Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Elko Mayor

The Mayor:Oversee city operations and ensure effective governance.Represent the city at official functions and meetings.Develop and implement city policies and initiatives.Prepare and present the city budget to the council.Collaborate with local agencies and community organizations.Address constituent concerns and facilitate public engagement.Lead emergency response efforts during crises.Advocate for city needs at the state and federal levels.Appoint city officials and manage personnel matters.Promote economic development and community growth initiatives.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Marissa Lostra
    (NON)

Biographical Information

What do you see as the most pressing challenges facing the city, and how would you address them?

What policies or initiatives, if any, would you support to address affordable housing in the city?

What strategies, if any, would you support to address homelessness in the city?

Campaign Phone Number 775-397-0052
Elko faces a few core pressures. Its biggest risk is reliance on mining—when gold prices drop, jobs and revenue follow. The fix is diversification (logistics, remote work, local services) without abandoning mining.

Housing is tight during boom cycles, so zoning reform and mixed-income development matter. Workforce retention is another issue, so investing in amenities, healthcare, and small business growth would help stimulate the local economy.

I’d focus on supply, stability, and speed. First, update zoning to allow duplexes, ADUs, and townhomes . Second, work with the building department and city planner for permits and locations of projects with that could be creative on development infrastructure. Third, partner with employers and developers on mixed-income housing. I’d also create incentives for long-term rentals over short-term use. Finally, invest in infrastructure (water, roads) so new housing can be built where it’s needed.
In Elko, homelessness is smaller in scale but harder to manage due to limited services. I’d focus on practical, local solutions. First, connect them to local outreach services. Then adopt a housing-first approach, getting people into stable housing. Second, expand partnerships with local outreach groups and nonprofits for shelter, case management, and resources.

I support our small, coordinated resource centers for mental health, addiction treatment, and job placement. Prevention matters too, rental assistance and mediation to stop evictions before they happen. Finally, improve data tracking so the city responds efficiently rather than reactively.