Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021 | 2 a.m.
View more of the Sun's opinion section
This week, the Vegas Chamber, in partnership with the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, will take more than 150 business and community leaders to our nation’s capital for our annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In.
As Southern Nevada recovers from the devastating economic impact of the pandemic, this trip is more important than ever.
There is so much happening in Washington, D.C., right now — allocation of the American Rescue Plan funds; the potential passage of an infrastructure package that could address transportation and broadband issues in our state; and policy changes regarding workforce development and labor law that are important to our employers, jobs, and the overall economy — it is essential for Nevada leaders to engage. The Fly-In is an opportunity to listen, learn and lend our perspectives on these important policy topics.
So what’s at stake this year?
Federal funding to help our community and economy recover from COVID-19 is a top priority. Nevada’s economy continues to be one of the hardest hit in the nation, with the highest unemployment rate in the U.S. Our core tourism industry has only partially recovered and many small businesses are struggling to survive. As conversations take place in Washington, D.C., about the allocation of recovery resources, it is essential that Nevada’s voice be heard.
Clark County has assembled the largest regional collaboration ever to apply for federal funding in response to the $3 billion “Investing in America’s Communities” initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The federal initiative aims to accelerate economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and help communities that were disproportionately affected build back better.
The Vegas Chamber is proud to be part of this effort. And to ensure Southern Nevada receives its fair share of funding, it is essential that Nevada’s Congressional delegation and other decision-makers in Washington, D.C., hear from the business community about how ARP funding could be productively utilized in our state to help employers and workers. It is important for Nevada to access the federal grants we need for our economy — and our people — to recover and thrive.
Another top priority is funding to build Interstate 11 and expand Interstate 15. With Congress poised to pass one — and perhaps two — infrastructure packages, these two projects should be at the top of the list to get federal dollars. Not only do these roadways connect Las Vegas to two of its top visitation markets, investing in I-11 and I-15 will expand trading routes, enable economic development in manufacturing and logistics, and enhance the national economy.
Additionally, water infrastructure in the Western United States is becoming even more important, especially as the impacts of drought conditions on the Colorado River worsen. Expanding water infrastructure will take federal engagement. With one-fourth of the U.S. economy, seven states and 40 million people connected to the Colorado River, this should be a national priority.
Workforce development is also at the top of our list. Our economy cannot thrive unless we get Nevadans back to work. To do this, we need to access resources to reskill and upskill our workforce to align with the needs of current employers as well as new industries looking to expand in Nevada. Sharing with lawmakers the need for federal funds to help connect workers with the training they need to build sustainable careers will be an important topic of conversation during our trip and beyond.
We will also be sharing with policymakers the new Southern Nevada Workforce Solutions web portal the Vegas Chamber has created to help connect workers with employment opportunities, along with the training and skills they need to obtain well-paying jobs and sustainable careers. The Vegas Chamber has built a coalition of workforce training, education, and employer partners from across the state. You will hear more about this groundbreaking work in the coming months.
The Vegas Washington, D.C., trip has become one of the most prestigious Fly-Ins of any chamber or association in the United States because it has positively moved the needle on behalf of our state. This trip gives Nevada business and community leaders the opportunity to discuss the real challenges facing Nevada and advocate for viable solutions that will positively affect the future of our great state.
Mary Beth Sewald is president and CEO of the Vegas Chamber.
