Growing population Valley's critical issue

Among the critical issues presented at Tuesday's Critical Issues Conference are how a rising population, the increase in the age of the population and how economic development are affecting Carson Valley.

More than 100 people attended the Business Council of Douglas County's 13th annual Critical Issues Conference at the Carson Valley Inn.

The theme of the conference was Reaching the Peak with Intelligent Solutions and an important part of the presentations had to do with how population affects the cost and demand for public services.

"Only three Nevada counties have enjoyed the same growth that Douglas County has in the past several years," said Frederick Steinmann of the Nevada Small Business Development Center. "But what happens when the total six-year and average annual growth rate exceeds the property tax caps?"

Ben Loftsgaarden is the project manager for Target 2010, Angelou Economics' regional assessment of seven of Nevada's counties' economic development.

Loftsgaarden said the success of the economic development of not only the Valley but the surrounding counties depends on understanding the strengths of the region.

"Together you have all the assets here but none of the counties alone, not even Washoe, have all the assets to spur innovation," he said. "But acting together, the region as a whole has the capability."

Info:

Go to Target2010.org for the results of AngelouEconomics assessment of northern Nevada

n For the results of the NorthernNVision asset report, go to the Northern Nevada Development Authority at nnda.org