Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

iblv editorial:

Hints of hope

Nevada can position itself for better economic success

There has understandably been plenty of doom and gloom about Nevada’s economy — the indicators are sluggish, from unemployment to foreclosures. However, at the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting to look ahead, there was some tempered optimism.

Several speakers offered some hope.

MGM Mirage CEO Jim Murren noted the company’s struggles to get CityCenter open last year, which was a major question in an industry hammered by the recession. “I’m not saying we are out of the woods,” Murren said, “but at least we can now see the green pasture.”

Without dismissing the current economic situation, Rob Lang, head of the Brookings Mountain West at UNLV, said he is betting on a rebound. He said Nevada could set itself up for a better future by doing a number of things such as improving education and developing the renewable energy industry.

“Take a deep breath and remember there is a future,” he said. “In terms of attitude, face the serious challenges, fix them as best you can. Do not allow a sense of gloom to settle. Who wants to go to downcast Las Vegas?”

That is good advice. Nevadans should be standing up to the challenges of today, while working to position the state for a better tomorrow.

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