Las Vegas City Council Regular Meeting - April 1, 2026

A regular meeting of the Las Vegas City Council was convened on April 1, 2026, at 9:02 AM. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, public hearings, discussions, and votes on a range of items including land use, budgets, and public safety. The council acted on consent agenda items, approved modifications to alcohol license conditions, adopted a sustainability action plan, and approved the fiscal year 2027 tentative budget.

Consent Calendar

• Items 10 through 17 on the consent agenda were approved in one motion. These items were considered routine and recommended by staff. No items were pulled for separate discussion.
• Agenda items 30-32 (Clear Channel Outdoor sign reviews) were also approved via a single motion after public hearings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• During the public comment period on agenda items (Item 7), one speaker, Shoshana, a resident, objected to the inclusion of an invocation at government meetings, arguing that it violates the separation of church and state and could expose the city to lawsuits. She requested that invocations be removed.
• During the public hearing for the tiny homes development (Items 33A and B), ten members of the public spoke in support. Speakers included Linda Casillas, Heather Anderson, Chrissy Teagues, Bobby Solwick, William England, Raymond D'Angelis, Michael Pope, James Ferris, Gregory Lacefield, Heather DeGrand, and Teresa Norfolk. They described the need for affordable housing, their own financial struggles, and praised the project as a solution for seniors, low-income individuals, and those at risk of homelessness. Many noted the lack of affordable options currently available.
• During the citizen participation portion (Item 38), Heather DeGrand and another speaker criticized the management of the Courtyard homeless shelter, citing disrespectful treatment by security staff, inconsistent rules, and a lice outbreak that they said was mishandled. They called for trauma-informed practices and greater accountability.

Discussion Items

• Ceremonial Proclamations (Item before consent agenda): Councilwoman Sandra Summers Armstrong presented a proclamation declaring April 1, 2026, as Jackson Street Alliance Day, recognizing the alliance's revitalization efforts on Jackson Street. A second ceremony honored four Girl Scouts (Samira Barlow, Tedra Simon, Leah Long, Daphne Hegseth) who earned Silver Awards for projects including making blankets for Ronald McDonald House and creating a “Girls Can Fish Too” patch for the council.
• Downtown Vegas Alliance Report (Item 36): Joe Woody, President of the Downtown Vegas Alliance, presented an update on the organization's activities over the past year, including events, partnerships, and educational sessions. He highlighted a panel on downtown gaming, a legacy award, and a partnership with the city. The report was informational; no vote was required. City staff confirmed a $60,000 annual city contribution and a one-year extension of the MOU.
• Special Improvement District 1485 – Alta Drive Landscape Maintenance (Item 18): Public hearing on the annual renewal of SID 1485, covering 37 properties at a total assessment of $118,050, paid 100% by property owners. No written protests were filed. The public hearing was closed; no action required.
• Special Improvement District 1516 – Fremont East Entertainment District (Item 19): Public hearing on the annual renewal of SID 1516, covering 32 parcels. Due to sufficient reserves, no assessments will be levied for FY2027. No written protests were filed. The public hearing was closed; no action required.
• Family Food 2 Alcohol License Condition Amendment (Item 20): Discussion on modifying a condition requiring a contracted security firm to allow in-house security staff at Family Food 2 (1602 H Street). LVMPD’s Bolden Area Command and Special Investigation Section opposed the change, citing past improvements under the current model. The applicant argued that contracted guards are unreliable and that the owner has sufficient experience. Councilwoman Summers Armstrong proposed a compromise, amending the condition to allow in-house staff but adding a requirement for a training program developed with city staff and LVMPD. The motion passed.
• Sustaining Las Vegas 2050 Action Plan (Item 21): Presentation by Chief Sustainability Officer Marco Vallada outlining the city’s progress on sustainability goals, including water conservation (200,000 sq ft of non-functional turf removed, $330,000 in rebates), clean energy (solar installations, new green rider program), recycling, and tree planting (300 trees planted so far with more planned). The plan guides continued efforts. Council approved the resolution adopting the action plan.
• Workforce Connections Update (Item 35): Presentation by Jaime Cruz, Irene Bustamante Adams, and Ricardo Villalobos of Workforce Connections. They reported serving over 13,000 businesses and 3,700 intensive program participants in the city over the last four program years, with a return on investment of $90 million in annualized wages on $22 million in investments. Highlights included partnership with the City’s Youth Development initiatives and success stories. Council expressed appreciation and no action was required.
• Tiny Homes Development – 33A and 33B (Items 33A and 33B): Applicant Bob Gronauer presented a proposal for 50 tiny homes (boxable units) on a 2.25-acre lot near Eastern and Cyrils. The project includes three different elevations, rod iron fencing, enhanced landscaping, and amenities. Staff recommended denial due to setback variances. After public support and negotiations with Councilwoman Diaz, conditions were added: rod iron fencing, three-year review, private maintenance requirements, and landscape compliance. Council approved the project with conditions.
• Transit-Oriented Development Overlay (Item 34): General plan amendment to create a transit-oriented development (TOD) overlay district, aligning with the 2050 Master Plan's land use and transportation strategy. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. Council approved.
• FY2027 Tentative Budget (Item 22): City Manager Mike Jansen, CFO Susan Heltsley, and Deputy City Manager Rosa Cortez presented the tentative budget. Key points: general fund revenues projected at $840 million; expenditures at $826.6 million, resulting in a $13.2 million surplus and restoring reserves to 25% (policy level). Public safety is 67.4% of the budget, including 18 new LVMPD officers and 15 new firefighters. Capital program includes $115 million in projects. The budget incorporates a 2.5% department decrement and conservative CTax growth assumptions due to geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy prices. Council approved the budget.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Items 10-17): Approved unanimously.
• Clear Channel Outdoor Sign Reviews (Items 30-32): Approved unanimously.
• Family Food 2 Alcohol License Condition Amendment (Item 20): Approved with added training requirement. Vote: carried.
• Sustaining Las Vegas 2050 Action Plan (Item 21): Resolution approved. Vote: carried.
• Tiny Homes Development (Items 33A and 33B): Approved with conditions including three-year review and training program. Vote: carried.
• Transit-Oriented Development Overlay (Item 34): General plan amendment approved. Vote: carried.
• FY2027 Tentative Budget (Item 22): Approved for submission to the state by April 15, with a final hearing in May. Vote: carried.
• Youth Leadership Advisory Council Appointment (Item 23): Carla Yolanda Beltran Delgado appointed to Ward 3 seat. Approved.
• Bills (Items 24-26): First Amendment to Development Agreements for Cashman (Bill 2026-10) and Grant Sawyer (Bill 2026-11) adopted. New bills (Z-2026-1, 2026-12, 2026-13) assigned to recommending committee on April 13, 2026.

Council Member Recognition & Emerging Issues

• Council members shared ward events and upcoming activities. Councilwoman Kelly requested a future discussion on the budget process with the sheriff’s department. Councilwoman Armstrong requested regular 90-day budget updates during the Iran conflict, which the city manager agreed to provide in Tuesday briefings.