Laughlin Economic
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
A Community Partnership
Laughlin Economic
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
A Community Partnership
May 2023
The LEDC awarded four $1000 scholarships to Laughlin High School students this year. Luisa Chapa, Tessa Bedell, Madelyn Lock, and Terie Santos were the recipients.
Laughlin Water Service Concerns
Mr. Dave Johnson March 27, 2023
Deputy General Manager
Las Vegas Valley Water District
1001 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89153
RE: Laughlin Water Service Concerns
The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation, after repeated unreturned phone calls to Las Vegas Valley Water District staff, is reaching out to you for assistance in reopening water service discussions that ceased in conjunction with the October 5, 2022, termination of the Casino Drive SID. The purpose of the subject attachment is to identify the issues, concerns, causes and effects of the current lack of available potable water for property owners within the former South Laughlin Casino Drive Water SID Area (and possibly much of the Community outside of the SID Area), and lay the groundwork for timely discussions and a mutually acceptable resolution. While there are some issues and concerns regarding other elements of the SID, water service is clearly seen as the reason for the SID termination and the key issue needing resolution before there can be any reasonable hope for Laughlin growth.
We understand that this is a complicated matter that’s been under consideration since the SID program began three years ago. Further, we believe there are some County policy issues, Water District design parameters, County financial effects, property owner asset effects, and legal opinions that need to be openly and collectively considered on the way to any reasonable solution. That said, neither one or two of the above parties can solve this puzzle without the full participation and cooperation of the other parties. And we believe all parties will benefit from a timely resolution.
The LEDC is requesting you facilitate the Water District’s review of the subject attachment and join with the LEDC in addressing the issues and concerns identified, and timely bringing in the other parties as the program goes forward. We believe there is nothing that can’t be overcome in the spirit of the “best interest of all involved.”
Please contact the LEDC Strategic Development Advisor, Mr. Robert Bilbray, for further discussion and to develop a path forward.
Sincerely,
Martin Knauss
President – LEDC
Enclosed: 23-0325 CASINO DRIVE WATER SID REVIEW
Download/Read the Entire Review Here
23-0325 CASINO DRIVE WATER SID REVIEW
County cancels $93 million Casino Drive SID Project
County cancels $93 million Casino Drive SID project because Las Vegas Valley Water District cannot provide a water commitment
By the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation @ October 6, 2022
Clark County Public Works Department, after 3 years of engineering and analysis, NOW says a water commitment is NOT in compliance with unchangeable LVVWD policy, so the SID is NOT viable and the County will NOT proceed with any further design of utilities in Casino Drive
The above statements were issued by Public Works in an October 5th notice emailed to potential attendees and other parties interested in the County’s now canceled second Casino Drive Special Improvement District (“SID”) Public Informational Meeting on October 12th in Laughlin. The Laughlin project went 4 miles from Needles Highway to Harrah’s at the south end of the casinos, and involved water, sewer, and full roadway improvements.
The notice further states that if a property owner desires to obtain water and sewer services to their property, they should contact the appropriate agency which provides such services. For information contact Bridget Russo at (702) 455-2097 or Bridget.Russo@clarkcountynv.gov, OR Louise Steeps, Principal Civil Engineer at (702) 455-6216.
The County’s total project estimate of $93 million included approximately $30 million for the roadway, $43 million for the water and sewer, and a $20 million contingency. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (“RTC”) indicated its willingness to cover the entire cost of the roadway widening, excluding sewer and water. Normally, the property owners would have to cover the cost of curbs, gutters, sidewalks and street lights.
GCW Engineering, a Las Vegas firm, assisted Public Works in the design of the sewer and water for the SID, and is being paid from an allocation of up to $900,000 from the Fort Mohave Valley Development Fund (“FMDF”), approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The fund is a unique account reserved for Laughlin from the sale and lease of public land in Laughlin which the County holds in trust for the community’s infrastructure development. As of the first County Informational meeting on August 3rd, $500,000 of the fund had been spent.
The bottom line is that Laughlin will lose the $30 million RTC commitment for the roadway and at least $500,000 from the FMDF, and have no sewer or water service available for additional development in South Casino Drive for the foreseeable future!
