A regional economic development strategy designed to guide growth, strengthen infrastructure and improve quality of life across Western Nevada is now available for public review, giving residents an opportunity to weigh in before the final plan is adopted later this year.
The Western Nevada Development District has released the draft 2026-2030 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a federally recognized planning document that establishes regional priorities while helping communities compete for grants and other federal funding opportunities. Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 10.
The district represents Humboldt, Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey and Washoe counties, along with Carson City, the cities of Fallon, Fernley, Lovelock, Reno, Sparks, Winnemucca and Yerington, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and other regional partners.
Rather than focusing on individual projects, the CEDS serves as a roadmap for identifying long-term regional priorities and coordinating efforts among local governments, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and economic development agencies.
According to the draft, Western Nevada has experienced unprecedented economic growth over the past five years, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. While that growth has created new jobs and investment opportunities, it has also increased demand for infrastructure, workforce housing and community services.
The strategy is organized around four primary areas of focus: infrastructure, workforce, quality of life and government capacity. Within each category, the document outlines goals, recommended actions and potential partnerships intended to strengthen the region's long-term economic competitiveness.
Among the infrastructure priorities are improving highways and freight corridors, expanding broadband access, modernizing water and wastewater systems, increasing utility capacity and supporting transportation improvements that can accommodate continued industrial and commercial growth.
Workforce initiatives emphasize expanding career and technical education, strengthening partnerships between schools, colleges and employers, attracting and retaining skilled workers and increasing access to workforce housing. The plan also encourages continued investment in apprenticeships, job training and programs that prepare residents for careers in manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare and other high-demand industries.
Quality-of-life recommendations focus on the amenities that help communities attract residents and businesses, including parks, recreation, healthcare access, child care, downtown revitalization, tourism, arts and cultural resources, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
The final pillar, government capacity, centers on helping local governments better respond to growth by improving regional collaboration, pursuing additional grant funding, modernizing planning efforts and coordinating economic development initiatives across jurisdictional boundaries.
The strategy was developed with input from business leaders, elected officials, chambers of commerce, nonprofit organizations, tribal representatives, state agencies and regional stakeholders. According to the Western Nevada Development District, a 43-member subcommittee representing 12 local governments and numerous public and private organizations helped prepare the draft.
Sparks City Councilwoman Dian VanderWell, president of the WNDD Board of Directors, said the strategy is intended to help communities work together as the region continues to grow.
"This Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy serves as a roadmap for regional collaboration and sustainable growth," VanderWell said in a news release. "By working together across county and municipal boundaries, public and private sectors, and community organizations, the Western Nevada Development District members can capitalize on emerging opportunities, address regional challenges, and build a more resilient and prosperous future."
She noted that rapid growth has intensified pressure on local governments to provide adequate infrastructure, housing and support services, making long-term planning increasingly important.
Although the CEDS does not commit funding to specific projects, adoption of the plan helps position communities throughout Western Nevada to pursue future grants and assistance through the U.S. Economic Development Administration and other federal agencies.
Residents may review the draft strategy and submit comments through Aug. 10 on the Western Nevada Development District website before the document is finalized for the 2026-2030 planning period.
View the document and take a survey visit https://wndd.org/ceds/
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