VEGAS INC Magazine - Latest Las Vegas business news, features and commentaries about gaming, tourism, real estate and more
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/215298
N O V E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 1 3 / Y O U R b u s i n e s s - t o - b u s i n e s s w e e k ly SPECIAL FOCUS TECHNOLOGY AT WORK This month, VEGAS INC examines the local tech industry and its impact on the economy. Are 'small' tax hikes killing the economy? By Andrew Doughman staff writer WHAT WE ARE UP AGAINST CHRIS MORRIS Cities across the country are vying to be the next Silicon Valley By Eli Segall staff writer P Poor Clark County residents may be having somewhat of a taxing year. The county hiked the gasoline tax earlier this year, water rates are likely headed for an increase, and the Clark County commission may approve a sales tax increase before the year's out. In each case, proponents argue the actual cost of their individual hike will be minimal enough to justify the good it will do. But one politically ambitious official has been repeating a populist refrain for the past few months, saying the county must be conscious of the effect of multiple tax increases done in rapid succession. "It's not the one tax. It's not the 10 cents on the gas or the 0.15 on the sales tax, or the $3 on the water, it's the cumulative effect of all of these things," said Clark County commissioner Steve Sisolak. "People who are on a very, very fixed income, it's really, really tough for them to make ends meet, and we need to be much more aware of that and cognizant of that." Increasing the tax burden on senior citizens, the unemployed, the poor — and everybody else in the county, for see TAXES,page 16 ersuading tech companies to move to Las Vegas can be a tough sell. ¶ The valley has a budding geek scene but sorely lacks educated workers, investment cash and job growth. UNLV is a research lightweight, and the few technical students it does produce often bolt town. ¶ Moreover, Las Vegas faces increasing competition from other cities that also want to make names for themselves as tech hubs. ¶ Despite the hurdles, local government and business leaders are trying to boost the industry and make Las Vegas a city of innovation, not just a gambling getaway. see Tech, page 14 INSIDE TODAY GIVING BACK | P. 4 Companies and businesspeople who are making a difference in the community SECOND LIFE | P. 7 What happens to items that get donated to valley Goodwill stores? DATA AND RECORDS | P. 20 Bankruptcies, bid opportunities, brokered transactions and permits THE LIST | P. 22 Small Business Administration lenders 20131125_VI01_F.indd 1 11/21/13 1:46:44 PM