Northern Nevada's economic development agency rebrands; abatement-driven strategy to stay
The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) has rebranded as Northern NV Now, maintaining its focus on attracting tech companies, including data centers, through tax incentives. The article discusses the history and ongoing debate about the effectiveness of these abatements, with critics suggesting data centers prioritize other factors like access to power and land. Despite questions, the agency continues its incentive-driven recruitment strategy.
The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), a Northern Nevada economic development organization with over 40 years of history, has rebranded to Northern NV Now. Taylor Adams, president and CEO, clarified that this change signifies an updated identity rather than a shift in mission, which remains focused on recruiting top-tier tech and advanced manufacturing companies, largely through tax incentives.
Former CEO Mike Kazmierski, who led EDAWN from 2011, recounted how the region's economic strategy evolved from a struggling gaming hub to a diversified economy. This involved leveraging cost advantages over neighboring California to attract companies like Tesla, Google, Apple, and Switch. Kazmierski noted that while tax abatements were part of the process, they were not the sole reason companies chose Reno, calling them "the icing on the cake."
Data centers have become a more significant part of Northern NV Now's recruitment portfolio, with the organization's FY25-29 strategic plan aiming for $500 million in annual capital investment in this sector, largely dependent on incentives. However, this strategy faces scrutiny. Amanda Kass, research director at Good Jobs First, a watchdog group, argues that data center subsidies may no longer be necessary, as companies primarily seek access to power, fiber, land, and quick permitting. Kass criticized Nevada's system, where abatements are automatically granted if a project meets certain criteria, making it difficult to deny them even when their necessity is questioned.