removing regulatory red tape, and increasing government efficiency.

One of his boldest moves was rescinding all of former Governor Steve Sisolak’s COVID-19 declarations, executive orders, and emergency directives, reducing unnecessary government controls and restoring operational flexibility to businesses and agencies. He also mandated a full-scale review of all state regulations, resulting in the elimination of 643 outdated regulations and streamlining of 447 others.

Another major success was reducing the state employee vacancy rate from 25% to just 12.5%, ensuring that state agencies are properly staffed and taxpayer dollars allocated for salaries aren’t wasted on unfilled positions. These efforts align with the fundamental principles of DOGE NEVADA—leaner government, reduced waste, and increased efficiency.

 

Public Opinion is on the Side of Efficiency

Government waste is not a partisan issue. A recent Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll found that 72% of registered voters support the idea of an efficiency-focused government agency. This includes nearly 90% of Republicans, two-thirds of independents, and 60% of Democrats. Additionally, 83% of voters said they prefer reducing government expenditures over raising taxes.

These numbers indicate a clear message from the public: wasteful spending is a problem, and accountability must be a priority. While state-level reforms and legislative proposals are a step in the right direction, history has shown that government oversight often faces resistance from within the system.

 

The Role of Independent Watchdogs

While lawmakers debate solutions and agencies propose reforms, DOGE NEVADA is already taking action. As a fully independent, non-governmental organization, DOGE NEVADA is not reliant on state funding, which allows it to conduct unbiased investigations into how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Our team of policy analysts, researchers, and AI-driven data systems works to investigate spending patterns, financial mismanagement, and hidden government waste. We provide transparency and accountability, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly—regardless of which party is in power.

 

A Future of Smarter Government

Governor Lombardo’s efforts prove that government efficiency isn’t a partisan issue—it’s common sense. The savings and improvements his administration has delivered are clear evidence that DOGE-style reforms can and do work. But maintaining these gains requires vigilance, transparency, and continued pressure from the public.

With state-led efforts cutting waste from the inside and DOGE NEVADA investigating from the outside, Nevada taxpayers finally have real allies in the fight for responsible government spending.