By Betsy Fretwell, LVGEA Interim President & CEO
This column originally appeared in the March 21, 2025 edition of the Las Vegas Sun – you can read the original column here.
Nearly every article ever written about Southern Nevada’s economy has declared that we are at a crossroads, a pivotal moment, or in the process of laying the foundation for our future.
The truth is that we have always been at a crossroads. The long arc of our community’s history is almost singularly defined by our efforts to become something more than we were at any given moment. Each generation has faced the same essential question: What comes next? Time and again, we have responded with ingenuity, adapting to new industries, diversifying our strengths, and striving to create an economy that is more resilient than the one before.
What differentiates today from the past is scale. Our population is larger, making collaboration more complex. Our divisions are deeper, making consensus harder to achieve. And, the world is evolving faster than ever, making hesitation more costly. Change is constantly happening, so the question worth asking is if we will shape it or let it shape us.
As author Lewis Carroll once famously wrote, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”
Having a clear vision is essential to build an economy that endures through every cycle, not just during booms. We must think bigger, act smarter, and commit to a truly regional approach. The global economy is shifting: Trade is realigning, technology is advancing, and workforce expectations are evolving. These forces are already reshaping industries, and Southern Nevada must make informed choices about navigating this transformation.
Progress is not a given; it must be built. Southern Nevada’s future depends on collaboration, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to smart, strategic economic development. From my tenure as Las Vegas city manager to my work in the private sector, I have seen firsthand that progress does not happen accidentally. It requires collaboration, commitment and the ability to bring the right people together.
When I agreed to serve as interim CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), it was because I believe in this region and the importance of a strong, unified approach to economic development. My responsibility is twofold: to help unify our community around a shared economic vision, and to ensure a smooth transition to the next permanent CEO. Strengthening the foundation for that transition is my priority, ensuring that the next leader inherits an organization — and a region — positioned for long-term success.
No single entity can, nor should, shoulder the responsibility of regional economic development. It is a collective effort that demands alignment across public and private sectors, guided by a shared commitment to prosperity. Success depends on coordination between municipalities, state agencies and private-sector leaders. More than ever, we must come together with a deliberate and proactive approach rather than reacting to circumstances as they arise.
History has shown that when we align behind a clear vision — whether it is Interstate 11, the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV or Allegiant Stadium — we achieve transformational results. Yet, when that coordination falters, we miss opportunities. In a decade, we will be a metropolitan area of 3 million residents. Will we have a clear approach to fully take advantage of that new milestone size? Today, projects such as Brightline West, the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport and an inland port may offer pathways to a robust future, but only if we bring the same level of focus and collaboration that has driven our past successes.
For too long, economic development has been mistaken for community development. While they are connected, they are not the same. The distinction is simple: Community development focuses on improving quality of life, while economic development creates the opportunities that make that possible. LVGEA is not a community development corporation, nor should it be. Our role is to set the stage for economic success, coordinate regional strategies, align workforce development with employer needs, and position Southern Nevada as a premier location for high-value industries. When done right, economic development fuels community development, but the two should not be confused.
To this end, the tough questions cannot wait. What happens when investments in sports and entertainment plateau? What industries will define our next era of growth? How do we make Southern Nevada a place where businesses choose to innovate, manufacture and scale? A decade ago, the old playbook of relying solely on low taxes and affordability stopped being enough. We must focus on our real strengths: a business-friendly environment, a resilient and adaptable workforce, and a region that welcomes investment with purpose and foresight.
The bottom line is that a prosperous future demands intentionality, coordination and a clear strategic direction. At LVGEA, we must prioritize clear communication, eliminate inefficiencies and streamline efforts. We must strengthen stakeholder engagement, align leadership and develop a financial strategy that ensures long-term sustainability. Only then can we focus on what matters most: attracting and retaining industries that create well-paying jobs, fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring Southern Nevada’s economy remains resilient and competitive for decades to come.
And so, once again, we find ourselves at a crossroads — not because we have lost our way, but because progress always demands a choice. Every generation before us has stood at this familiar juncture. The difference now is that hesitation carries a greater cost. The world is moving faster, the competition fiercer, and the margin for error smaller. If we fail to come together as a region and act with intention, we will arrive at the next crossroads with fewer options, heavier burdens and decisions made for us rather than by us. The LVGEA can and should play a leading role in that future-focused community conversation.
My time in this role is, by definition, limited, but I am proud to be part of this moment. Southern Nevada has never been defined by where we stand today but by the future we are willing to build. The road ahead is not predetermined; it is ours to shape. What we do next will determine whether this crossroads is just another bend in the road or the moment we set a course that turns momentum into legacy.
Betsy Fretwell is interim CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.
