Public officials work for their constituents – the people who live in their city, district or state. However, it is impossible for officials to know all the problems of those they represent. The best way for Nevadans to communicate their needs to public officials is to engage with them.

Almost all public offices have a contact form or publicly accessible phone lines and email addresses designed to allow the public to provide information, feedback and thoughts. Below, we provide contact information for federal, state and local officials in Nevada. 

Scroll through this guide for ways to contact your representatives, templates to help you effectively communicate with public officials and other information about engaging with elected officials in the state of Nevada.

Contacting a public official

When you reach out to a public official about an issue, it’s vital to contact the office that can actually address your concerns. Each level of government has jurisdiction over different issues, but they can overlap. 

Find examples and a short description of what each level oversees below. If you’re unsure of where responsibility should fall, start at the local level and work your way up.

Here’s what’s overseen by elected officials at…

A federal level

Nevada’s six congressional delegates are the best point of contact if you have a concern about federal policies or legislation being considered in the House or Senate. Additionally, our representatives and senators have employees responsible for constituent services who can help with things like Social Security benefits, navigating the IRS and veterans benefits.

Contact your representative or senator if your complaint involves:

• Federal laws or legislation
• Federal grants
• Veterans services
• Social security, Medicare and Medicaid and other national services
• Immigration issues
• Issues with the IRS, Small Business Administration and other federal agencies

While senators preside over the entire state, if you choose to reach out to a representative, you must contact the member who represents the district in which you reside. You can figure out who that is here. 

A state level

Nevada’s state government includes ‘constitutional officers’ elected statewide and the Legislature.

Nevada’s Legislature allocates spending and taxes among the different levels of government, establish and reform statewide laws touching on criminal justice, elections, health care and other policy areas.

Contact state lawmakers if your issue concerns state law or there is something you’d like to change that falls outside of the purview of a county or city government.

To determine which legislators represent you based on your address, use this tool, and for more information how to participate in Nevada's legislative sessions, click here.

Nevada has six constitutional officers: governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and controller. Click the arrow for specific information on what is overseen by each office:

A county level

Every Nevada county is required to have a commission. A county commission’s size depends on population, but the minimum number of members is three. County commissioners are responsible for overseeing “matters of local concern,” such as property taxes, law enforcement and housing, though there is some lack of clarity around who has the authority to implement policies such as rent control. A full list of the general powers of a county commission is available here.

Contact county officials if your complaint involves:

• A county ordinance
• Conduction of an election
• Property taxes
• Short-term rentals (AirBnB, etc.)
• County property including streets, parks, recreation centers and bridges
• County planning and zoning

Though it’s counted as one of the state’s 17 counties, Carson City is technically considered an independent city. Information on its board of supervisors can be found in the city level section.

A city level

Incorporated cities in Nevada must have elected mayors and city council members. The number of members varies depending on city population. These officials oversee matters that affect a specific city, such as trash collection, police and fire protection. A full list of issues overseen at a city level is available here.

Contact city officials if your complaint involves:

• A city ordinance, resolution or order
• City property including streets, parks, libraries and sidewalks
• Public works issues including sewers and sanitation, drainage and water projects
• Traffic, parking or parking meters
• Issues involving animals (animal abuse and cruelty, sale of animals, pounds, etc.)
• City planning and zoning

In cities divided into wards, it may be necessary to contact the council member presiding over your specific address.

What to say when contacting your elected officials:

1. Introduce yourself and include something personal, such as whether you live in their jurisdiction, if you feel comfortable doing so
2. Describe the issue you would like to discuss
3. Make a specific request
4. Conclude your message and include contact information so they can follow up

Example for a city-level approach:

Hello, my name is Jane Doe and I’m a constituent and voter living in Las Vegas with my two children.

There is a giant pothole in the middle of our neighborhood that has not been filled and poses a danger to drivers and pedestrians. Just the other day, while my children were on a walk, a car almost hit them because it was trying to avoid the pothole. 

Could you please send out a road construction crew to fill the pothole? If you’re not the correct person to reach out to, then who would be best to contact? 

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Jane

When commenting in public meetings, follow the same format, be sure to include the spelling of your first and last name and be mindful to keep your comments within any time restrictions set by the public body.

Hello, my name is Jane Doe, spelled J-A-N-E D-O-E. I’m a longtime resident of Las Vegas and I’m requesting the city fill a giant pothole in my neighborhood.

The pothole poses a danger to drivers and pedestrians and has been there now for almost a year. Just the other day, while my children were on a walk, a car almost hit them because it was trying to avoid the pothole. 

Could you please send out a road construction crew to fill the pothole? 

Thank you.

Click the arrows for contact information