Nevada Means Business

Latest Episodes:

Las Vegas Transit: AI Tech, High-Speed Rail & The 2028 Transit Challenges with MJ Maynard-Carey Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Director Sanchez sits down with MJ Maynard-Carey, the CEO of the Regional Transit Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada, for a deep dive into the complex infrastructure that keeps the Las Vegas Valley moving.

MJ explains what makes the RTC entirely unique, noting that it is the only agency in the United States to house public transit, roadway funding, metropolitan planning, and traffic management all under one roof.

The conversation highlights how transportation serves as the absolute economic backbone of Southern Nevada. MJ reveals that the RTC facilitates around one million trips every single week, with eighty percent of those rides directly connecting local employees to their employers. She also discusses the RTC's forward-thinking approach to technology and safety, detailing their first-of-its-kind AI weapons detection systems at transit centers and the deployment of Advanced Intersection Analytics to track near-misses and red-light running. The duo also touches on the massive logistical effort required to manage traffic for hundreds of special events, including Raiders games, and how the city plans to integrate upcoming projects like The Boring Company and the Brightline high-speed rail.

Despite operating the most cost-efficient bus system in the country, MJ issues a stark warning about a massive structural deficit facing the transit division. With a shortfall of $118 million annually and no new transit investments since 2002, the RTC faces a devastating fiscal cliff in 2028. If a sustainable funding solution is not found, the agency will be forced to cut 42 percent of its transit routes, drastically impacting daily commuters, cutting off thousands of paratransit customers, and eliminating specialized services for veterans and seniors.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more crucial updates on the business and infrastructure shaping the future of Nevada!

Navigating Nevada OSHA, Workplace Safety & DIR Careers with Victoria Carreon May 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Director Sanchez is joined by Victoria Carreon, the Administrator of the Division of Industrial Relations, to unpack the massive scope of her agency.

Victoria explains that the primary objective of the Division of Industrial Relations is to put safety and health first by ensuring every Nevadan has a safe workplace. She breaks down the division's various branches, including the Safety Consultation and Training Section, which provides free and confidential safety training and on-site consultations for businesses. The conversation also covers the Mine Safety and Training section, which conducts annual inspections without monetary penalties to keep miners safe, and the Mechanical Compliance Section, which oversees roughly sixteen thousand elevators and twenty-five thousand boilers across the state.

The duo dives into the regulatory landscape, detailing how Nevada OSHA enforces safety standards in high-risk industries like construction and casino resorts. Victoria shares insights into how the division actively engages stakeholders to develop new policies, such as the recently implemented heat regulations and upcoming rules for workers exposed to wildfire smoke. She also discusses her team's successful efforts to eliminate years-long administrative backlogs in the workers' compensation section by streamlining processes and reallocating staff resources. Victoria was also recently named the Nevada Department of Business and Industry’s 2025 Administrator of the Year, recognizing her leadership and commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence.

Finally, Victoria highlights elite recognition programs like SHARP and the Voluntary Protection Program, which reward businesses that invest heavily in comprehensive safety management systems. For those interested in joining her growing team, she announces multiple job openings for OSHA safety specialists, industrial hygienists, and workers' compensation investigators, directing applicants to the state's online application portal. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into Nevada’s business and industrial sectors!

Inside Nevada’s Global Science Hub: Wildfires, AI & Water Solutions with Kumud Acharya May 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Kris Sanchez welcomes Dr. Kumud Acharya, the President of the Desert Research Institute (DRI), to discuss the vital role the institute plays in solving environmental challenges across the state and around the globe.

Dr. Acharya provides an inside look at how DRI’s team of over six hundred scientists and professionals conduct high-impact research on the intersection of human activity and the environment. He explains DRI’s critical work in monitoring the health of the Colorado River Basin and the innovative technologies being deployed to combat the increasing threat of wildfires, including the use of drone technology and sophisticated smoke modeling. The conversation also touches on the institute’s focus on the future, exploring how artificial intelligence is being integrated into scientific research to better predict and manage natural resources.

Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Acharya shares DRI's commitment to building a sustainable scientific pipeline in Nevada by engaging with local high schools and community colleges. He details recent outreach efforts, such as hosting school principals to demonstrate how environmental science can become a rewarding career path for the next generation of Nevadans. This episode highlights why DRI is considered a "jewel" of the state, providing essential data and smart solutions that keep Nevada at the forefront of global environmental science. Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more interviews featuring the leaders driving Nevada’s economic and scientific growth!

The Future of Nevada Mining with Amanda Hilton May 11, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Kris Sanchez is joined by Amanda Hilton, President of the Nevada Mining Association, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the mining industry. Amanda kicks things off by sharing her personal journey from starting as a staff accountant to becoming the General Manager of the Robinson Mine, Nevada's largest copper mine located in Ely.

They dive into how the mining industry has completely transformed through cutting-edge technology, moving far beyond outdated stereotypes to deploying fully autonomous haul trucks that carry two hundred and forty tons of material and massive house-sized autonomous drills.

Amanda breaks down Nevada's critical role on the global stage, noting that the state produces 70 percent of the United States' gold, houses the country's only lithium mine, and was recently named the number one mining jurisdiction in the world by the Fraser Institute. The conversation also tackles the harsh realities of the domestic supply chain, exploring how China's dominance in mineral processing and a 29-year average permitting process create massive hurdles for United States mineral independence.

Finally, they discuss the incredible career opportunities currently available within the industry, which employs over 30,000 Nevadans with an average annual salary of $120,000. With 40 percent of the workforce nearing retirement age in the next five years, Amanda highlights the urgent need for a new generation of tech-savvy workers and dispels outdated myths by revealing that modern mining safety statistics are now comparable to the finance sector.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into Nevada's economic future!

Addressing Nevada's Affordable Housing Challenges with Steve Aichroth May 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Kris Sanchez is joined by Steve Aichroth, the Administrator of the Nevada Housing Division, for a comprehensive discussion on the state's urgent efforts to tackle the affordable housing challenges.

Steve breaks down the two main avenues the division utilizes to help residents: supporting direct homeownership and funding multifamily housing developments. He explains how the "Home Is Possible" program provides critical down payment assistance, allowing renters to transition into homeownership and begin building generational wealth. On the construction side, Steve details the highly complex process of using federal tax credits and tax-exempt bonds to subsidize large apartment projects and keep monthly rents affordable for low-income families.

With Nevada currently facing a shortage of nearly 78,000 attainable housing units, the conversation highlights the massive legislative investments actively working to close that gap. Steve outlines the monumental impact of the Home Means Nevada initiative and the overwhelming bipartisan support for the Governor's Housing Access and Attainability Act (AB 540). This legislation specifically targets development and assistance across the affordability spectrum, including crucial funding for the often-overlooked "missing middle" workforce. The duo also explores the future of homebuilding, discussing how pending federal legislation like the 21st Century Road to Housing Act could revolutionize the use of manufactured and modular housing to rapidly increase the state's housing supply.

Finally, Steve shares a powerful update on Windsor Park, a historic redlined community that was built over a sinking aquifer and left to deteriorate for decades. Thanks to dedicated state-backed efforts and recent legislation, new homes are officially under construction right now to safely relocate the displaced residents.

Subscribe to the channel for more insights into Nevada's economic landscape and business future!

The Future of the Las Vegas Economy: Tourism, AI & Economic Forecasts with Andrew Woods Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

In this insightful episode, Kristopher sits down with Andrew Woods from the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to discuss the current and future economic landscape of Southern Nevada.