Moratorium is defined as “a temporary prohibition of an activity” -- in fact, the above indicates there’s a temporary (unforeseeable!) prohibition of an activity (development) – this is a Moratorium on Casino Drive development from Harrah’s to Needles Highway!
Private well-based water systems are the only other possibly viable alternative for Casino Drive projects underway or in planning, since no single project can bear total water main costs.
22-1004 Updated Casino DR SID Press Release - LEDC.docx
LEDC is a 501(C)3 non-profit whose mission/vision is to attract -- and keep growing -- businesses, industries, and housing providers that Laughlin needs, and for which we know our existing residents and visitors can support -- For more information, contact: Martin Knauss at “laughlinedc@gmail.com”
Read More about the Project that was cancelled here
The LEDC attended the 2022 LVGEA Awards event on October 6, 2022. The LEDC sponsored a table and was happy to host Dr. Joe Hardy, State Senator and future Boulder City Mayor; Barbara Cegavske, Nevada Secretary of State; Danielle Gallant, Candidate for Nevada State Assembly 23; Jeff Stone, Candidate for Nevada State Senate District 20; Gail Anderson, Deputy Secretary of State for Southern Nevada; Dr. Brian Paulson, Government Affairs Director for the LEDC; Robert Bilbray, Strategic Development Advisor to the LEDC; Ashlyn Sainz, member of the LEDC and Vice President of RB Properties; Darin Hill, Board Member of the LEDC and owner of The Market at Laughlin, and Martin Knauss, President, LEDC.
A great time was had by all. The LEDC thanks all of our guests for their service and look forward to working with them in the future.
42nd Annual Las Vegas Perspective Addresses the Need for Sustainable Economic Development
The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation had a ten person table sponsorship for the 2022 Las Vegas Perspective.
June 23, 2022
LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), in partnership with the Perspective Council, hosted the 42nd annual Las Vegas Perspective today at The M Resort. With over 700 registered participants joining in-person and online, the 2022 event is the most attended in-person event in the organization’s history.
This year’s theme centered on “Sustainable Economic Development.” While the LVGEA is celebrating 10 years of bringing high quality jobs and companies to Southern Nevada, there are challenges ahead. LVGEA President & CEO Tina Quigley outlined the region’s main issues moving forward: land, workforce/talent, and water.
“The LVGEA will begin facilitating more community conversations about these very serious issues,” said Quigley. “We have the ability to be agile, to shift, and to pivot. We have the opportunity to show the world that a desert community can survive and thrive. Yes, it’s a lot of pressure, but we’re Las Vegas! If anyone can do it, we can.”
The first speaker, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President of Nevada State College, brought a national perspective to the higher education and workforce development conversation. She emphasized that economic development is an ecosystem, with workforce and higher education being two elements of that larger ecosystem.
“Each of these elements work in concert with each other,” sad Dr. Pollard. “We each tend to focus on our little part, but if we’re only focusing on one part, we’re missing the bigger picture. We must recognize this isn’t a zero-sum game, and that each of these elements are essential to a collective growth and advancement. We cannot be complacent about any of the elements of the ecosystem.”
Internationally renowned water expert Cindy Wallis-Lage took the stage next to discuss water security and its importance to economic growth. While Southern Nevada has made progress relating to water conservation, Wallis-Lage reiterated that residents and community leaders must undergo an overall mindset shift when it comes to water resources.
“What got us here, won’t get us there,” said Wallis-Lage. “The reality is, things are changing, and we have to change with it. I use the word, ‘drying climate,’ and that’s intentional. Because when we say drought, we’re saying we think this will end. We’re saying we’re going back to where things were. And that’s not the case. We have a new normal.”
Brian Gordon, Principal with Applied Analysis, wrapped up the event with an economic analysis and forecast for the region. He noted that with inflation at a 40-year record high, the one word on everyone’s mind is ‘recession.’
“Things are moving very quickly,” said Gordon. “Just a few months ago, a survey of economists showed only 28% predicted a ‘hard’ landing for the economy, whereas today that number is 80%. Things are changing rapidly, and I think that’s why we’re all feeling a little bit of this economic uncertainty.”
