Las Vegas Centennial Commission Board Meeting – November 24, 2025

The Las Vegas Centennial Commission met on November 24, 2025, at 21:59 UTC (actual start time not specified). Chair Berkeley presided. A quorum was present with six members, though several were excused. The meeting covered financial reports, grant approvals for documentaries and museum exhibits, a website timeline update, a digital archive completion report, and administrative items.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – The minutes of the special meeting of September 29, 2025, were approved by voice vote (motion by Commissioner Bryan, seconded).

Discussion Items

• Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Report – Senior Financial Analyst Paul Bresnahan presented the financial standing as of October 31, 2025. Key points: interest earnings projected at $1.69M (budget $1.655M); program expenses through four months $534,583; total assets $6.106M. License plate revenue showed 84,440 active plates, roughly flat year-over-year, while the Vegas Golden Knights (81,000) and Raiders (47,400) plates have leveled off. The five-year projection, assuming a 2% annual decline in plate revenue and 4% interest, shows a cash balance of $11.368M by end of FY2030. Commissioner Stodle questioned budget line items for advertising and administration, noting the $180,000 operating agreement with the city should cover legal, admin, and advertising. The report was informational only.
• Gold Creek Films Documentary Grant – Approval of $176,200 for a 56-minute documentary titled "110 Acres and a Dream: The Making of Las Vegas" covering 1904–1906. Producer Ted Fay presented a revised, story-driven approach focusing on the 1909 land auction and earlier settlement. Commissioner Stodle expressed strong support, noting it fills a gap in the existing documentary series. Motion passed unanimously.
• Atomic Museum Permanent Exhibit Grant – Approval of $226,600 for the "Atomic City Project" at the Atomic Museum. Director of Education Matt Malinowski described a permanent (3–5 year) exhibit highlighting Las Vegas’ role during the 1950s atomic testing era. The museum serves 50,000–60,000 visitors annually (90% tourists) and recently saw record attendance with a pop-culture exhibit. Commissioner Helton initially questioned salary expenditures but accepted after clarification that they are project-specific. Motion by Senator Bryan passed unanimously.
• Website Timeline Development – Jeffrey Carlson presented a draft Las Vegas Historic Timeline (1905–2005) with 78 entries. Discussions noted a photo misattribution (1952 photo used for 1935) and suggestions to include pre-1905 history (Native American, Mormon presence). The item was informational.
• Mob Museum Digital Archive Completion Report – CEO Jonathan Allman reported on a $55,150 grant to create a digital asset management system. Key outcomes: 638 items digitized (exceeding 500 goal), two online exhibits launching December 4 and before year-end, and two paid UNLV interns hired. The museum hosts 400,000+ annual visitors and has 2M website visitors/year. Commissioner Helton praised the project as a model for archiving. Informational.
• 2026 Meeting Schedule Approval – The schedule (mostly fourth Mondays, except May 11th as second Monday) was approved unanimously.
• Documentary Premiere Funding – Approval of up to $13,000 to host the premiere of "The City of Las Vegas: The 1980s" at the Beverly Theater on May 16, 2026 (reception at 6 p.m., screening at 7:10). Motion passed.

Key Outcomes

• Grants Approved: $176,200 for Gold Creek Films (110 Acres and a Dream documentary); $226,600 for Atomic Museum (Atomic City Project); $13,000 for 1980s documentary premiere.
• Meeting Schedule: Approved for 2026.
• Bylaws Update Planned: Commissioner Stodle announced ongoing work to update the commission’s bylaws and operating agreement with the city, targeting January 2026.
• Future Agenda Topics: Commissioner Helton raised the need for a strategic plan; Commissioner Coffin suggested a documentary on Jewish history in Las Vegas (to be formally proposed later).