Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting – January 27, 2026

The Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) met on January 27, 2026, at 495 South Main Street, Las Vegas, Nevada. The meeting was called to order by Chair Doherty with a quorum present. Members in attendance: Cherry, Schlottman, Nelberg, Riley, Ortiz Thompson. Excused: Vice Chair West, Johnson, Loden. The committee received reports from Redevelopment Manager Tracy Reich on incentive program updates, the establishment of Redevelopment Area Three, and Opportunity Zones 2.0. No public comments were made during the designated periods.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (October 28, 2025): The committee voted unanimously to approve the final minutes by reference. Motion carried with all present members voting aye.

Discussion Items

• Report on Redevelopment Area Incentive Changes (Item 5): Tracy Reich reported that the City Council and RDA Board approved changes to incentive programs on January 21, 2026. Key updates include:

  • Business Security Program: Allowed eligibility for buildings without retail storefronts, property owner upgrades before tenants, and tattoo shops as eligible business types. Maximum assistance increased to $50,000 with a 2:1 match (except in the new targeted Historic West Side area where no match is required). New construction must be one year old before applying. Permits and entitlements remain required.
  • Multifamily Residential Renovation Program: Renamed from two previous programs. Eligibility changed from 4+ units to 5+ units (fourplexes on same APN as complex still qualify). Maximum amounts: $50,000 interior, $25,000 exterior (total $75,000 per project). Blanket master leasing contracts disallowed; units must be leased to individuals/families for up to 12 months. Single-family home conversions ineligible. Defined a unit as having kitchenette, bathroom, and living/bedroom area.
  • New Tenant Improvement Program: Rebates up to 10% of tenant improvement value, maximum $50,000 for spaces 2,500–4,999 sq ft, and $95,000 for 5,000+ sq ft. Minimum space 2,500 sq ft (exceptions for projects meeting $20/sq ft improvements and creating 10 verifiable jobs). Ineligible properties include industrial, cannabis, and privileged license businesses. Allows multiple incentives per building. Application packets expected online the following week.
  • Questions & Clarifications: Member Ortiz Thompson asked about the start date for the Tenant Improvement Program; Reich stated it is eligible now but formal packets are being finalized. Discussion clarified that the program covers interior improvements only, while the Visual Improvement Program covers exteriors. Owner Participation Agreements (OPAs) will still be used for projects not fitting any bucket.

• Update on Establishment of Redevelopment Area Three (Item 6): Tracy Reich provided an update on the process. The study area (shown on a map) was approved in September 2025. A blight study is nearly complete, a preliminary redevelopment plan is being drafted, and neighborhood meetings/outreach are scheduled to begin in March 2026. The goal is to present to the Planning Commission in April or May 2026, with first and second readings of the ordinance at City Council in June 2026, aiming for adoption by the end of the fiscal year to set baseline tax records as of July 1, 2026. Reich confirmed that formal adoption sets the baseline.

• Overview of Opportunity Zones 2.0 (Item 7): Tracy Reich explained that Opportunity Zones 1.0 sunsets in 2026, but the federal “big beautiful bill” created a permanent Opportunity Zones 2.0 program. Eligible investments include real estate, new or relocated businesses, and major expansions. The city must nominate eligible census tracts to the state by July 2026; the state can select only 25% of eligible tracts to forward to the federal government. The federal approval process is unclear due to Treasury reorganization. The American Community Survey results (expected late January or early March 2026) will determine which census tracts qualify. Reich highlighted that downtown’s current OZ success (over $1 billion in projects in the Arts District, Symphony Park, and Medical District) has driven income levels up, making some tracts no longer eligible. Members expressed concern that areas north of Charleston are excluded, stifling investment. Chair Doherty noted that success “victim” of its own progress. Reich stated the city will advocate to include the “sliver” north of Charleston if possible.

• Discussion of Future Agenda Items (Item 8): Member Cherry suggested parking as a future topic, noting the city’s work on the issue and a need to “bridge the gap in conversation” due to misinformation. Member Schlottman requested that presentation materials be provided earlier than the meeting day. Reich acknowledged and committed to providing backup materials sooner. No other future topics were proposed.

Citizens’ Participation

• No members of the public came forward to speak. Chair Doherty allowed Tracy Reich to briefly mention that an RFP for affordable artist housing on approximately 11 acres across from Zappos and the Ogden is being prepared and will be issued in the coming weeks. Reich invited committee members to privately send suggestions.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Minutes: Unanimously approved.
• Incentive Program Updates: Approved by City Council on January 21, 2026; implementation underway.
• Redevelopment Area Three: On track for adoption by June 30, 2026.
• Opportunity Zones 2.0: City will nominate eligible census tracts by July 2026; state selection and federal approval pending.
• Future Agenda: Parking topic to be considered for a future meeting.
• Next Steps: Committee members are to send input on the artist housing RFP directly to Tracy Reich.