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All the news that is relevant for the WNDD Region
Seven Stories About Economic Development Impacting Our Region
Western Nevada is a vibrant and ever-growing community with new businesses and industries moving into the area. Here are seven stories about economic development impacting our region.
New Electronics Facility in Washoe County Expected To Generate $7.8 Million in Tax Revenue
VSE, LLC plans to open an 84,000-square-foot electronics research, design, and assembly center in Washoe County. VSE is an established electronic and mechanical design and engineering company serving small to multi-billion-dollar corporations in semiconductor, medical device, green-tech, and automotive innovation. It will receive more than $318,000 in tax abatements and must create 70 jobs in its first two years at $29.64 per hour. In five years, 140 jobs are predicted. The company will invest $2.2 million in its first two years and create $7.8 million in net new tax revenues over 10 years.
Panasonic – TMCC Partnering on Training Center
Truckee Meadows Community College will open a training center in Reno to help Panasonic Energy North America fill 400 $32-per-hour jobs. The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development will contribute $1.6 million (GOED). More than $1 million in training equipment will equip the new PENA building in Reno, increasing access to training in advanced manufacturing, production systems, automation, and robotics for anyone seeking a living wage career track or upskilling for advancement.
Post Investing in Nevada Cereal Plant Upgrades
Post Holdings, Inc. will invest up to $110 million to expand its cereal production capacity at its facility in Sparks, Nevada. The expansion is expected to create approximately 30 to 40 new jobs.
Northern Nevada Getting $32 Million in Federal Funds
A variety of projects focused on law enforcement, wastewater treatment, airport improvements, highway infrastructure and economic revitalization will receive $32.25 million in funding from the federal government. The list includes $4.37 million for Fallon’s wastewater treatment plant, $4 million for the Coleman Road Connector in Churchill County, $3.59 million for Reno Tahoe airport terminal road improvements, $2 million for rural nursing expansion projects at Western Nevada College, $1.1 million for Appion Way intersection improvements in Carson City, and $1.38 million to upgrade Kahle Drive in Douglas County’s drainage, sewer, water lines, and sidewalks.
Unemployment Rate falls as Nevada Adds Jobs
The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reports the statewide unemployment rate is now 4.9% and employment is up 96,300 since May 2021. Reno area unemployment is 2.7% and the area has added some 800 jobs since April. Carson City isn’t far behind Reno at 3% jobless. Douglas County was at 3.1%, 673 in a labor pool of 21,441. Total employment in the state is now 1.45 million.
New Report Provides Economic Roadmap for Nevada and Its Regions
Brookings Mountain West and The Lincy Institute released a 131-page report offering an evaluation of Nevada’s economy over the past decade. It also suggests how policy and business leaders can rally around a new, focused agenda to address long-standing economic, educational, and social deficits and set the state up for a robust, sustainable recovery.
Reports Chart Good Month for Nevada Casinos, Tourism in May
The Nevada Gaming Control Board said that casinos statewide won $1.3 billion in May, the fourth-highest all-time and the 15th month in a row topping the $1 billion mark.
2022 Envision Tahoe
Save the Date: September 7, 2022
The annual Tahoe Economic Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action for the benefit of the regional economy while supporting community, quality of life and the environment.
The conference will explore economic diversification and recovery. Attendees will collaborate with area experts to build a resiliency strategy to benefit and support Lake Tahoe and surrounding communities.
Government leaders, local residents, business owners, young professionals, start-up companies, developers, investors, and entrepreneurs are all encouraged to attend.
When:
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
9:00 AM to 5:00 pm PT
Where:
Granlibakken Tahoe
725 Granlibakken Road
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Collected by the Western Nevada Development District
Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), this edition focuses on opportunities for economic development around the region in the areas of workforce development, infrastructure and broadband.
Grant Opportunities & More
Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy, and Training (QUEST) Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs)
The QUEST DWG initiative supports employment equity and resilience as the nation prioritizes economic and employment recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Successful applicants will propose projects that include partnership development, community outreach, business engagement, and comprehensive career and training services, and that also may include disaster relief employment.
Application Deadline: August 4, 2022
Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems
The OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant will fund improvements to U.S. public health systems infrastructure to help ensure they are ready to respond to emergencies and meet the evolving and complex needs of their communities. Supported in part by the American Rescue Plan Act, this program will provide cross-cutting support to public health agencies for critical infrastructure needs related to workforce, foundational capabilities, and modernizing public health data systems.