Andrew dives deep into the data behind the Southern Nevada Business Confidence Index and Las Vegas tourism, explaining how the city's reliance on discretionary spending makes it a leading indicator for the national economy. They explore the shifting demographics of visitors, the negative impact of rising costs and price gouging perceptions on domestic travel, and why convention attendance remains a crucial, stabilizing pillar for the Las Vegas Strip. Andrew also highlights shifting consumer habits, noting how national spending has heavily consolidated into budget-friendly giants like Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and TJ Maxx.

The conversation then shifts to the future of the Nevada workforce, tackling the realities of the soft skills gap and how artificial intelligence might actually increase the overall demand for certain white-collar jobs by significantly improving efficiency. Andrew also shares his vision for economic diversification in Las Vegas, highlighting the explosive growth of the healthcare sector driven by an aging demographic of new residents, while making a strong case for bringing a massive, large-scale manufacturing gigafactory to Southern Nevada to truly transform the region.

Finally, Andrew provides his expert economic forecast on whether the United States is heading into a recession, breaking down the warning signs of a cooling job market that is heavily reliant on healthcare growth. However, he balances this with an optimistic look at the incredible post-pandemic boom in local entrepreneurship that currently makes Nevada the third most entrepreneurial state in the country per capita. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the business world!

Inside Nevada's "No Debt" Apprenticeships & The Culinary Academy - Toni Giddens & Dr. Bobbi Damrow Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Director Sanchez explores the booming world of debt-free career training with two incredible guests: Nevada State Apprenticeship Director Toni Giddens and Dr. Bobbi Damrow, from the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas.

Toni kicks off the conversation by explaining how Nevada's unique apprenticeship model allows individuals to earn a living wage while receiving completely free related training and instruction. She details the massive expansion of the state's programs to nearly 9,000 apprentices, highlighting the highly successful teacher apprenticeship pathway with UNLV, as well as emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing and healthcare to meet the state's growing demands.

The episode then shifts to an inside look at the hospitality industry with Dr. Bobbi Damrow. She discusses the Culinary Academy's incredible 33-year legacy of partnering with major Las Vegas resorts and labor unions to provide rapid, highly effective skills training. Dr. Damrow reveals how the Academy removes barriers to entry for students and details their massive campus expansion that includes exact hotel room replicas built by properties like the Wynn, Bellagio, and Caesars Palace for real-world housekeeper training. She also highlights the success of their professional cook and barista programs, offering a fast track to lucrative careers on the Las Vegas Strip.

Whether you are looking to avoid massive student loan debt or seeking to transition into a new high-paying industry, this episode provides a complete roadmap to finding success in Nevada. Discover how you can attend upcoming No Debt Career Fairs and connect with resources that will change your financial future.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into Nevada's business landscape!

To learn more about the No Debt Career Fair events and register to attend, visit:
https://labor.nv.gov/Apprenticeship_Council/No_Debt_Career_Fair/

Dr. Bobbi Damrow – https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbidamrow/
Toni Giddens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-giddens-330a3153/
Culinary Academy of Las Vegas – https://www.linkedin.com/company/theculinaryacademyoflasvegas/

Tackling the Wildfire Challenge: Insurance, Technology & the WUI with Matthew Portteus Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Portteus from the Western Fire Chiefs Association to discuss the highly complex issue of wildfire risk management in the Wildland Urban Interface, also known as the WUI. With Nevada ranking in the top five states for wildfire risk and boasting over 750,000 homes located in the WUI, understanding how to protect our expanding communities has never been more vital.

Matthew dives deep into how the fire service is bridging the gap between traditional blue-collar firefighting and cutting-edge technology. He also addresses the growing challenge of homeowner insurance non-renewals across the Western United States. Matthew clarifies a crucial point: we do not actually have an insurance problem, but rather a risk problem on the ground. He outlines the development of the WUI Data Commons, a centralized platform designed to share aggregated community mitigation data directly with insurance modelers. By making this hard work visible to insurers, communities can improve insurance availability, stabilize property values, and protect local tax rolls and economies from the downward spiral caused by uninsurable markets.

