Las Vegas Centennial Board Special Meeting - May 11, 2026

A special meeting of the Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial was called to order on May 11, 2026, at approximately 20:59 UTC. The meeting covered financial updates, documentary project reports, and multiple grant requests totaling over $1.2 million. Key debates centered on funding duration, use of AI in historical documentaries, and support for historic preservation including the Harrison House.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Item #4: Approval of previous meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment periods.

Discussion Items

• Financial Report (FY2026): Finance staff reported total program expenditures of $1.26 million, with $2.5 million remaining on approved projects. Beginning cash balance was $6.2 million, projected to end year at $6.123 million. Revenue from license plates is declining 2% per year. Commissioners discussed the need to monitor reserves and find ways to promote plate sales.
• Paul Revere Williams Documentary (Final Report): Emmett Gates presented the completed documentary "Upside Down, Paul Revere Williams in Las Vegas." Discussion centered on the use of AI imagery. Commissioner Stodal expressed concern over the extent of AI use and requested a disclaimer for viewers. The producer agreed to add a disclaimer at the start of the film.
• Grant Request – Jewish Community Documentary ($298,400): Robin Greenspan proposed a film on the history of the Jewish community in Las Vegas (1905–1948). Commissioners supported the project; some suggested focusing strictly on the city of Las Vegas. Motion to approve passed.
• Grant Request – Duck Duck Shed ($160,000): Aaron Berger from the Neon Museum presented the 2026 four-day event celebrating Las Vegas architecture, design, and culture. The request was a 20% reduction from prior years. Motion to approve passed.
• Grant Request – El Dorado Days Rodeo ($750,000 over 5 years): Representatives from the Plaza Hotel proposed a five-year grant for the annual rodeo. After debate on funding length and accountability, a substitute motion for three years at $150,000 per year was approved 7-4. Annual financial reports will be required.
• Grant Request – Juneteenth Nevada ($32,980): Presented a year-round history education initiative including a scholarship pageant and community events. The program focuses on Las Vegas trailblazers. Motion to approve passed.
• Grant Request – Harrison House Restoration ($53,766.10): The Urban Chamber CDC requested funds for window, door, and exterior restoration of the historic Harrison House, a private residence listed on historic registers. Previous $25,000 grant was not used due to matching fund issues. Commissioners debated private property funding and accountability. Motion to approve passed.
• Executive Director’s Report: Updates on upcoming events: a Saturday event at 6 p.m. (only two commissioners RSVP’d) and the Historic Preservation Awards Luncheon on May 27. Commissioners encouraged to respond.
• Future Agenda Topics: Commissioner Stodal proposed developing guidelines for the use of AI-generated material in historic documentaries. The city attorney noted the topic would be on the July agenda.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Grants (all passed):
  • Jewish Community Documentary: $298,400 for the film "The History and Impact of the Jewish Community in the City of Las Vegas, 1905–1948."
  • Duck Duck Shed (Neon Museum): $160,000 for the 2026 four-day event.
  • El Dorado Days Rodeo: $150,000 per year for three years (2027–2029) with annual reporting.
  • Juneteenth Nevada: $32,980 for a year-round history education initiative.
  • Harrison House Restoration: $53,766.10 for window, door, and exterior work.
• Documentary AI Guidelines: To be placed on a future agenda; city attorney’s office is preparing discussion for July.
• Final Report Accepted: The Paul Revere Williams documentary was accepted with a commitment to add an AI disclaimer at the beginning.