Strategic Plan to Address Growth in Southern Nevada

Critical Issue: Parks & Recreation

While Southern Nevada is blessed with vast areas of recreational lands and opportunities surrounding the Las Vegas Valley, there is a shortage of parks within the valley. The shortfall is substantial when considering both the acreage needed to accommodate new growth and the amount needed to catch up. The Authority finds that park needs can be met locally if finance/borrowing options are pursued. It is recognized that the local property tax would be the basis of fund borrowing and tax increases could result if this option is implemented

Parks & Recreation Recommendations

Immediate Local Action
Establish a bondable revenue source for parks to allow funds to be borrowed to accelerate park development.

Develop a coordinated plan to establish, preserve and protect trails, open spaces and natural areas.

Continue to seek voter approved bond issues for park development.

Pursue public/private partnerships for funding park and trail development, operation and maintenance.

Immediate Local Study - Potential Future Action
Study the feasibility of a Southern Nevada community bond bank to coordinate debt structuring opportunities for local government (for more details, see Infrastructure Financing Recommendations).