Eds.: Media are welcome to attend, but the event is not open to the public.
WHAT: UNLV and the Brookings Institution host local, regional and national leaders, including U.S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, to address a recent Brookings report highlighting critical challenges to the prosperity of Southern Nevada. Topics include economic competition, education infrastructure and federal policy in the areas of transportation, research, immigration law, sustainability and more.
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Please see detailed agenda attached.
WHERE: UNLV Foundations Building, Blasco Event Wing
Located off Maryland Pkwy. and Cottage Grove Ave.
DETAILS: A recent Brookings Institution study, "Mountain Megas: America's Newest Metropolitan Places and a Federal Partnership to Help Them Prosper," described the key trends facing Southern Nevada and the critical challenges that must be overcome to attain sustainable growth.
The study authors will discuss their findings in detail, followed by responses from local and regional leaders on policies and actions needed to ensure continued and positive growth in Southern Nevada. Participants will then discuss with senators Reid and Ensign the federal support the region needs to prosper in light of new leadership expected in both the White House and Congress next year.
The complete report from the Brookings Institution may be referenced online at: <a href="http://www.brookings.edu/metro/intermountain_west.aspx">Brookings report</a>.
EVENT AGENDA
Megapolitan Las Vegas: One of America's
Newest Metropolitan Places and a
Federal Partnership to Help It Prosper
Hosted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Brookings Institution
8:30 - 8:40 a.m. Welcome
Thom Reilly (Moderator)
Harrah's Foundation
David B. Ashley
President
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
8:40 - 9:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
Brian Greenspun
President, The Greenspun Corporation
Editor and Publisher, The Las Vegas Sun
Trustee, The Brookings Institution
Rory Reid
Chairman
Clark County (NV) Commission
9:00 - 9:30 a.m. Presentation
Mark Muro
Fellow and Policy Director
Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings
Robert E. Lang
Director, Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech
Non-resident Senior Fellow, Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings
9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Responses
Jacob Snow
General Manager
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Michael W. Yackira
President and CEO
NV Energy
Neal Smatresk
Executive Vice President and Provost
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Pat Mulroy
General Manager
Southern Nevada Water Authority
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. Coffee Break
10:15 - 11:15 a.m. Getting it Done:
A Dialogue Between Mega Las Vegas Leaders and Nevada Senators
John Ensign
U.S. Senator, State of Nevada
Harry Reid
Majority Leader, U.S. Senate
U.S. Senator, State of Nevada
11:15 - 11:45 a.m. Audience questions and discussion
11:45 - Noon Wrap-up
