Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020 | 2 a.m.
View more of the Sun's opinion section
I’ve had the privilege of living in Clark County and raising my family here for nearly two decades. Like so many of you, I want to ensure that we have a thriving community in which to live, work and play. And for the first time in more than 30 years, our community has the opportunity to come together to shape the future of Southern Nevada for generations to come.
The Clark County Master Plan establishes goals and policies for the county on a range of topics including land use, transportation, economic development, housing, conservation and historic preservation. The Master Plan has not been comprehensively updated since it was drafted in 1983 — since then, the population of Southern Nevada has grown by 1.8 million residents and the Strip has reinvented itself as a worldwide resort, convention and sporting destination.
Recognizing that the Master Plan was outdated, this year, the Clark County Commission moved forward with a process to engage the community to shape a new vision for Southern Nevada. We call it “Transform Clark County.” This transformational new plan will affect every resident of Clark County, and for decades to come.
With more thoughtful planning, we can create hubs that allow for residential, commercial, entertainment, and food and beverage districts. We can modernize our roads and transit systems to ensure they are more accessible for working families. We can fix historic redlining, increase access to affordable housing, and ensure environmental justice issues are considered in all planning decisions. And we can build parks and connected trail systems that ensure a livable, sustainable and healthy community.
However, none of this is possible unless you speak up and make your priorities known.
Right now, Clark County is taking your input on the preliminary plan framework, a key part of the Transform Clark County process that will further shape the vision and goals for the Master Plan and identify policy directions. Taking the survey is easy – just visit transformclarkcounty.com/participate before Oct. 31. You can also sign up to receive updates and participate in future virtual open houses.
It’s time to transform Clark County, and with your help, we can make it happen.
Justin Jones is the Clark County Commissioner for District F and a former state legislator.
