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