American Institute of Architects Nevada: Blueprint for Nevada

This Blueprint for Nevada has been created and compiled by the Nevada Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. It is a part of the Institute’s Blueprint for America – a gift of community service to America, given in celebration of the Institute’s 150th Anniversary Celebration on 2007.

The Blueprint for Nevada is a resource that provides facts, information, ideas and recommendations that can be used to enhance our communities and to create a more sustainable future for Nevada. It is produced through the collaborative efforts of AIA Nevada architects and members, civic and business leaders, policymakers and concerned citizens who worked together during the 24-Hour Town Hall Meetings held in Las Vegas and Reno on April 13-14, 2007.

Sustainability envisions the enduring prosperity of all living things.

Developing the Blueprint for Nevada

The process of developing the Blueprint for Nevada began in 2006 with the race for the Governor’s office in Nevada. AIA Nevada invited the candidates to participate in two Governor Candidate Forums. In order to create environmentally healthy communities we must elect government and legislative officials who are knowledgeable and dedicated to their creation. The Candidate Forums, held in Reno and Las Vegas, were broadcast on both radio and television, and gave the public an opportunity to hear directly from each candidate about their plans for utilizing the states abundant natural resources and for creating a more livable Nevada. The result of the Forums was a greater awareness of the importance of utilizing our natural resources and incorporating sustainable measures into the planning and design of our communities.

Also in 2006, the AIA Northern Nevada Chapter hosted a Sustainable Design Assistance Team (SDAT) from the Institute in order to evaluate environmental issues and concerns in Northern Nevada and to make recommendations for improvements. The SDAT study lasted for six months and resulted in a specific plan, which is included as a part of this Blueprint for Nevada.

The visioning process for the Blueprint for Nevada began with the 24-Hour Town Hall Meetings, which were held simultaneously in both Reno and Las Vegas during Architecture Week on April 13-14, 2007. These events allowed citizens and city officials in each location to participate with architects in defining a vision for their community and in developing the specific principles and recommendations for creating a livable community.

As a starting point, each Chapter used the AIA’s Ten Principles of Livable Communities as the basis for the discussions and for the focus groups in each of the 24-Hour Town Hall Meetings. Architect-led teams were organized to investigate the specific community issues. They worked to identify problem areas and then devise solutions in the areas of -- Resources: Energy & Water; Economic Development; Planning and Development; Education; Infrastructure and Wellness, Arts & Culture, Housing; and Public Safety and Transportation.

At the end of the 24-hour charrette, each team presented their findings and their solutions. to an audience that included the mayors, city council members, county commissioners, members of the school boards and other civic and business leaders. In Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman declared the session to be “the best two hours I’ve spent in the whole eight years I’ve been in office.” Those presentations constitute the content for this Blueprint for Nevada.

The cities of Reno and Las Vegas have benefited greatly from the Blueprint for Nevada programs. Both have already begun to incorporate the SDAT findings and “green” thinking and many of the Blueprint ideas into the planning and development for the cities and have moved forward in establishing “green teams” to continue the work. This publication and the Blueprint for Nevada Task Force will support their efforts and continue to provide resources in this ongoing effort.

A Continuing Task Force on Sustainability and Livability

The architect, associate and allied members of AIA Nevada are dedicated advocates for the built environment. Inspired by the success of the 24-Hour Town Hall Meetings, the SDAT Team’s findings, and the progress that has been made in both Las Vegas and Reno, AIA members, team leaders, business and civic leaders, legislators and affiliated organizations have joined forces and established the Blueprint for Nevada Task Force.

This Task Force combines the strengths and resources of not only the AIA Chapters, but also members of the statewide AIA Committee on the Environment, the United States Green Building Council, the Sierra Club, the Urban Land Institute, members of the Nevada Assembly, representatives from Senator Reid and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley’s offices, and members of city councils and county commissioners, all of whom are dedicated to working together to continue to build better communities. By combining the strengths and positive actions of these organizations and individuals, the Task Force is a focused and formidable union. The Blueprint for Nevada Task Force will use the momentum initiated in 2007 and will continue to work toward a brighter and more sustainable future for all citizens of Nevada.