Specific to Las Vegas, the biggest challenge I foresee is keeping Nevada’s business taxation policies how they are, and avoiding the destructive policies of California, which seem to be creeping their way into our state.
I don’t believe we have enough community infrastructure, or developing it as quickly, as our population’s growth. Our schools, hospitals and other community resources will be stretched thin and will be difficult to keep pace of a thriving community.
I think that we need to focus on what’s next and what the future Las Vegas will look like. We have so much to offer as a city and a community, in addition to being a thriving tourist and gaming destination.
Q: How do you decompress after a hard week? A: I have a standing date with my wife every Friday. I’ll meet Catherine at a restaurant where we’ll have dinner and drinks and discuss the week’s challenges and successes. Sometimes, we’ll stay at home on Friday night, and believe it or not, watch a Hallmark movie. I’m such a softy for her, and it is what she enjoys.
That’s one of the reasons I came to NBCF, to create a dedicated school for visually impaired kids. Nevada is one of just five states that does not have a school for the blind. We’re going to change that.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas in the next five years? A: Vegas is undergoing a pretty significant transformation. In the last 10 years it went from one of the hardest-hit communities in the country to a city with professional sports, a growing job market, and is once again one of the fastest-growing populations in the nation. The public sector has to make sure our ability to serve the needs of a thriving community keeps pace with the growth.
Q: Where do you take clients to dinner? A: I like to show off the landscape around Las Vegas when clients visit. So, rather than business dinners, I take them hiking, running or bike riding. In our industry, they really appreciate the chance to experience the great outdoors that are so accessible to Las Vegas.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas in the next five years? A: I think our public education system is one of the biggest issues for Las Vegas. With all the growth and development in our city, it is vital that we make these improvements a priority.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas in the next five years? A : Improving our educational system and number of graduates. We need to invest in K-12 education and increase the number of graduates from our schools who go on to college or vocational training.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas in the next five years? A: With the expected growth planned for Las Vegas, one of the biggest challenges we face will be staying ahead of the infrastructure needs. We are already feeling the strain.