Clark County Moves Forward with Innovation District
In early-October the Clark County Commission voted to accept a strategic action plan for the development and implementation of the Clark County Innovation District (CCID) in the southwest part of the Las Vegas Valley. The district will be focused along the I-215 near south Decatur Blvd. and is being spearheaded by the Clark County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED). “Through this district, we are well positioned to further grow our tech capabilities and reputation in key industries such as manufacturing, finance and healthcare, helping to achieve our goals of diversifying our economy and the opportunities for our people,” said Shani Coleman, director of OCED. The proposed design is anticipated to increase density of the area, foster a walkable environment and create multi-modal connections to other district assets.
Gaming Industry’s Impact on Nevada Economy
According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), the gaming industry delivered a $59.4 billion annual economic impact to Nevada’s economy. The industry supports over 330,000 jobs in Nevada and generates $8 billion in tax revenue. Gaming taxes are used to provide funding for statewide education programs, transportation services, county governments and general budgetary needs. Nationally, the US gaming industry contributes $328.6 billion to the economy, supports 1.8 million jobs and generates $52.7 billion in tax revenue.
Google Provides Grant Funding to Nevada Organizations
Google recently announced over $275,000 in grant funding to eight Nevada organizations. Facilitated through Google’s data center community grant programs, the funds are intended to aid eligible organizations and their initiatives within the immediate community surrounding a Google data center. In Henderson, funds were awarded to Baby’s Bounty, CORE, DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, Henderson Public Libraries and Hope Means Nevada. In Storey County, funds were awarded to Eddy House, Fernley ACES and Veterans Guest House.
Housing Prices Remain Stable in Nevada
A recent report from Las Vegas REALTORS® (LVR) shows prices for local homes and condos are holding steady compared to one year ago. The median price of an existing single-family home in southern Nevada during September was $450,000, which matches the price in September 2022. The all-time high for southern Nevada was in May of 2022 at an average of $482,000. In northern Nevada, home prices are slightly up by 3 percent compared to September of last year, according to Redfin. The median selling price for a Reno home is $515,000.
Tract Acquires Over 2,000 Acres for Data Center
Tract, a developer of master-planned data center parks, recently acquired 2,200 acres of land inside the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) in Storey County. In addition, Tract also controls over 1,100 acre feet of water rights and has commitments from NV Energy to deliver over two gigawatts of power beginning in 2026. “We have been working with Tract for nearly a year now and are excited to partner with them on these projects,” said Doug Cannon, president and CEO of NV Energy. “These data center parks will be some of the biggest consumers of energy on our system. Tract’s approach of long-range planning allows us to engage and collaborate early to ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable power will be delivered.”
CCSD Receives Grant for Magnet Programs
The Clark County School District (CCSD) has received a $15 million grant from the Magnet Schools Assistance Program. The grant will help two CCSD schools implement environmental science, technology, engineering and math magnet programs. Each school will offer interdisciplinary, STEM-infused curriculum for students in grades 6 to 8. Applications for students to attend any of the district’s magnet schools are open until January 9, 2024 for the next school year.
Settlement for Blackbaud Data Breach Reached
Nevada, along with 49 other states, has reached a settlement with software company Blackbaud as a result of the 2020 ransomware event. The attack exposed the personal information of millions of consumers across the United States. Under the agreement, Blackbaud must improve data security and breach notification practices. In addition, the company must make a $49.5 million payment to states. Nevada will receive $559,828 from the settlement. The breach exposed contact, demographic information, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers and financial information, among other information. It impacted over 13,000 Blackbaud customers.
