2021 At A Glance

2021 was a year for the record books. The LVGEA team assisted a record number of companies with relocation and expansion in the region, at the same time creating a record number of new jobs. In collaboration with our regional partners, the region pursued more than $100M in federal grants. The team researched and released new research and an updated economic development strategy to guide the organization’s future path. Here is an overview of the ways LVGEA helped the Southern Nevada region move from resilient to unstoppable in 2021:

LVGEA Breaks Job Creation Record

In 2021, LVGEA had a hand in the creation of a total of 6,235 jobs in the Southern Nevada region, an annual record for the organization. These jobs were the result from the efforts of our extensive partners and LVGEA staff working with 39 companies in relocation and expansion within the region, another record for a one-year period.

Southern Nevada Named Build Back Better Regional Challenge Finalist

In December 2021, the region was named one of 60 finalists for Phase 2 of the American Rescue Plan’s $1B Build Back Better Regional Challenge resulting from the LVGEA led proposal. Delivered through the federal Economic Development Administration, the region was awarded $455,000 in a planning grant for preparation of Phase 2 of the two-part competition, with the winners to be announced in late 2022. Read more about the grant here.

Updated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Released

LVGEA released “Vision 2025: A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy” in August 2021, which serves as a roadmap for Southern Nevada’s economic development efforts. The updated CEDS was developed in collaboration with regional stakeholders to establish a shared vision and set of goals for the region, as well as measurable objectives and activities to be accomplished by stakeholders to strengthen the Southern Nevada community and economy. Read the full report here.

Target Industry Validation Study Released

In April 2021, LVGEA released its Target Industry Validation Study, which identified seven target industries to facilitate economic growth and diversification in Southern Nevada. Key sub-industries were also identified within each target industry representing different operational areas. Read the full report here.

In-Person Events Make a Return

After hosting events online in 2020 and early 2021, LVGEA was able to return to hosting in-person events in summer 2021 with the 41st annual Perspective event on August 13. The following month, LVGEA teamed up with the Vegas Chamber to host the DC Fly-In and in November, LVGEA hosted its inaugural VISTA ’22 event.

FAM Tour Hosts Site Selectors from Across the Country

In October 2021, LVGEA hosted a familiarization tour to showcase the Southern Nevada region’s assets and business friendly climate to a group of nine site selectors. These invited site selectors represent global and national companies looking to expand or relocate in the region.

Record-Breaking 13 Companies Approved at September GOED Meeting

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) approved incentives for a record-breaking 13 companies at its September meeting. The 13 companies are projected to bring a total of 2,314 high-quality jobs to Southern Nevada over the next five years at an average hourly wage of $33.36. Many of the companies align with the region’s newly identified target industries, including technology, manufacturing, and logistics, which are critical for the region’s economic growth and diversification.

“Vegas: Here, You Can” Awareness Campaign Continues

In fall 2021, LVGEA launched the next segment of the “Vegas: Here, You Can” campaign, driving awareness of Southern Nevada with out-of-state businesses who may have interest in relocating. Interested prospects received the 63-page relocation guide, which includes information on the region’s neighborhoods, family activities, world-class amenities, and ways to get connected in the community. Browse the Relocation Guide here.

Workforce Blueprint Research Fuels Partner Collaboration to Fill In-Demand Jobs Gap

The Southern Nevada Software Developer Registered Apprenticeship Program is the first-of-its-kind program in Nevada that allows students to enroll as registered apprentices with participating employers while they complete a Bachelor of Science in Software Development at Western Governor’s University (WGU) at no cost. The program was developed through a collaboration with LVGEA, WGU, the College of Southern Nevada, NV Workforce Connections, Global C2 Integration Technologies, and IONnovate. Learn more about the program at lvgea.org/news-center.