The North Las Vegas City Council formalized youth leadership at its March 4 meeting. The council also focused on redevelopment incentives. 

A new era for youth voices

Riley Pollock, a sophomore at Shadow Ridge High School and a resident of Ward 3, led the Pledge of Allegiance before being introduced as the primary catalyst for a new city initiative.

Mayor Pro Tem Scott Black lauded Pollock as a compassionate “youth leader” who took the initiative to contact city leadership directly. According to Black, Pollock presented an “articulate and eloquent argument” regarding why North Las Vegas—the third-largest city in Nevada—must establish a formal youth advisory council.

“I’m almost 16 and really excited to create this youth council for the city to help youth voices be recognized and heard,” Pollock told the chamber. Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown and the council confirmed that Pollock will work alongside city staff to pioneer the effort, ensuring that the city’s younger demographic has a seat at the table in municipal planning and community service.

Honoring service and success

The council paused to recognize excellence within the business community and the city’s own workforce. The March Business of the Month was awarded to Nevada Prosthetics. Councilwoman Ruth Garcia-Anderson highlighted the company’s role as a “beacon of hope,” providing custom prosthetic limbs that allow residents to regain their mobility. Kyle Dalley, a certified prosthetist and an amputee himself, accepted the award, noting that the business has been a staple of the North Las Vegas community since 2013.

In a “bittersweet” moment, the Mayor and council honored Case Palmer, the outgoing Director of Neighborhood and Leisure Services. Palmer, who originally intended to stay for two years, concluded an 11-year tenure. Council members praised his leadership, with Councilman Cherchio noting Palmer’s influence in connecting city leadership with Nellis Air Force Base. Palmer expressed his gratitude for the council’s friendship, stating, “We did a lot in the last 11 years.”

Strengthening regional ties

Councilman Cherchio provided updates on his role as an honorary base commander at Nellis Air Force Base, emphasizing the importance of receiving “real information in real time” regarding the safety and capabilities of service members. He also commended Police Chief Jacqueline Gravatt for the recent police awards ceremony at Aliante Casino, asserting that North Las Vegas maintains “the best of the best” in law enforcement.

Mayor Pro Tem Black highlighted the Silver State Education Foundation’s recent gala, where he presented a certificate of appreciation to music icon and philanthropist Tony Orlando. Orlando’s contribution of 250 robots to the Clark County School District (CCSD) was noted as a significant boost to local STEM education.

Additionally, Black discussed his work on the Governor’s Workforce Development Subcommittee, focusing on a recent symposium designed to advocate for affordable workforce childcare. This initiative aims to remove the economic barriers that prevent parents from fully participating in the local economy.

Redevelopment and the “Curb Appeal” niitiative

Following the regular session, the council reconvened as the Redevelopment Agency (RDA), chaired by Councilwoman Garcia-Anderson. The agency unveiled the Residential Curb Appeal Program, a new grant-based initiative designed to beautify existing single-family and multi-family homes within Tax Districts 253, 255 and 256.

Terry Sheridan, Director of Economic Development, and Scott Carter, Redevelopment Specialist, clarified that the program is not a loan but a reimbursable grant. Qualifying homeowners can be reimbursed for 50% of their exterior improvement costs, up to $25,000 for single addresses and up to $90,000 for multiple properties. To ensure quality and safety, the council emphasized that all work must be completed by licensed contractors within a 180-day window.

The transformation of Poker Palace

The RDA also approved a major grant for the rebranding of the Poker Palace. Pete McHugh, representing Poker Palace Investments, LLC, announced that the property—which changed ownership in late 2025—will be renamed Club Fortune North.

The $2.8 million renovation project aims to “de-castle” the facility, introducing modern signage, updated landscaping, and a revamped parking lot. Scott Carter provided an economic analysis of the project, stating that the $75,000 grant from the city would facilitate an ultimate economic output of $11 million. The renovation is expected to support 105 total employees, with a projected annual payroll impact of $18.8 million.

Environmental stewardship and education

The RDA concluded its session with a status report on the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant. Since 2022, the city has been utilizing federal funds to assess commercial properties for hazardous materials like asbestos and lead-based paint. With over $296,000 still available through August 2027, officials urged commercial owners to apply for the assessments to make “hazardous situations healthy again” and prepare older properties for sale or remodeling.

On the education front, CCSD Region 1 Superintendent Lindsay Tomlinson shared encouraging data. Chronic absenteeism has dropped by 6.6% over the last two years, a success credited to “truancy sweeps” and the “Bright Future” community walks. Tomlinson and Principal Ramona Fricker also highlighted various school achievements, including the Stem and Medical Academy at Jim Bridger Middle School being named a “magnet school of excellence.”

Community clean-up and public safety

Councilwoman Garcia-Anderson reported on a massive Ward 2 neighborhood clean-up held in late February. The event saw participation from 297 homes and resulted in the collection of:

• 540 cubic yards of trash.
• 45 used tires.
• 130 gallons of hazardous liquid solvents and oils.

She also invited residents to apply for the 2026 Hispanic Citizens Academy, a program running from March to May designed to foster transparency and communication between the North Las Vegas Police Department and the community.

Formal Actions and Appointments

The Council concluded the evening by approving several administrative and business items, including:

• City Leadership: The appointment of Jackie Rodgers as Director of the Office of the City Clerk and Xavone Charles to the Planning Commission.
• Business Licenses: Approval for cannabis production and cultivation facilities for Fidelis Holdings, LLC, and gaming licenses for WSKY and Bighorn Casino.
• Infrastructure: Funding for the Carey Avenue design project and $275,000 for improvements to the city’s firearms range.
• Public Safety Ordinance: The adoption of Ordinance No. 3259, which updates swimming pool codes to include protections for pet doors with direct pool access.