Some 150 people took County Manager T. Michael Brown up on his offer Monday "to put aside the doom and gloom and focus on the positive" aspects of where they live.
Brown and county commissioners hosted the 2010 State of the County at the CVIC Hall with a presentation by retired State Archivist Guy Rocha and updates on the last 10 years in the county.
"I was scared nobody would show up," Brown said as attendees filled up the chairs in the hall and enjoyed beverages and hors d'oeuvres.
Rocha offered an entertaining recap of county history.
"I believe Nevada as a state is at a critical threshold," he said. "You're witnessing history."
He said he wanted the audience to leave thinking, "I really understand how we got here."
The stages of boom and bust since 1850 signaled a familiar theme for many in the audience. For newcomers, Rocha outlined how Douglas County got its name (1860 Democratic presidential nominee Stephen Douglas), patterns of growth and the importance and dominance of gaming to keep the county afloat.
"The growth of casino gaming at Stateline changed this county," he said. "What's happening now at the casinos is changing this county."
From 1850-1950, Douglas County remained remote and rural, dedicated to agriculture and timber production. In 1850, Rocha said, the population was 813. One hundred years later, there were 2,020 residents.
"Douglas County was referred to as the 'emerald of the Silver State,'" Rocha said. "You still have it. Is that what you want to sustain?"
The pace started picking up in the 1960s, and the population exploded for the next 30 years as Douglas County became known as the fastest growing county in the fastest growing state in the nation.
"Now, in the midst of a national economic recession, the proliferation of gaming, especially in Northern California, Douglas County is at a crossroads after 50 years of growth," he said.
Commissioners took over the next part of the presentation, detailing the past 10 years of progress in the economy, culture, environment, and quality of life.
"We've been here long enough to see we all have a heritage worth paying attention to," said Commissioner Greg Lynn.
Brown wrapped up the evening with a look at future county efforts.
Pointing to a picture of Jobs Peak, Brown said, "Our core competency is that: Our spectacular natural environment."
"Sometimes people say we don't have a vision," he said. "That's not true. We have a vision. It's alive every single day. It doesn't mean no-growth. It means defining where it will be."
Brown said the county is governed by the strategic plan.
"I follow the board's guidance for limited growth and low taxes. There is less money to do things, but we're still doing a great job."
Citing the county's "wonderful assets" and demographics, Brown said it was incumbent to find a way to keep young residents occupied.
"We want our young people to stay. What are we doing about it?" he asked. "It's a tough challenge. We have to tackle it."
As they left, participants were offered their choice of a framed picture of Jobs Peak or Lake Tahoe.
"This is just to say thank you," Brown said. "You give us the ability to dream. We have a big task at hand and we do dream big. Our environment inspires us. Douglas County has the best Nevada has to offer."
