🤑 Checking the pulse on Nevada’s economy

🏛️ A Session So Special It Costs A Pretty Penny

Nevada lawmakers kicked off a $100,000-a-day special session last week with just one day’s notice. Given the cost — and Gov. Joe Lombardo’s reelection efforts — did the state really need a special session? [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

📉 Hurting, but Not in Despair

Southern Nevada is experiencing a decline in key revenue streams, driven in part by weak consumer sentiment and fluctuating tariff policies. Despite the uncertainty, an economic outlook report from UNLV predicts decent tourism growth in 2026, adding that the region’s adaptability will help keep its economy stabilized. [Las Vegas Sun 🔒]

🏗️ Lombardo Targets Housing Gap

Gov. Joe Lombardo announced a declaration last week to streamline contractor licensing and boost affordable housing development in Nevada’s 15 rural counties. The proclamation waives licensing fees for out-of-state contractors and simplifies the process if they’re already licensed elsewhere. The move is part of Lombardo’s housing strategy, who said “this change is a long-overdue fix that will make a real difference.” [Carson Now]

• Related: How Vegas Homeownership Can Be Affordable [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

🧑‍⚖️ Vegas Dave’s Big Loss

A district judge ordered Las Vegas sports betting influencer David “Vegas Dave” Oancea to pay $30.2 million to a luxury vacation rental company in Mexico for interfering with bookings and sending disparaging messages to clients after a soured collaboration, according to newly uncovered court records. Oancea has appealed the ruling and the case is ongoing. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]