Q&A with Danielle Casey, President and CEO, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance
This article originally appeared in the July 2026 edition of Development Incentives Quarterly.
In this edition of Development Incentives Quarterly, we welcome Danielle Casey, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA). In this Q&A, Danielle discusses LVGEA's mission to diversify Southern Nevada's economy, while building on its world-class tourism and hospitality foundation. She also highlights what sets LVGEA apart and what makes the region stand out.
Please tell us a little about LVGEA and its mission.
LVGEA serves as Southern Nevada's regional economic development organization, dedicated to growing and strengthening the regional economy by attracting new companies, supporting the expansion of existing businesses and connecting the public and private sectors around shared economic priorities. At our core, we are focused on creating economic opportunity and long-term resilience for the region.
While Southern Nevada has built one of the world's most successful hospitality economies, our mission extends beyond that foundation. We are actively working to diversify the regional economy by growing industries such as aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, technology, business and financial services, health and life sciences, creative industries and energy and water technologies. To accomplish this, we work closely with local governments, educational institutions, utilities, developers, workforce partners and private industry to ensure companies can successfully launch, relocate and grow in Southern Nevada. Additionally, the Governor's Office of Economic Development has designated LVGEA as the Regional Development Authority for Southern Nevada. In this role, we assist companies in statutory incentive abatement application processes and serve as the Foreign-Trade Zone grantee for the region.
How would you describe the economic development landscape of Southern Nevada?
Southern Nevada is in the middle of a significant evolution. Tourism and hospitality remain essential strengths, but the region is increasingly attracting investment and job growth across a much broader range of industries. To ensure we're making strategic progress, LVGEA recently adopted a three-year strategic plan, which is data-driven and tied to very clear metrics that will help us focus on removing obstacles to business growth. We are also developing a unique standalone business brand for the region.
Major investments in infrastructure, workforce development, higher education and industrial development are helping to position the region for long-term growth. A significant milestone came with the passage of the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act (H.R. 972), which was signed into law on May 19, 2026. This legislation grants the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) the federal rights-of-way required to tunnel beneath the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area in Clark County, a critical step for regional sustainability and growth.
What makes Southern Nevada particularly interesting right now is that we're no longer simply discussing diversification as a future goal; we are actively seeing it happen. In the last decade, 60% of our job growth has been in diversified industries outside our core tourism and gaming sector, which clearly illustrates our trend toward expanding opportunities for Southern Nevadans.
Why should companies consider Southern Nevada/Las Vegas? Any hidden gems that are not obvious to the outside observer?
Southern Nevada offers a strategic Western U.S. location with access to major population centers, a business-friendly environment, no state personal income tax, growing industrial capacity and a workforce that is both adaptable and customer-focused. The region also benefits from world-class air connectivity, strong utility partnerships and a culture that knows how to execute at scale.
One of the biggest hidden gems is our ability to convene and collaborate. Southern Nevada is a large metropolitan area, but it often operates with the agility and accessibility of a much smaller market. Decision-makers are engaged, partnerships are strong and companies can quickly build relationships across government, education and industry. It’s this combination that accelerates business development and problem-solving.
Another advantage that is often overlooked is our aerospace and defense ecosystem. With assets such as Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base, the Nevada Test and Training Range and a growing network of private-sector innovators, Southern Nevada offers unique opportunities that are difficult to replicate elsewhere in the country. This specialized infrastructure and expertise creates a competitive advantage for companies in these sectors.
You've been with several economic development organizations. What makes LVGEA stand out?
Economic development is most effective when communities align around a common vision and LVGEA is doing exactly that. We are operating and leading at an important moment in the region's history. Southern Nevada has already achieved remarkable success, but there is a clear desire among stakeholders to build on that success and shape what comes next. There is a shared understanding that diversification, talent development, innovation and regional competitiveness require long-term commitment and partnership.
That combination of ambition, collaboration and momentum makes LVGEA a unique place to lead and an exciting organization to be part of. The alignment of vision across public and private sectors, coupled with the region's demonstrated ability to execute at scale, creates an environment where economic development initiatives can truly flourish and deliver meaningful results for Southern Nevada.
