Southern Nevada is built on ambition. We are a community of dreamers and doers, risk-takers and visionaries who see opportunity where others see obstacles.
Over the past two decades, we have rewritten what is possible in pretty remarkable ways. We have become a global leader in hospitality, entertainment, sports, technology and innovation, all of which have been instrumental in transforming Las Vegas into a Category of One. From the relocation of the Raiders and the A’s to the construction of Allegiant Stadium, from hosting the Super Bowl in 2024 and securing the 2027 College Football Playoff National Championship and the 2028 NCAA Final Four, to welcoming new industries and corporate headquarters, our region has continually proven that with collaboration and determination, the extraordinary can become reality. These milestones are not isolated victories; they are the result of decades of strategic investment, collaboration and an unshakable belief in what is possible.
No economic development deal guarantees success—only the opportunity for growth if the conditions are right, and often times billions of dollars or even the business itself is put on the line. Business leaders took calculated risks, committing significant resources to Nevada’s future. Their choices demanded foresight, adaptability and perseverance.
Nevada’s governors and legislative leaders set aside partisan differences, demonstrating the all-too-rare political courage necessary to invest in the state’s future. They navigated complex negotiations, balancing the immediate demands of their constituents with a long-term vision for Nevada’s prosperity. Their leadership forged the path for transformational industries, modernized critical infrastructure and elevated Nevada’s standing on the global economic stage. Through thoughtful policymaking, strategic incentives and a steadfast commitment to progress, Nevada’s elected leaders created an environment where business and community interests aligned, proving that economic growth and responsible governance are not mutually exclusive.
Local government officials, from the Clark County Commission and city councils to dedicated city planners and public works teams, have worked tirelessly to navigate complex regulatory and planning challenges. Their role extended beyond policies and permits—they were the backbone of ensuring that Southern Nevada was prepared to host world-class events. Whether it was ensuring seamless transportation networks, managing public services or keeping up with the demands of an ever-growing visitor base, their commitment meant that capacity was never the story—only the flawless execution of each event.
Southern Nevada’s resort industry and business community had the foresight to see that incremental investments were not a threat to what they had built but rather an opportunity to enhance and expand the region’s appeal. Their willingness to embrace progress ensured that Southern Nevada remained competitive, strengthening the visitor experience and fostering broader economic sustainability. It is this momentum that drives us forward, and this vision that provides a path to get to a place of yes. We work together to navigate and overcome obstacles, making Las Vegas uniquely positioned to continue on this growth trajectory; as we recognize that progress does not come at the expense of tradition but rather enhances it, business leaders help shape a more vibrant and resilient community.
Public safety officials—our police officers, firefighters, emergency responders and security personnel—played a critical role in shaping Las Vegas into the safe and welcoming destination it is today. They designed and implemented security frameworks that protected both residents and visitors, established emergency response protocols for large-scale events and coordinated disaster preparedness efforts to ensure resilience in times of crisis. Their vigilance and commitment to safety helped cement the region’s reputation as a destination of choice, enabling growth and prosperity to flourish. And the impossible became a little more possible.
The people of Southern Nevada have always been the foundation of its success. This is the community they have chosen, and they have chosen to make it great—not just for themselves, but for generations to come. This community’s resilience and determination have been tested time and time again, proving that Southern Nevada’s success is not the result of chance—it is the outcome of people who believed in its potential and worked to make it a reality.
The realization of what is possible has also brought our community together in meaningful ways. As we’ve seen with our hometown teams, the Las Vegas Raiders, the 2023 Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, and back-to-back WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, sporting events create shared moments of pride. These events unite us as a city that can host the world’s biggest spectacles while showcasing the hospitality and service that is the heart of who we are.
Building a future worth inheriting is never easy. There are always skeptics, always obstacles that appear too large to overcome. But Southern Nevada has never been a place that waits for permission to succeed. We took a stretch of desert and built it into a monument to ambition, resilience and the relentless pursuit of possibility. We attracted the best, welcomed the bold and proved that our success is not defined by what we have, but by what we create.
But progress does not rest. The challenges ahead will demand the same vision, the same determination and the same spirit of collaboration that have carried us this far. The community is home to builders, leaders and visionaries who refuse to accept limits on what is possible. And as we continue forward, we do so with the same commitment that has always defined us. Because in Southern Nevada, we do not just rise to meet the future—we build it. And the impossible becomes possible.
Steve Hill is CEO and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.