CQPolitics

Neon lights and the chance of easy money continue to reel pleasure seekers into the 1st, which includes Las Vegas and its immediate environs. Gambling and tourism drive economic and population growth in this increasingly urbanized district.

The area has enjoyed generally healthy economic expansion over the past two decades, and large and small gaming companies have continued to thrive and fuel the region’s explosive growth. The local economic downturn after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks cost many workers their jobs as visitors stayed away; while it took years for the number of visitors to match 2000 levels, more than 39 million people visited Las Vegas in 2006, with an economic impact of $39.4 billion.

Downtown Las Vegas is no longer the focal point of the gambling industry, as large, newer luxury resorts on Las Vegas Boulevard lure visitors to the newest part of the “Strip,” located south of downtown and beyond the Las Vegas city limits. Traffic congestion, a byproduct of the growing population and healthy economy, has become a major problem.

Discussion in California about opening more casinos on American Indian reservations worries the industry here, but city leaders are excited about local public-private tourism projects. More than a decade ago, a consortium of downtown-based casino owners and the city began an ongoing renewal project designed to bring visitors back to historic downtown Las Vegas. The Fremont Street Experience has succeeded in attracting some visitors, but it has not been able to challenge the Strip’s dominance.

Although some pockets of Republicans live in the district, the urban 1st has a strong Democratic base in unionized service workers and does not include most of the fast-growing GOP-leaning suburbs. The 1st was the only Nevada district that John Kerry won in the 2004 presidential race.

Major Industry

Tourism, gambling, conventions

Cities

Las Vegas (pt.), 362,908; North Las Vegas, 115,488; Paradise (unincorporated) (pt.), 77,893; Sunrise Manor (unincorp.) (pt.), 68,288

Notable

The Little White Wedding Chapel on Las Vegas Boulevard has a drive-through window for weddings.