Sharla Hales

Arts / Culture Once complete, the Arts Center will be operated in partnership between Douglas County and the Arts Council, creating a vibrant, community-serving venue for performances, student programs, and cultural events. I’m proud to support this long-planned project and ensure it is completed responsibly and cost-effectively. Infrastructure / Transportation My goal as a commissioner is to see Muller Parkway completed safely and responsibly, if it can be done within existing resources, and to ensure the County receives the benefit of its bargain while holding firm to the principle that development should pay for itself. Infrastructure / Transportation Residents who pay for local roads through towns or GIDs should not have to pay for local roads in other neighborhoods. Environment / Energy Given the modest cost to residents and the significant long-term benefits, I support a Stormwater Utility with an equitable fee structure where those who benefit more pay more. Because it already accepts floodwaters, agricultural land should be credited. Infrastructure / Transportation Residents should be able to choose the level of roads they want to pay for and drive on. In other words, tax increases should be passed by voters. Environment / Energy I am committed to using every available strategy to protect what makes Douglas County rural. That means strictly adhering to the Master Plan, enforcing the Growth Management Ordinance as it begins to meaningfully limit growth in the coming years, and prioritizing conservation easements, revitalized Transfer of Development Rights, and careful scrutiny of every project application. Environment / Energy The Douglas County Lands Bill, pursued since 2009, would convey thousands of acres to the County, the State, and the Tribe to support stormwater management, public parks, and trails. I am committed to seeing the Lands Bill passed in 2026 to protect our community and secure these essential lands for future generations. Housing Over the next five years, I am committed to advancing thoughtful policy changes that meaningfully encourage increased workforce housing in appropriate locations—without sacrificing prime agricultural land and without County subsidies—and that better support public servants, young families, and the long-term vitality of Douglas County.