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in Southern Nevada |
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in Southern Nevada |
It is important to take a comprehensive look at the most critical issues and key strategies identified in the strategic plan which must be implemented in order to effectively address Southern Nevada’s growth challenges. The following issues and strategies are the ones which emerged through the planning process as needing the greatest amount of attention in the immediate future. The highest priority strategies are within the categories of Governance, Finance, and Legislation. It is these strategic issues that form the basis for an implementation framework to effectively address the challenges of future growth and development in Southern Nevada. Many of the strategies are complimentary, and when linked together, provide a comprehensive approach to implementing solutions.
Prologue
The 69th Session of the Nevada Legislature was dubbed “the Growth Session” because of the focus of so many legislative initiatives on growth related issues. Legislators worked very hard to receive approval for initiatives, including restrictions on neighborhood casinos, facilitating affordable housing development, growth boundaries and regional planning. The funding of capital improvements for infrastructure was the issue that forced all local governments to take a close, objective look at their way of doing business and their individual community needs. Ultimately, a good deal of meaningful legislation was passed from which local governments can work to achieve desired results. Senate Bill 383, initiated by Senator Jon Porter, created the Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority and mandated the development of this strategic plan.
Since the end of that legislative session, much has been done at the local government level to address community infrastructure needs and develop mechanisms for regional coordination and collaboration. The five local entities in the Las Vegas Valley (including Boulder City), after receiving the endorsement of the Government Efficiency Committee, adopted an interlocal agreement supporting regional collaboration. The agreement included the support of two major collaborative events which brought Southern Nevada’s local jurisdictions together in a way that had never been done in the history of Southern Nevada. The first, in August 1997, was a “Growth Forum” facilitated by the National Civic League. Five local jurisdictions entered into an interlocal agreement to bring in the NCL to facilitate a community-based consensus process which was named “Livable Las Vegas.” This process brought together over 125 community leaders to brainstorm ideas about how to solve key community growth issues. In October of 1997, the same local jurisdictions, again through interlocal agreement, hired the Urban Land Institute to provide their expert, independent opinions about how Southern Nevada local governments could best address our community needs.
The Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority had just begun its work when the ULI recommendations were presented. Many of the key issues identified in the ULI report were directly addressed by the Authority, and several of the strategies in this plan reflect ULI’s recommendations, including alternatives for a governance framework, infrastructure financing, transportation, education, and the environment.
Critical Issues and Strategies
The Authority finds that for each of the following critical issues there are a number of immediate actions that should be undertaken.
Governance
Infrastructure Financing
Transportation
Schools/Education
Parks & Recreation
Public Safety
Environment
Economy/ Economic Development
Health Care
Conclusion/Call to Action
