Nevada Aims for Unified Economic Development with New State-Wide Organization

By Debra Allen

CARSON CITY, NV – Nevada is taking a significant step towards strengthening its economic development infrastructure with the launch of a new statewide organization, aimed at unifying professional standards and fostering greater collaboration across the state. The initiative, spearheaded by the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), promises to elevate the skills of economic development professionals and position Nevada for increased investment and diversified growth.

For years, Nevada's economic development landscape has been characterized by regional efforts, with organizations focusing on specific geographic areas. While these efforts have contributed to local successes, a lack of statewide coordination and standardized training has been identified as a potential barrier to broader economic gains. The newly formed organization seeks to address this gap by establishing a central hub for professional development, certification, and collaborative strategies.

“There's been a growing recognition that a more cohesive, statewide approach is needed to maximize Nevada’s economic potential,” said a source familiar with the initiative. “This isn’t about replacing existing regional efforts; it’s about building upon them and creating a stronger, more unified framework.”

Addressing a Need for Standardization

The impetus for this initiative stems from a perceived lack of consistent professional standards across Nevada’s economic development workforce. While many practitioners possess valuable experience, the absence of standardized training and certification programs has hindered the ability to attract and retain top talent. The new organization plans to address this by offering a range of professional development courses and partnering with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to offer the prestigious Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential.

“The CEcD is widely recognized as the gold standard in our profession,” explained a local economic development professional. “Having access to this level of training and certification will significantly enhance the skills and credibility of Nevada’s economic development workforce.”

Boosting Competitiveness and Diversification

The initiative aligns with Governor Lombardo’s broader economic development strategy, which prioritizes diversification, innovation, and workforce development. By fostering a more skilled and coordinated economic development workforce, the state hopes to attract new businesses, create high-paying jobs, and reduce its reliance on traditional industries like tourism and gaming.

Nevada’s strategic focus on emerging industries – clean energy, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare – requires a workforce equipped with specialized knowledge and skills. The new organization aims to provide targeted training in these areas, ensuring that Nevada remains competitive in the global marketplace.

“We need to be proactive in attracting businesses in these key sectors,” said an industry analyst. “That requires a workforce that understands the unique challenges and opportunities associated with these industries.”

Unifying Regional Efforts

Historically, Nevada’s economic development landscape has been fragmented, with regional organizations often operating in silos. While the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has played a coordinating role through Regional Development Authorities (RDAs), a lack of consistent collaboration has hampered broader economic gains. The new organization seeks to bridge this gap by fostering greater communication and collaboration among regional organizations and stakeholders.

“This isn’t about centralizing control,” explained a source involved in the initiative. “It’s about creating a platform for regional organizations to share best practices, collaborate on projects, and leverage each other’s strengths.”

The initiative builds on the existing collaboration between EDAWN, which focuses on Northern Nevada, and LVGEA, which serves the Las Vegas region. By co-leading this statewide effort, the two organizations demonstrate a commitment to a unified vision for Nevada’s economic future.

“The partnership between EDAWN and LVGEA is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said a regional economic development leader. “They recognize that a rising tide lifts all boats.”

Addressing Challenges and Looking Ahead

While the initiative has garnered widespread support, some challenges remain. Ensuring equitable access to training and resources for practitioners in rural and underserved communities will be crucial. Additionally, securing sustainable funding for the organization will be essential to its long-term success.

“We need to ensure that this initiative benefits all of Nevada, not just the urban centers,” said a community leader from a rural county. “That means providing access to training and resources for practitioners in all parts of the state.”

The organization is currently in the process of finalizing its strategic plan and establishing its governance structure. Plans are underway to launch a series of professional development courses and workshops in the coming months. The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on Nevada’s economic development landscape, positioning the state for a more competitive and diversified future.

“This is a pivotal moment for Nevada’s economic development,” said an industry expert. “This initiative has the potential to transform our state into a global leader in innovation and economic growth.”

Resources:

• Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN): https://www.edawn.org/
• Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA): https://www.lvgea.org/
• International Economic Development Council (IEDC): https://www.iedc.org/
• Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED): https://diversifynevada.com/