Application Deadline: August 15, 2022
Public Health Infrastructure Grant
Leading Engineering for America’s Prosperity, Health, and Infrastructure – LEAP HI
The LEAP HI initiative encourages engineering researchers to improve America’s prosperity, health, and infrastructure. LEAP HI sponsors $1-$2 million collaborative research projects for five years. LEAP HI submissions must highlight a fundamental research challenge with significant social impact, especially on economic competitiveness, quality of life, public health, or vital infrastructure.
Letter of Intent Deadline: July 15, 2022
Proposal Deadline Window: August 15 thru September 15, 2022
Infrastructure and Capacity Building Challenge Grants – Capital Projects
The purpose of the program is to strengthen the institutional base of the humanities by enabling infrastructure development and capacity building. Awards of federal matching funds aim to help institutions secure long-term support for their core activities and expand efforts to preserve and create access to outstanding humanities materials.
Optional Draft Deadline: August 17, 2022
Application Deadline: September 27, 2022
Infrastructure and Capacity Building Challenge Grants
Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program
With $1 billion in funding, the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program will reduce the cost of bringing high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities. This program supports the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure to connect major networks to local networks and ensure reliable high-speed internet service for even the most remote communities.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2022
Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), is a vital partner to our member organizations in Grant Research, Writing and Management. Our professional team is available to assist in identifying and obtaining funding sources to grow a stronger Nevada.
For more information about membership, visit WNDD.org
Updated CEDS Will Guide Efforts to Advance, Diversify and Strengthen the Regional Economy
The Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) board of directors approved the 2022 update to its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), ensuring that the region has a roadmap to progress and prosperity.
“As we strive to enhance the economy of Western Nevada, this new report will serve as a guide,” said Naomi Duerr, WNDD President and City of Reno Council Member. “By adopting this comprehensive, results-driven approach, we will continue attracting and retaining residents and businesses, increasing employment opportunities, and investing in our communities.”
The CEDS is a locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process and document that successfully engages the region’s community leaders, private sector partners, and stakeholders. Together, they work toward creating a long-term economic development strategy to welcome new businesses, industries, and workforce to the region and promote a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable economy.
“To achieve economic progress, it is necessary to work together,” said Christine Brandon, WNDD Executive Director. “This update will guide our activities at WNDD and our collaborative efforts with regional partners.”
The CEDS is updated annually and revisited, revised, and rewritten every five years. The 2020-2025 CEDs was recognized by CEDS Central and the National Association of Development Organizations as taking the document to the next level by incorporating resiliency planning. The 2022 update includes the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan (ERRP), created by the Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council (ERRC) and Action Teams formed to prioritize efforts and projects from the ERRP.
The 2022 CEDS update refreshes the data in the 2020-2025 report. It enables WNDD to continue as a designated Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce (EDA).
As a designated EDA Development District, and with the established CEDS regional plan, WNDD and its members are positioned to leverage competitiveness when applying for EDA grant programs and other federal funding. This regional planning document also gives the WNDD organizations an edge when applying for funding and grants from foundations and state agencies.
The CEDS update maintains the region’s Economic Development District designation, the associated planning funds, and regionwide eligibility for federal funding to accomplish projects identified within the plan.
“There must be an investment in our region to bring in capital and create jobs as our economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Brandon said. “Funding for Western Nevada’s economic development will directly affect many of the state’s most rural and distressed areas.”
Workers – Infrastructure – Apprenticeships
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will invest more than a half trillion dollars in American infrastructure over five years. This could create more than 3 million jobs in the construction workforce, bringing hundreds of thousands of new job opportunities every year. As details of a “generational opportunity” were debated, openings for construction jobs increased steadily and significantly.
“Governing,” Recently posed the question of if proven strategies can be implemented fast enough to develop a workforce that will achieve the benefits infrastructure funding is intended to foster.
In Western Nevada, we’re proud to say that our region has many examples of successful apprenticeship programs, including many from our own Western Nevada Development District members, including:
Building & Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada
Represent more than a dozen local trades affiliates, the Building and Construction Trades Council of Northern Nevada furthers opportunities for construction career growth, including apprenticeship.
State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry
The Office of the Labor Commissioner is a division of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, and offers a list of all Nevada Registered Apprenticeship Programs on their website.
Truckee Meadows Community College
Employers partner with TMCC to create training and educational programs specific to existing needs within the company. Common apprenticeship programs include industrial maintenance mechanic, tool and die maker, CNC machining, maintenance electrician, industrial sheet metal worker/welder, production welder, and HVAC/refrigeration mechanic.
