Growing with Purpose: West Yost Launches in Nevada

By Jonathan Lesperance,  Principal Engineer, Nevada Geographic Expansion Lead & Charles Duncan, President and CEO 

This article contains and answers the following:

Opening a new office often signals growth. 

For West Yost, it signals something more deliberate: a decision about where we can contribute in a meaningful and lasting way. 

Our recent expansion into Reno reflects that intent. Northern Nevada is not just a new geography for the firm, it is a region where the intersection of water, growth, and long-term resilience is becoming increasingly important. The decision to establish a presence here was grounded in alignment, not opportunity alone. 

For more than 35 years, West Yost has focused on helping Western communities navigate complex water challenges: drought resilience, groundwater management, water reuse, and infrastructure planning that supports sustainable growth. Nevada faces many of these same realities. Rapid development, climate variability, and finite water resources require thoughtful, integrated approaches to infrastructure. 

Expanding into Nevada is a continuation of that work. 

Water as a Foundation for Growth 

In regions like Northern Nevada, water is more than a utility, it is foundational to economic and community development. 

“Decisions made today will shape the reliability, affordability, and resilience of these systems for decades.”

Reliable water and wastewater systems support housing, enable business growth, and sustain quality of life. As the region continues to expand, the importance of long-term infrastructure planning becomes even more pronounced. Decisions made today will shape the reliability, affordability, and resilience of these systems for decades. 

This is where West Yost’s approach is centered. 

Our work integrates engineering, planning, and financial strategy to help agencies make informed decisions about infrastructure investments. The goal is not simply to meet current demand, but to position communities for long-term success in the face of uncertainty, whether that uncertainty comes from climate variability, regulatory change, or evolving growth patterns. 

Establishing a presence in Reno allows us to engage more directly in that work, supporting agencies as they balance growth with resource stewardship. 

A Responsibility That Extends Beyond Projects 

Entering a new region carries responsibility, particularly in water infrastructure where decisions have generational impacts. 

At a technical level, that responsibility means delivering solutions that are sound, resilient, and adaptable. Water systems must perform reliably under a wide range of conditions, from peak demand periods to drought scenarios and emergency events. 

At a broader level, it means understanding the role of public agencies as stewards. Water providers operate within a complex environment, balancing affordability, regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, and community expectations. The role of a consulting firm in that context is not simply to design infrastructure, but to help guide decisions that are sustainable over time. 

“Water infrastructure underpins regional stability and growth.”

There is also an economic dimension. Water infrastructure underpins regional stability and growth. Thoughtful planning and investment can support development while protecting long-term system performance and financial health. 

Our commitment in Nevada reflects all of these responsibilities. It is not about delivering individual projects, it is about contributing to the long-term infrastructure story of the region. 

Building Through People 

A lasting presence is built through people. 

With Jonathan Lesperance leading West Yost’s Reno office, the firm is establishing its presence through local leadership. As a Nevada native with deep experience in water and wastewater systems, Jonathan brings both technical expertise and a strong understanding of the region. 

That local foundation is essential. It allows for consistent engagement with agencies, industry partners, and community stakeholders. It also ensures that solutions are grounded in local context while informed by broader experience across the West. 

This reflects a core philosophy at West Yost. Projects are important, but they are not the measure of success. Relationships are. 

By investing in a local team, we are committing to supporting agencies throughout the full lifecycle of their infrastructure, from planning and design through implementation and beyond. Our role is to be a long-term partner, not a transactional consultant. 

Advancing Water Leadership in the West 

West Yost’s vision is to lead in water across the Western United States. That leadership is defined by impact, how effectively we help communities address their most pressing challenges, not by the number of offices we open. 

Nevada represents both an opportunity and a responsibility within that vision. 

“There is also a responsibility to help steward limited resources in a way that supports sustainable growth.”

There is an opportunity to support forward-thinking approaches to water management, including integrated planning, reuse, and long-term asset management. There is also a responsibility to help steward limited resources in a way that supports sustainable growth. 

Our presence in Northern Nevada reflects a commitment to both. 

Looking Ahead 

As we continue to grow in Nevada, our focus remains clear. 

We are here to build relationships, contribute to meaningful work, and support communities as they plan for the future. The challenges facing the region are complex, but they are also familiar, shared across much of the West. 

Addressing them requires technical expertise, thoughtful planning, and a long-term perspective. 

It also requires showing up consistently. 

West Yost is proud to be part of Northern Nevada’s evolving water story and looks forward to contributing in a way that is collaborative, practical, and enduring.

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