Economic Recovery: By the Numbers June 14, 2022

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The economic recovery in Western Nevada is well underway, with key statistics showing significant improvements in recent months.

5,200: Nevada added 5,200 jobs in April 2022, an 8% annual increase. Reno’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) added 700 jobs, and Carson City’s added 300.

$1.3 billion: Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total gaming win of $1,355,229,902 for March 2022, a 26.83% annual increase.

75 cents: Nevada’s minimum wage will rise 75 cents on July 1 to $9.50/hour for organizations with health insurance and $10.50/hour for those without.

Six: Governor Steve Sisolak appointed six members of his existing cabinet to a workforce development sub-cabinet to evaluate the state’s workforce needs and provide recommendations.

$15 million: Washoe County plans to spend $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to provide supportive housing to disproportionately affected communities, including $4.5 million for those with severe mental illness.

13: Spirit Airlines will be the 13th airline to service Western Nevada from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport when it begins twice-daily flights to the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas in August 2022.

With continued support from businesses and residents, we will continue to build a strong and thriving economy.

Read the Full WNDD Economic Recovery Newsletter Report

WNDD Economic Recovery Report – June 2022

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The latest edition of the WNDD’s Economic Recovery Report (ERR) is available online and includes updates, grants, and information you need to know about efforts and ideas to strengthen our region’s economy.

It includes information on the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Project’s (ERRP) activities and progress, such as developing and implementing the ERRP Plan based on priority projects identified by the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council (ERRC) and Economic Recovery and Resiliency Action Teams.

Some of the hot topics addressed include:

• Longtime Carson City Resident Set to Become Next WNDD Executive Director
• Projects to Grow Western Nevada’s Economy Set For 2022 Strategy Update
• Regional Leaders Come Together to Support Economic Resilience

And more!

The data and information in this report can help WNDD members, other regional businesses, stakeholders, and other organizations develop and implement economic recovery and resiliency initiatives.

Economic Recovery Report – June 2022

This publication is part of a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Supplemental Award for the United States. It aims to help the region attract industry, retain and develop businesses, and create long-term sustainable private-sector jobs and investments.

$45 Billion Federal Program

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Aims To Provide Affordable, Reliable High-Speed Internet To All Americans By 2030

The Biden-Harris Administration launched an Internet for All initiative, investing $45 billion to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed internet for everyone in America by the end of the decade. The initiative will be administered and implemented by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The program will build internet infrastructure, teach digital skills, and provide the necessary technology to ensure that everyone in America—including communities of color, rural communities, and older Americans—has the access and skills to participate in today’s society fully.

The Internet for All program includes three Notices of Funding Opportunities:

• Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program: $42.5 billion
• Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program: $1 billion
• State Digital Equity Act programs: $1.5 billion

Learn More

The Power to Speed Up Nevada’s Economic Growth Is in Your Hands!

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Take The Nevada Speed Test Today to Support Nevada’s Digital Economy

Nevada’s digital economy is only as strong as the broadband infrastructure that supports it. That’s why the Nevada Speed Test, spearheaded by WNDD, is so important.

The Nevada Speed Test aims to ensure that every home and business in Western Nevada has access to affordable, adequate, and reliable high-speed internet. This is essential for participating in a digital economy and society.

The Nevada Speed Test relies on participation from businesses and households in the WNDD region to be successful. The data provided through nevadaspeedtest.org can guide funding distribution to boost Western Nevada’s broadband connectivity in the coming years.

The clock is ticking!

The mapping program’s software license will expire in October 2022. With less than five months to go, participating jurisdictions in the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) region are roughly 6,500 tests short of meeting the minimum objective of 4% of households taking the test.

Outreach and promotion are vital to spreading the word about the Nevada Speed Test and encouraging participation. WNDD has been working with local governments, community organizations, and the media to help promote the Nevada Speed Test. So far, KOLO 8 News, Channel 2 News, Northern Nevada Business Weekly, and others have covered the Broadband Mapping Project.

Recent and ongoing efforts to market the Nevada Speed Test include sending individual requests to WNDD members, senior centers, community centers, libraries, school districts, the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, and other groups.

The project’s lead sponsor is Uprise Fiber, an associate member of WNDD.

Be Counted!

Take the Nevada Speed Test Today!

How the Map Works
The interactive map is progressively taking shape as residents take the Nevada Speed Test and may be viewed at nevadaspeedtest.org

Each speed test is shown on the map as a dot, and the color of the dot indicates the download and upload speeds.

New! WH Releases Infrastructure Technical Assistance Guide Supporting Local Infrastructure Hub

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Photo Source: Local Infrastructure Hub

In May, the White House released a technical assistance guide to help state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments access resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The 56-page document includes information for programs related to transportation, high-speed internet, water, power grid and clean energy, resilience, environmental remediation, and place-based initiatives.

Technical Assistance Guide

Local Infrastructure Hub to help communities navigate Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) resources

Funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Emerson Collective, the Ford Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation, the Local Infrastructure Hub was created to help communities navigate Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) resources.

The Hub will help local leaders navigate the nearly 400 available funding opportunities designed to drive local recovery, improve communities, and deliver results for residents.

Additionally, the Hub will assist cities and towns in developing competitive applications most likely to be awarded federal grants with special focus on helping traditionally underserved cities and towns.

Sign Up for Local Infrastructure Hub Updates

Local Infrastructure Hub

 

More Participation Needed! Take the WNDD Speed Test

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In the News: KOLO Explores the Nevada Speed Test

KOLO Reporter, Terri Russell explores why Northern Nevadans need to take the Nevada Speed Test.

