CABs to the Rescue: The County’s Favorite Inconvenience Is Useful Again

Letter CAB members received.

On July 1, 2025, in a move that shocked absolutely no one paying attention to the county’s pattern of “we love you, we loathe you,” staff invited CAB members to re-engage — this time to help with the Washoe County Evacuation Study. Yes, the same CABs that county employees previously rolled their eyes at, allude to the time suck the CABs require, and quietly plotted to dissolve like an unwanted committee meeting on a Friday afternoon.

But now? The CABs are a key part of the planning. Trusted community voices. Insert inspirational music here.

Let’s rewind, shall we?

For years, CABs served as the voice of the people — until that voice became inconvenient. County staffers sighed. Officials shrugged. CAB meetings dried up, got canceled, the message was clear: “Thanks for your time. Please see yourself out.”

Fast forward to July 1, and county staff has had a change of heart. Asking CAB members to “engage in the Evacuation Study project.” Funny how emergencies have a way of making community engagement great again.