Understanding Film Tax Credits in Nevada and Nationally
By Michael J. Brown, David F. Damore, William E. Brown Jr.
Abstract: This policy primer provides an overview of Nevada’s transferable tax credit program for film and other productions and reviews articles, reports, audits, and studies of film tax credits as a tool for economic development in the United States. This review considers a significant body of work analyzing the use of film tax…
Nevada's Healthcare and Education Workforce Pipelines
By David F. Damore, Caitlin J. Saladino, and William E. Brown Jr.
Abstract: With ongoing workforce shortages in K-12 education, healthcare, and mental and behavioral health—occupations central to the HEAL (health, education, administration, and literacy) economy—this brief utilizes the Nevada P-20 to Workforce Research Data System (NPWR) and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to…
The Startup Ecosystem in Southern Nevada: Growth, Energy, and Emerging Entrepreneurship in 2025
By Len Jessup and Sean Curry
Abstract: The startup ecosystem in Southern Nevada has undergone significant transformation during the past decade, evolving from a fragmented and nascent environment into a dynamic and increasingly coordinated landscape. This study examines the growth of the Southern Nevada startup ecosystem, analyzing key components such as funding sources, incubators,…
Nevada’s Care Workforce: Obstacles and Opportunities for Policymakers
By David F. Damore, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown, Jr., Fatma Nasoz
Abstract: The care economy includes “the paid and unpaid labor and services that support caregiving in all its forms.” This work includes caring for children, the elderly, and those who are ill or have disabilities. Care work is often undervalued, underpaid, and without a fair system of work benefits in place (e.g.…
The Southern Nevada Care Economy: Challenges and Opportunities
By Tripp Umbach
Abstract: National policymakers increasingly recognize the care economy as an essential economic driver, contributing $648 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supporting 3.6 million jobs. The care economy is also critical in driving economic development and prosperity in Southern Nevada. Yet, as this Tripp Umbach analysis finds, Southern Nevada’s care economy…
Nevada’s Predictable Housing Train Wreck and What To Do About It
By Arthur C. Nelson, Ph.D., FScSS, FAICP
Abstract: Nevada is on the cusp of a housing catastrophe, especially in Southern Nevada. While demand is robust, producing homes may be more challenging going forward than in the past. This report includes an overview of housing concerns, summarizes the headship rate methodology used in analysis, applies the methodology to census data to estimate the…
Developing a Stand-Alone Children’s Hospital in Southern Nevada: Needs, Opportunities, and Economic Development Considerations
By Tripp Umbach
Abstract: This independent study developed by Tripp Umbach demonstrates how an independent, research-intensive, stand-alone children’s teaching hospital can significantly enhance the health status of Southern Nevada’s children, reduce outmigration, attract children from neighboring states, and stimulate the healthcare economy. Tripp Umbach evaluated the need for a children’s…
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment in Nevada
Bradley Wimmer
Abstract: The $45.45 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program’s primary objective is to extend broadband service to all unserved and underserved locations in the U.S. and its territories. Several industry studies predict that the BEAD program can meet its goal of providing universal access to broadband service if eligible entities execute their grant…
Driving the Southern Nevada Health Economy Forward: Benefits of a Transformational UNLV Academic Health Center
Tripp Umbach
Abstract: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) plans to develop an integrated academic health center within the Las Vegas Medical District (LVMD). The academic health center includes UNLV’s five health science schools and mental and behavioral health, which is distributed among several colleges (medicine, liberal arts, urban affairs, and education) in the university.…
Executive Summary: Driving the Southern Nevada Health Economy Forward
Tripp Umbach
Abstract: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) plans to develop an integrated academic health center within the Las Vegas Medical District (LVMD).1 The academic health center includes UNLV’s five health science schools and mental and behavioral health, which is distributed among several colleges (medicine, liberal arts, urban affairs, and education) in the university.…
Nevada Economic Development and Public Policy 2022-2026: A Sustainable Future for All Nevadans
The Lincy Institute and Brookings Mountain West
Abstract: This report evaluates economic development efforts in the State of Nevada since the 2011 publication of Unify, Regionalize, Diversify: An Economic Development Agenda for Nevada; assesses demographic and economic trends for Nevada and its regions; examines how state and federal actions since the onset of COVID-19 can…
Improving Health Care in Nevada
Ember Smith and Kaylie Pattni
Abstract: Across the United States, improvements in health outcomes lag while health care costs rapidly rise. Medical personnel and resource shortages combined with high underinsured and uninsured rates further complicate access to quality, affordable health care. In order to better understand state-level solutions, we explore factors that contribute to health…