## Trust Over Transactions: 50 Years as Southern Nevada’s Economic Compass
For half a century, the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at UNLV has served as Southern Nevada’s primary source for objective economic analysis, guiding the region through periods of explosive growth, challenging recession, and transformative change. From its humble beginnings to its current focus on economic resiliency, CBER’s commitment has remained steadfast: to provide data-driven insights that benefit the community.
CBER’s story began in 1974 with the publication of the first Clark County Factbook, a foundational resource that ultimately evolved into the Las Vegas Perspective. this initial work established CBER as a vital source of local economic intelligence.
Following this launch, William Robinson strengthened CBER’s reach by forging strong relationships with the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the Nevada Growth Authority. This collaboration ensured CBER’s research gained wider public visibility and influence.
The center entered a period of critically important growth and community engagement under the leadership of Keith schwer. This “golden era” saw the launch of several key projects, including the annual Economic Outlook conference, detailed population forecasts, and the Nevada Kids Count initiative. These projects were instrumental in helping a rapidly expanding Las Vegas navigate evolving needs in education, entertainment, and healthcare.
The Great Recession prompted a shift in CBER’s research focus under Stephen G. Brown,who directed studies toward understanding the impacts of the downturn on housing,taxation,and energy policy. This research proved crucial in helping Nevada comprehend its path to recovery and future growth.
Stephen M.Miller subsequently broadened CBER’s scope, examining the interconnectedness of Southern Nevada’s economy with the broader U.S. economic landscape.
Today, under the direction of Andrew Woods, CBER’s work centers on building economic resiliency - preparing Nevada for its next phase of growth in key sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and entertainment. “Cross-disciplinary work is key to tackling the complex challenges facing Nevada’s economy,” woods said. “We’re here to be a trusted resource across sectors – from government to business to nonprofits.”
CBER’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its recent partnership with the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute. This collaboration resulted in the Southern Nevada Sports Economy Data Dashboard, a tool designed to measure the economic impact of Las Vegas’s burgeoning sports scene on tourism, employment, and small businesses.
the value of CBER’s work is widely recognized within the community. Tina Quigley, former director of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, emphasized the importance of CBER’s forums, stating, “We wouldn’t know the city’s true potential without these forums.”
CBER’s quarterly “Brews & Views” events, held at restaurants throughout the valley, provide a platform for discussing critical economic issues. The most recent event focused on the economic impact of the Las Vegas brand, featuring panelists from Formula 1, R&R Partners, Film Nevada, UNLV Sports innovation Institute, and TKO. Austin Brown, vice president of marketing for Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc.,captured the essence of the Las Vegas brand,noting,”Las Vegas is its own character in a movie.”
Woods highlights the practical application of CBER’s research, pointing to Southern Nevada’s success in water conservation. “southern Nevada overall uses less water today than 20 years ago, despite adding nearly a million residents,” he noted. “That’s the power of applied research making a real difference.”
Ultimately, CBER’s enduring legacy is rooted in its dedication to serving the community.As William Robinson succinctly put it: “We are servants of the community, first.” For 50 years, CBER has remained true to this principle, acting as Southern Nevada’s trusted economic compass, guiding the region toward a enduring and prosperous future.
