The Brookings Institution report last month named Nevada as one of five states that are poised to become a “new American heartland.” Rapid growth, economic and demographic changes in 5 “megametro” areas are reasons cited for this report.


Las Vegas

is among the cities named.

The region includes Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah; this region “is growing up, flexing its muscles, and distancing itself from California, which historically has had an outsized impace on the West’s development,” accoridng to the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution. Although Las Vegas is suffering with other cities from the mortgage crisis and declining property values, it is expected to make a strong recovery, as compared to other cities. Las Vegas is emerging as a global convening place, according to one of the analysts. With its economic climate and anticipated employment growth in 2009 and 2010, Las Vegas will once again be one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

Nevada and other states in the region are regarded as possible “swing states” in the November election, and as it gains electoral votes from the population boom, the region can play the “kingmaking” role held by the Midwest. The Brookings report predicts that by 2030, the 5 southern Intermountain West states will have added 3 times as many new residents as Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana.

Las Vegas is, according to the report, the prime example of a “megametro” in the region that needs forms of travel other than long ribbons of concrete highways. Regional cooperation in southern Nevada have helped it deal with intense mass transit issues associated with growth in a city of its size. “With the rapidity of growth, it is relatively easier for a place like Las Vegas to retrofit and reinvent what it is,” the study said. One example is the Bruce Woodbury Beltway, which is being completed ahead of schedule due to the cooperation of

local governmental agencies in Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas.

Although there are many opinions about the validity of this study, it is exciting to hear that Las Vegas can be a part of the anticipated “New American Heartland.” We are definitely more than “just casinos and gambling.” Las Vegas is a great place to live, with the benefits of a growing metropolitan city, great climate, strong economic outlook and the entertainment capital of the world!

If you would like more information about this, or other reports about the Las Vegas and Nevada growth and economic indicators, call Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.