Max Tappeiner
The United States often is referred to as the land of opportunity. With this belief, people from around the world migrate here on the premise of personal and professional fulfillment, and the pursuit of freedom and happiness. This desire to better oneself and the attainability of this desire is referred to as the American dream.
Domestically, though, the American dream is often considered unattainable by today’s young professionals. Considering entry-level salaries in most industries and real estate prices in the 10 most populous cities, it is easy to understand why. The idea of working one’s entire life to one day afford a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco or New York does not quite meet that grand idea of the American dream.
One could argue that the suburbs still offer the attainability of the American dream, but the daily commute can make this more of a nightmare than a dream. Furthermore, considering lifestyle and leisure options, the entertainment and restaurant offerings do not come close to what densely populated cities offer.
Las Vegas, though, has positioned itself as a city where the American dream remains alive. Our city offers limitless opportunities for those who want to work hard and better themselves.
Our city faces many challenges, including education, but progress is being made. If we consider UNLV and the imminent opening of the medical school, along with the arrival of Roseman University and its pursuit of an additional medical school, it’s clear to see a brighter and more prosperous future ahead.
Another frequently quoted drawback is the lack of cultural entertainment. And while the dimensions of our beloved neon cowboy Vegas Vic resemble those of Abe Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial, the similarities go no further. And while the history portrayed by the Mob Museum is fascinating, it doesn’t quite measure up to the art collection of the Louvre. We are a young city, though, and we offer our own sense of cultural entertainment which will grow richer over the years. The foundation has been laid with the arrival of the Smith Center and similar institutions.
And so while our city has clear opportunities, key components of the American dream, such as affordable housing, remain intact. For better or worse, real estate prices remain below their 2008 peak and rental properties will remain affordable as long as building permits continue to be issued.
The second pillar of the American dream, professional fulfillment, has never been more accessible than it is today. With the arrival of an NHL team and possibly an NFL team, as well as the city’s focus on building out its health care infrastructure and the diversification of our economy, demand for young, ambitious talent has never been stronger.
Throughout my professional life, I have found that companies committed to their core business, that don’t deviate from their values, are the most successful. With this in mind, our city does not have to become the cultural epicenter of the West Coast; neither do we have to reinforce the image of Sin City for decades to come. Las Vegas should present itself more clearly as what it is more so today than ever before: a city of opportunity. Our city is one of those rare places where the American dream is attainable to anybody who is willing to work for it.
Max Tappeiner is vice president of hotel operations at Las Vegas Sands Corp.’s Venetian and Palazzo.