Council adopts plan to promote better living

The City Council adopted a countywide plan during its Tuesday meeting in the hopes of bettering lives of all Southern Nevada residents.

The council discussed the importance of the Southern Nevada Strong Regional Plan, a comprehensive blueprint that provides ways to ensure a higher quality of life for Southern Nevadans, and how Boulder City fits into the plan.

The plan focused on improving key areas that affect people’s lifestyles, including economics, education, community amenities and transportation.

For the past three years, the Southern Nevada Strong coalition reached out to the public for input on how to make the quality of life better for residents. Councilman Cam Walker served as Boulder City representative on the coalition’s board while Councilwoman Peggy Leavitt and City Manager Dave Fraser served on a separate committee.

Although the 800-page document discusses several facets that cater to all of Clark County, a few of the ideas pertained specifically to Boulder City. Encouraging businesses to support education and school programs, and improving neighborhood safety were two examples.

Countywide examples include improving transportation options, and pursuing a stronger higher education system.

Councilman Duncan McCoy praised the comprehensive blueprint, calling it “well put together” and “easy to understand.”

“It’s really a pleasure to be able to take a look at a stack of documents that has such a finely done executive summary,” he said.

Leavitt said it was a “great experience” being a part of the committee.

Raymond Hess, Regional Transportation Commission planning manager, said an important part of creating the plan was to encourage public participation and learn of people’s concerns as much as possible.

Funding for the plan was provided by a Housing and Urban Development Department grant.

In other news, the council approved the city’s tentative budget, which was due to the state Taxation Department Wednesday. The final budget for fiscal year 2015-16 must be turned in by May 19.

Contact reporter Steven Slivka at sslivka@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9401. Follow him on Twitter @StevenSlivka.