Economic Diversification

We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” For much of Nevada’s history, that’s exactly what we did - first with mining, then with tourism. For decades, our economy was powered by gaming and hospitality, drawing millions to our world-famous casinos and entertainment venues.

But as gaming spread nationwide - from Atlantic City to tribal casinos to mobile apps - Nevada’s dominance in the industry began to slip. In response, we gradually turned to our other strengths: Lake Tahoe, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and the outdoor beauty that surrounds us. Still, our economy remained overly reliant on tourism.

Then came COVID-19 - and the wisdom of that old saying hit hard. Between 2019 and 2021, Nevada’s casinos lost an estimated $17 billion in revenue, according to UNLV’s Center for Gaming Research. In Washoe County alone, losses reached $500 million. More than 276,000 people across the state lost jobs in gaming and tourism.

These weren’t just numbers - they were our neighbors, our families, right here in Ward 2.

Tourism and gaming will always be part of Sparks’ identity. But if we want a stronger, more resilient future - one that can withstand recessions, pandemics, and unexpected crises - we must continue to diversify our local economy. That means bringing in industries that offer stable, long-term jobs that support working families and grow with our community.

And we’re already seeing real progress. Thanks to the work of EDAWN and forward-thinking city leaders, companies like CASIO have set up shop in Sparks. Sierra Nevada Corporation, a national leader in aerospace, is helping shape America’s future in space - right here in our city. Sparks is also becoming a hub for film, media, and live broadcast production, with local talent producing high-quality content for local, regional, and national audiences.

This momentum is real - but it’s just the beginning.

The truth is, the next 100 years will bring new challenges: more economic downturns, more climate-related threats, maybe another pandemic. I may not be here to see it - but that’s exactly why we have to plan for it. Many of the budget problems we face today were caused by decisions made in 1961 - by leaders who failed to plan for the world we live in now.

We can do better. We must do better.

Let’s build an economy that doesn’t just survive, but thrives - no matter what the future brings. Let’s invest in a Sparks and Ward 2 that’s prepared, prosperous, and built to last, together.