Las Vegas grant project gets OK; critics says it’s a waste of money

Las Vegas will spend more than $1.2 million to solicit plans from the public to create jobs and enhance urban spaces, despite objections from critics who characterized the effort as wasting taxpayer money.

The City Council voted 5-2 Wednesday in favor of a proposal to accept a $1 million grant from the federal government to use as prize money for a competition that solicits “a comprehensive economic vision” for the city.

The city would then contribute another $250,000 toward planning or implementing whatever ideas the contest entrants generate. Contest winners would walk away with prizes of $10,000, $30,000, $60,000 and $800,000.

It’s part of a federal program called Strong Cities, Strong Communities, an initiative launched by the administration of President Barack Obama. Other cities that won an opportunity for the grant include Hartford, Conn., and Greensboro, N.C.

Supporters said it’s a chance for the city to solicit a wealth of ideas for how to improve Las Vegas in four areas outlined in the contest — Cashman Field, the medical district, business parks and redevelopment projects.

“I think we should get every penny we possibly can from the federal government that is going to help this community,” said Councilman Steve Ross.

Others questioned the logic of the program itself, noting the city has no shortage of existing, unimplemented plans for various projects and that the program requires the money to be handed out even if the entries are unimpressive.

Mayor Pro Tem Stavros Anthony and Councilman Bob Beers voted against the idea.

Anthony was particularly annoyed by the fact the money would be doled out as prizes to contest entrants instead of being spent on actual projects.

“They can go down to San Diego and buy a beach house with it,” Anthony said of whoever wins the $800,000 grand prize. “This is the kind of stuff that tells me how the federal government is so messed up.”

Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0285.