The Nevada Speed Test is hosted by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) and is part of the Western Nevada Broadband Initiative, a network of public and private partners working to expand internet access and build a stronger digital infrastructure in urban and rural communities across the WNDD region.

“Higher internet speeds really lead to better economic wellbeing, higher incomes and lower unemployment rates,” says Lisa Granahan, Douglas County Economic Vitality Manager and WNDD Board Member.

Mapping results from participation will aid in identifying underserved communities as well as bring neighborhoods and communities up to the best service possible by applying for grants and other federal dollars.

KOLO Video

Mark Your Calendars – Sustainable Disaster Recovery Panel Discussion

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Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Have you wondered what happened to small cities after a catastrophic event?
Or, how redeveloped industrial properties can make an economic difference in communities?

Learn how:
Greensburg, Kansas rebounded after an EF-5 tornado
Puerto Rico is managing recovery after Hurricanes Maria and Irma
And, more…

Listen to the Panel Discussion from experts with first-hand knowledge of these experiences.

Panel Includes:
• David Doyle, Region 7
• Carmen Guerrero, Region 2
• Elliott Laws, Administrative Trustee, RACER Trust and former EPA Assistant Administrator

Register Today!

NEW! USDA Online Conference

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Placemaking in Small & Rural Communities Online Conference
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the University of Kentucky are hosting a new online conference on May 23 and 24, 2022 from 7 am till 2:00 pm PT.

Rural leaders from across the country are invited to attend the Placemaking for Small and Rural Communities Online Conference. The conference will showcase effective placemaking strategies for rural areas and connect attendees with experts and funders.

The hosts will also unveil a new interactive digital toolkit to connect rural leaders with technical assistance providers, funders, and guides on how to implement placemaking in their own communities.

The conference is free, but registration is required.

Read More!

Register Today!

‘Build to Scale’ Funding Opportunity

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EDA Accepting Applications

Economic Development Administration (EDA) is accepting applications for the FY22 Build to Scale (B2S) program, which is designed to invest in regional economies through scalable business startups.

The program will deploy $45 million to further technology-based economic development initiatives that accelerate high-quality job growth, create economic opportunities, and support the next generation of industry leading companies.

Application deadline: June 13, 2022, 8:59 p.m. PT

The FY22 Build to Scale program is comprised of two competitions:

Venture Challenge: seeks to support high-growth, technology-centric entrepreneurship to stimulate innovation, increase economic prosperity, and create high-skill, high-wage jobs.

Capital Challenge: increases access to entrepreneur-ready, equity-based capital by providing operational support for early-stage investment funds, angel networks, and investor training programs.

Eligibility

Open to cities, counties, states, other political subdivisions of states, and Indian tribes; or entities supported by a state or political subdivision of a state that is one of the following: a nonprofit organization, institution of higher education, public-private partnership, science or research park, federal lab, venture development organization, economic development organization, or a consortium of any of the aforementioned.

Build to Scale Program

Five for Friday: Grant Opportunities April 15, 2022

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Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD)

This Friday round up, focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of workforce development, economic development and equality, health and engagement, and infrastructure.

Grant Opportunities

Economic Development: Research & National Technical Assistance (RNTA)

EDA provides strategic investments on a competitive merit basis to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the United States. Under this NOFO, EDA solicits applications from applicants in order to provide investments that support research and technical assistance projects under EDA’s R&E and NTA programs.

Grants and cooperative agreements made under these programs are designed to leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities.

Application Deadline: Accepted Continuously

RNTA

 

USDA Strengthen Rural Cooperatives and Expand Economic Opportunities for People in Rural America

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced that the department is accepting applications for grants to help start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses.

USDA is offering priority points to projects that advance key priorities under the current Administration to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, advance equity and combat climate change. These extra points will increase the likelihood of funding for projects seeking to address these critical challenges in rural America.

USDA is making the grants available under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program to help improve economic conditions in rural areas through cooperative development. For fiscal year 2022, the maximum award is $200,000. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis through a national competition.

Nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply for grants to provide technical and cooperative development assistance to individuals and rural businesses.

Electronic Application Deadline: June 6, 2022, 8:59 p.m. PT

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

 

BroadbandUSA – National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has developed a comprehensive website dedicated to connecting communities to funding opportunities that support broadband planning, digital inclusion, and deployment projects.

Application Deadlines: Various/Ongoing

Nevada State Broadband Connectivity Strategy
BroadbandUSA

 

Aetna Foundation – Cultivating Healthy Communities Grant Program

Specifically for non-governmental agencies, the Cultivating Healthy Communities Grant Program seeks to support communities’ efforts to become healthier places to live, work, learn, play, and pray. Proposals should address the social determinants of health and participants’ physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The program is especially interested in projects that advance resident or youth-led initiatives and approaches that foster social engagement and reduce isolation.

Application Deadline: Applications Accepted Continuously

Cultivating Healthy Communities Grant Program

 

American Rescue Plan – Indigenous Communities Grants

Through this Indigenous Communities NOFO, EDA aims to assist indigenous communities to recover economically from the coronavirus pandemic. Even before the pandemic, indigenous communities faced high levels of economic distress and unique economic development challenges, resulting in severe inequalities in opportunity for members of these communities. The pandemic greatly exacerbated those challenges and inequities and will continue to cause deep economic injury to indigenous communities in unprecedented ways.

Application Deadline: Rolling

American Rescue Plan – Indigenous Communities Grants