Gordon did mention that while the region is facing challenges relating to housing, land, workforce, and water, he sees progress when it comes to water conservation and economic diversification into the sports and entertainment industry.
“This is the time for our community to grow up,” said Gordon. “We’ve made great strides, but we’re not there yet. It’s time to make bold decisions and move the economy forward. It’s time to start acting our age.”
Las Vegas Perspective is the region’s go-to source for community and economic development information, analysis, and forecasting. The event and accompanying data book have become a valuable resource for a diverse group of companies and organizations, both large and small in the region.
For photos from today’s event, click here.
Learn more about the event and view the speakers’ presentation slides at vegasperspective.com.
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LEDC Announces Dr. Brian Paulson As New Government Affairs
[PRESS RELEASE]
LEDC Announces Dr. Brian Paulson As New Government Affairs Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [October 2020]
CONTACT: Martin Knauss, President, laughlinedc@gmail.com
LAUGHLIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ANNOUNCES GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR DR. BRIAN PAULSON TO SERVE AS INTERGOVERNMENTAL LIAISON OF NONPROFIT
LAUGHLIN, Nevada (October 2020) The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) announced Dr. Brian Paulson has been named government affairs director of the nonprofit devoted to promoting the economic health, welfare, and quality of life for the residents of
Laughlin through economic development.
Paulson, the former Laughlin Town Manager, has supported the efforts of the LEDC in the past few years to bring about greater economic vitality to Laughlin.
“All of us at the LEDC see an opportunity to have a greater influence on intergovernmental matters as they pertain to Laughlin economic development,” LEDC President Martin Knauss said. “We are excited to take this next step and retain Dr. Paulson’s wealth of experience and
insight in government for the betterment of Laughlin.”
Paulson’s hiring comes as the nonprofit is actively providing a platform for economic development for business and industry leaders looking to expand their operations to southern Clark County and the advantages the Laughlin community offers to prospecting business.
As governmental affairs director, Paulson will enhance these efforts by working as a liaison and consultant with local, state, and federal staff and representatives, including the offices of Senator Joe Hardy, Assemblyman Glen Leavitt, and other members of the 2021 state
legislature, the Governor’s Office on Economic Development, and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. Additionally, Paulson will work closely with both the Henderson and Boulder City Chambers of Commerce along with Laughlin local organizations to promote mutual joint interests. He will monitor state and federal legislative actions in relation to Laughlin economic development and represent the LEDC in legislative and regulatory sessions.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to help build and strengthen a town and a valuable community asset, the LEDC, for the residents of Laughlin,” Paulson said, “and look forward to working with the community again and its many partners in both government and economic development in this new position.”
Paulson served as Laughlin town manager from June 2016 until his retirement from Clark County in August 2020 after 31 years of public service, including over 20 years as the County’s senior community development coordinator for the Community Development Block Grant
program. Paulson is a past president of the National Association for County Community and Economic Development and holds both masters and doctoral degrees in public administration from Iowa State University and the University of La Verne.
The LEDC is a Nevada-based nonprofit whose mission is to create and implement a collaborative venture among civic and business leaders in the town of Laughlin, to promote the health, welfare, and quality of life for the residents of Laughlin through economic development.
A community partnership for action, members provide networking, professional services, financial support initiatives, and community building through economic development in the town of Laughlin.
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Laughlin Community to receive $4.67 million CBD grant for multi-generational Center
The Laughlin Community Development Advisory Committee, led by members Robert Bilbray and Cheryl Crow, received good news that their effort to secure a Community Block Development Grant was successful (pending final approval). The grant of $4,670,399, through the Capital Improvement Plan Application process in Clark County, is for a multi-generational center at the Spirit Mountain Activity Center located at Mountain View Park in Laughlin.
Cheryl Crow is a Director of the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation, and Robert Bilbray is the Strategic Development Advisor for the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation.
An article in the Laughlin Nevada Times article contains additional details about the CBD grant and plans.
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The LEDC is always looking for civic and business leaders to join us in our efforts of promoting economic development in Laughlin. If you are interested in getting involved please visit our Membership page for more information.
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