Finally, Matthew emphasizes the need for local community champions and collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to drive behavioral change and secure Community Wildfire Defense Grants. Whether you are a homeowner, a city planner, or a local leader, this episode provides a comprehensive roadmap for building resilient communities.

The Vegas Loop, NBA Expansion, & Billions in Strip Investments with LVCVA CEO Steve Hill Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Hill, CEO and President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), to discuss the massive economic and technological shifts happening in Southern Nevada — and how those developments reflect broader momentum across Nevada’s economy.

Steve breaks down the real story behind recent Las Vegas tourism numbers, addressing social media rumors and explaining why billion-dollar strip investments—like the transition of the Mirage to the Hard Rock and upcoming Bally's projects— highlight the scale of private investment flowing into Las Vegas and what it signals about Nevada’s continued economic growth. The conversation dives deep into the future of Vegas transportation, covering the decade-long Harry Reid International Airport expansion, the potential for a new Ivanpah airport, and the highly anticipated Brightline high-speed train.

The episode also explores cutting-edge transit technology reshaping the resort corridor. Steve shares operational insights on Elon Musk’s Boring Company and the Vegas Loop, the integration of autonomous vehicles like Waymo and Zoox, and vital updates on a bi-state coalition working to fix the notorious I-15 corridor traffic.

Finally, learn the inside details about the billion-dollar expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center that is revolutionizing mega-events like CES and World of Concrete. Steve and Kristopher also discuss the evolving AI workforce skills gap and why Las Vegas is positioned perfectly to land the next NBA expansion team.CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Intro: Steve Hill on the Future of Las Vegas & LVCVA00:01:30 The Truth About the Las Vegas Economy & Tourism Rumors00:04:20 Billion-Dollar Vegas Strip Mega-Projects (Hard Rock & The A's)00:07:08 Harry Reid Airport Expansion & The Proposed Ivanpah Airport00:10:21 Fixing the I-15 Traffic Crisis Between LA and Las Vegas00:14:30 Elon Musk's Vegas Loop & Autonomous Vehicles (Waymo & Zoox)00:18:16 Inside the $1 Billion Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion00:23:05 How Las Vegas Pulls Off the Super Bowl & F1: The Workforce00:27:02 The Tesla Effect: How Tech Transformed Nevada's Economy00:30:22 LeBron James & The Las Vegas NBA Expansion Team Rumors

Costs, Claims & Consumer Protection - Insurance Commissioner Ned Gaines Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Nevada Means Business Podcast, we dive into the world of insurance with Ned Gaines, Nevada’s Insurance Commissioner. He shares insights on the rising costs of auto insurance, the impact of accidents, and the challenges facing consumers across the state. With a focus on collaboration rather than punishment, Ned is working to strengthen relationships between the Division of Insurance and insurers and industry partners to promote transparency, compliance, and better outcomes for Nevadans. He also highlights the Division’s commitment to consumer protection, including recovering more than $9 million on behalf of Nevada consumers in 2025 alone.Tune in to learn how to better navigate the insurance landscape and what steps are being taken to ensure fair, accountable practices in Nevada’s insurance market.Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/department-of-business-and-industryCHAPTERS:00:00:00 Insurance Commissioner Ned Gains00:02:33 What Drives Auto Insurance Rates?00:05:55 Uninsured Motorists00:07:41 Does The Division Play A Role in Setting Rates?00:08:45 Are Carriers Staying or Leaving?00:09:29 Commercial Insurance Marketplace00:11:55 How Do Insurance Companies Determine Risk?00:16:00 What Is Non-Renewal?00:18:36 The Number Of Non-Renewals00:20:02 Trends in Policy Making00:24:30 What Will Ned Change?00:26:16 What Consumer Protections Are Put in Place?00:28:10 Helping Consumers Monetarily00:29:05 Is This An Industry That Innovates?

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