Companies Could Create Governments Under Nevada's 'Innovation Zones' Program

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak recently proposed on Innovation Zones program that will allow tech companies to form separate governments.

1 minute read

February 16, 2021, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Smart City

Bleutech Park, a $7.5 billion energy-efficient mini-city, secured a parcel of land at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip in 2019. | Bleutech Park Las Vegas

"If you’ve got enough money, acres upon acres of undeveloped land and an 'innovative technology,' you soon could form a new local government in Nevada," reports Colton Lochhead for a paywalled article published by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

If you lack a subscription to the Revie-Journal, the Associated Press also has the story. Companies would require a large portion of land to be granted the same authority as county governments in the state, which includes the ability to impose taxes, create school districts, and provide public service.

According to the Associated Press, the idea has yet to take legislative form, so the Innovation Zones program is still a long way from realization.

An article by Ray Dubicki picks up on the idea from Nevada and imagines the possibility of a similar program in Washington State, in the process offering a lot more insight and context for the idea as implemented int he past (company towns) and present (homeowners' associations).

Wednesday, February 3, 2021 in Las Vegas Review-Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog