Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency met on May 20, 2026, at 3:28 PM (UTC) to consider several items including a tenant improvement grant, a land acquisition, and a report on the agency's employment plan. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor, with proper notice and video recording. Public comments were heard at the beginning and at the end of the meeting. Two action items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mark Curley (member of the public) spoke during the initial public comment period about veterans. He expressed strong support for taking better care of veterans, noting that they are important and that the city has done a great job but needs to do more. He referenced the history of veteran treatment from the Civil War through the Vietnam War and current conditions. No response was provided by the agency.
• No speakers came forward during the final citizen participation period (agenda item 8).

Discussion Items

• Agenda Item 4 – Approval of Minutes (April 15, 2026): The minutes of the regular redevelopment agency meeting of April 15, 2026, were presented for approval by reference. A motion was made and seconded. The vote was taken and the motion carried unanimously. (Note: The public comment by Mark Curley occurred before the vote on this item, but the item was ultimately approved.)
• Agenda Item 5 – RA-16-2026: Tenant Owner Participation Agreement (TOPA) for Meraki Greek Grill: Dina Babski, Director of Economic and Urban Development, presented a resolution to approve a Tenant Owner Participation Agreement (TOPA) between the RDA and JSG OZB LLC and Charleston OZB LLC for property at 1551 South Commerce Street, located in Ward 3. The project is a tenant improvement grant, the first under a newly established program. The grant amount is $74,500 (not to exceed) from the RDA Special Revenue Fund, Redevelopment Area 1. The total project cost exceeds $600,000, with infrastructure costs over $200,000. The grant will help bring the building up to code, specifically for a new backflow prevention device (RPDA) for the fire suppression system. The tenant is Meraki Greek Grill, which will occupy the space. The applicant, Sivag (property owner), explained that the building has been an investment in the Arts District for over 10 years, and the backflow device issue was resolved through a shared RPDA with neighboring properties, a solution that took years of collaboration with city staff and the water district. Planning Commissioner Schlottman provided an educational overview of the challenges with backflow devices in the Arts District, including state law restrictions on alley installations and the need for a pilot project to allow shared devices. The goal is to have the restaurant open by June 22, 2026. Councilwoman Diaz made a motion to approve, which was seconded and carried unanimously. (This item is related to Council Item 30, R-34-2026.)
• Agenda Item 6 – RA-17-2026: Land Purchase from Cox Communications: Dina Babski presented a resolution to authorize the purchase of real property located at the northeast corner of Rancho Drive and West Bonanza and 709-811 Dyke Lane, consisting of 5.4 acres of vacant land, from Cox Communications for $3,490,540. The property was formerly used as a parking lot and training area for Cox. The city already owns the adjacent parcel (where the Indian Center is located), so the total corner will be over 7 acres. The property is in Ward 5 (Councilwoman Summers Armstrong). A motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Summers Armstrong and seconded. The vote was unanimous. (This item is related to Council Item 31, R-35-2026.)
• Agenda Item 7 – Report on RDA Employment Plan: Dina Babski provided a report on the redevelopment agency's employment plan, required by NRS 279. The plan mandates that 15% of workforce on projects receiving RDA incentives must come from the redevelopment area, CDBG-eligible tracts, or the Southern Nevada Enterprise Community (a requirement for projects over $100,000 in incentives; smaller projects use best efforts). Additionally, there is an aspirational goal of 15% of subcontracting to minority, women, and disabled veteran-owned businesses. The report highlighted outcomes from the last 17 months (since January 2025): 32 diverse contractors and suppliers participated (24% utilization, exceeding the 15% goal); 43% of incentive recipients reported using a diverse contractor; 25% of reported workforce were from the target areas; 68% of the workforce were racial minorities; and 20% were women. The data is self-reported and submitted to the state Commissioner on Minority Affairs twice a year. The RDA works with MYS Firm (led by Maesha Boyce) to assist with compliance and outreach. Councilwoman Summers Armstrong praised the report for reinforcing the importance of local employment and small business participation in Ward 5, especially in historic West Las Vegas. No action was required; the report was received.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda Item 4 (Minutes): Approved unanimously.
• Agenda Item 5 (TOPA for Meraki Greek Grill): Approved unanimously. The RDA will execute the TOPA not to exceed $74,500.
• Agenda Item 6 (Land Purchase from Cox Communications): Approved unanimously. The RDA will purchase the property for $3,490,540.
• Agenda Item 7 (Employment Plan Report): Received as information only; no action taken.
• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:00 PM (local time), with the City Council meeting to follow in two minutes.