Students can earn an industry-recognized certification in as little as eight weeks at WNC and enter the workforce above entry level.
Some of the construction programs include:https://wndd.us15.list-manage.com/track/click?u=61f7381173113d363e2c365b8&id=e587f77332&e=54e192870f
• Certified Inspector of Structures
• Ramsdell Construction Academy
• Construction Gateway
Want to learn more about what WNDD and its members are doing to support economic development in our region?
You won’t want to miss two webinars this week about two new funding opportunities for programs aimed at strengthening equitable economic development strategies across the nation.
Wednesday, June 22nd:
Equity Impact Investments Program
The Equity Impact Investments Program will provide technical assistance to enable organizations serving underserved populations and communities to participate in economic development planning and projects.
Webinar: Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 11am PT
Application Deadline: August 5, 2022
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is currently seeking an organization or coalition to provide technical assistance to build capacity within organizations serving underserved populations and communities to help them effectively participate in their local economic development efforts. Funding for the program is between $3 million and $10 million and will be dependent on reach, impact and number of grants awarded.
WEBINAR RSVP: Equity Impact Investments Program
NOTICE OF FUNDING: Equity Impact Investments Program
Thursday, June 23rd:
Economic Recovery Corps Program
The Economic Recovery Corps Program will add staff resources to local organizations focused on improving economic resilience and competitiveness in distressed regions across the country.
Webinar: Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 10:30 am PT
Application Deadline: August 5, 2022
EDA is currently seeking a Network Operator (an organization or coalition) to build, launch, and operate the Economic Recovery Corps program, which will embed Fellows in local economic development organizations across the country.
EDA seeks to award one grant to a Network Operator between $20 million and $25 million, with a five-year period of performance. EDA supports collaborative and innovative partnerships to build and launch these new initiatives and welcomes different perspectives and approaches.
Questions? Email: EquityImpact@eda.gov
WEBINAR RSVP: Economic Recovery Corps Program
NOTICE OF FUNDING: Economic Recovery Corps Program
Need help applying for these programs or any others? WNDD has your back! All WNDD member organizations can benefit from our extensive background in economic development planning and grant research, writing and management services.
VISIT: WNDD.ORG
Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), is a vital partner to our members in Grant Research, Writing and Management. Working in regional collaboration with public and private entities to create an environment within which economic development can occur, WNDD’s professional team is available to our members in identifying and obtaining funding sources to grow a stronger Nevada.
Grant Opportunities & More
Curated by Western Nevada Development District (WNDD), this Friday round up, focuses on opportunities around the region in the areas of women’s empowerment, workforce development and training and economic development.
Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) – Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEEA)
The Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) of the U.S. Department of State invites organizations to apply to carry out the Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEEA) initiative. This initiative will provide a convening forum and workforce development activities to support the empowerment and professional development of women working in or looking for work in the clean energy sector to overcome historic gender-based marginalization.
Deadline: July 7, 2022
Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration – Apprenticeships for Complete and Committed Employment for Specialized Skills (ACCESS) Program
The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration will accept applications for grants for the Department of Energy National Lab Jobs Apprenticeships for Complete and Committed Employment for Specialized Skills (ACCESS) Program. The ACCESS Program is a pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program that leads to postsecondary qualifications for high school and college students. It focuses on skills and qualifications needed to fill traditional and emerging technician positions (including machinists and cybersecurity technicians) at the National Laboratories.
Deadline: July 7, 2022
ACCESS Grant
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) – Office of Community Services (OCS)
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services (OCS) will solicit applications for $12.3 million in Community Economic Development (CED) discretionary grant funds to Community Development Corporations (CDC) for well-planned, financially viable, and innovative projects to enhance job creation and business development for low-income individuals.
Community Development Corporations Grant
National Institute of Corrections (NIC)
The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking applications for funding to revise the current 40-Hour blended Evidence-based Workforce Development curriculum into a virtual instruction-led format. This project aims to develop a blended training curriculum to provide criminal justice practitioners and stakeholders with the knowledge/skills needed to support justice-involved adults’ workforce development and reentry efforts effectively.
Deadline: July 18, 2022
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Wildfire Recovery and Resilience
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is offering up to $600,000 to study the effectiveness of disaster recovery funding after a wildfire. The project aims to improve the ability of wildfire-affected communities to employ disaster aid to build resilience, especially in low- and moderate-income areas.
Deadline: July 19, 2022