Nevada looks to change economic incentives
By Sandra Chereb, Las Vegas Review-Journal
CARSON CITY — Four years ago, the focus of Nevada economic development was creating jobs. With tens of thousands of people out of work, almost any job was welcome as the state tried to claw its way out of the Great Recession.
But with the economy rebounding, officials are looking beyond just job creation to laying the groundwork for a whole new economy based on high tech — from drones and advanced manufacturing to health care and renewable energy.
That shift could bring a change in priorities for tax abatements.
A bill being proposed by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development would reduce the amount of abatements available to companies that pay below the state’s average wage, depending on the county location and unemployment rate.