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

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).

FULL STORY: Bill would allow tech companies to create local governments

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

Government / Politics Infrastructure Nevada Innovation Zones Corporate Governments Company Towns Homeowners' Associations View More

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