www.latinonetworksnv.

com

Report on Issues
Affecting Latinos in Nevada
August, 2014



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Table of Contents
Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................... 4
Message from Councilman Bob Coffin ................................................................................................ 7
Background on Latino Network of Southern Nevada ............................................................................ 8
Agendas ........................................................................................................................................ 13
Demographic Data on Nevadas Latinos ........................................................................................... 15
Issues of Concern among the Latino Community .............................................................................. 24
Action Taken at March 21, 2014 Summit .......................................................................................... 27
Opportunities in the Policy Landscape .............................................................................................. 28
Action Taken at J une 27, 2014 Forum .............................................................................................. 33

Contact Information
Dr. Maria Castillo-Couch
Office of Community Services, City of Las Vegas
Email: mccouch@LasVegasNevada.gov
Phone: 702-229-6681

Felipe A. Ortiz
Special Assistant to Councilman Bob Coffin
Email: fortiz@LasVegasNevada.gov
Phone: 702-229-5428

Website: http://latinonetworksnv.com/

A special thank you to NV Energy for their support.
A special thank you to Arturo and Gloria Castro and to the Hispanic Citizens Academy for their support.

The Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities assisted in the preparation and compilation of this document.



About the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities
The Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities (Guinn Center) is a nonprofit, bipartisan, think tank focused
on independent, fact-based, and well-reasoned analysis of critical policy issues facing the state of Nevada
and the Intermountain West. The Guinn Center engages policy-makers, experts, and the public with
innovative, fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to advance policy solutions, inform the public debate,
and expand public engagement.
Contact Information
Kenny C. Guinn Center for Policy Priorities
c/o InNEVation Center
6795 Edmond Street
Suite 300/Box 10
Las Vegas, NV 89118
Email: info@guinncenter.org
www.guinncenter.org



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Executive Summary

In the first half of 2014, the City of Las Vegas sponsored two gatherings of the Latino Network of
Southern Nevada. The first event was the Latino Network of Southern Nevada Summit, held on March 21,
2014. The second event was the Latino Network of Southern Nevada Forum, held on J une 27, 2014. Each
event attracted over 150 Latino community leaders from across Southern Nevada. The goal of the
meetings was to gain a better understanding of community needs and begin to develop a strategy for
how community organizations and members can work together to improve educational achievement by
working on six key areas: arts and culture, education, health, immigration, jobs and the economy, and
the natural and built environment.
The First Summit included presentations on the State of Latinos in Nevada, which provided participants
with data on a variety of indicators, such as population, unemployment, wages, educational outcomes,
and health care. The presentations discussed the lingering effects of the Great Recession and compared
Nevada to other states in the Intermountain West.
During the First Summit, participants also gathered into focus groups in each of the six key areas to
discuss needs, gaps in services, and recommended next steps. Participants in each focus group also
discussed how the specific area affects educational outcomes.
Several broad themes emerged from the recommendations developed by the focus groups:
Strengthen communication and collaboration among organizations and the Latino community;

Improve education and awareness among the Latino community in Southern Nevada across all areas
of discussion;

Strengthen parental and community engagement in K-12 education;

Build local capacity; and

Shape policies and influence policy outcomes.
The recommendations developed by the focus groups helped steering committee members identify and
draft a number of potential policy interventions in each of the six focus areas.
During the second meeting in J une, Latino community leaders gathered again to discuss policy priorities
in each of the six focus areas. With the assistance of facilitators, focus group participants discussed
recent developments, debated various policy issues and possible policy interventions, and arrived at a list
of top priorities.
Prior to the close of the second meeting, participants in the Latino Network of Southern Nevada Forum
identified concrete steps to work together as a community to improve educational outcomes for Latinos in
Southern Nevada. The action items identified in each focus area are as follows:




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Arts and Culture
Support the Hispanic Museum of Nevada in developing a plan for the future.

Support development of Villa Latina, or a Latino business district.

Learn from established groups on how to promote Latino arts and culture.
Education
Organize Latinos to testify before the Nevada Legislature during the 2015 Legislative Session to
advocate for increased funding for K-12 education.

Create a curriculum to train parents on how to be more engaged in schools and create a volunteer
pool.
Health
Promote creation and implementation of culturally and linguistically competent care and materials.

Support creation of a medical school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Immigration
Create Public Service Announcements sharing personal stories about the impact of immigration
policies.

Adopt policies to allow all undocumented immigrants to be eligible for resident tuition at Nevada
System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions.

Create a nonprofit to provide resources and protection for immigrants in Nevada.
J obs and the Economy
Grow potential and existing business focusing on providing resources, partnering with
others/organizations and support youth entrepreneurship by creating a town hall to provide these
resources in a one-stop-shop.

Support creation of Villa Latina by talking to political representatives about the project, creating a
buzz, and conducting a letter writing campaign.
Natural and Built Environment
Identify mature areas that need mass transit.

Work with the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to understand how funding could be
redirected to mature areas.




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Conclusion: Working towards the Future
Core Steering Committee members and representatives of the Latino Network of Southern Nevada will
share the recommendations and policy priorities developed by the Latino Network of Southern Nevada
with elected representatives of the City of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Clark County, and the
Nevada State Legislature, as well as with Clark County School Board trustees and Nevada System of
Higher Education Regents.
The Latino Network of Southern Nevada also plans to host several workshops in the next twelve months
to further engage the community leaders and stakeholders.
The Steering Committee has selected Friday, March 20, 2015, as the Second Latino Network of Southern
Nevada Summit.







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Message from Councilman Bob Coffin





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Background on Latino Network of Southern Nevada

History
The City of Las Vegas created the Latino Network of Southern Nevada in September 2013, under the
leadership of Councilman Bob Coffin and the Office of Community Services. The City convened several
initial meetings with a Steering Committee of Latino community leaders to understand what issues are
important to the community and to develop a vision, mission, and goals for the Network.
Priorities
The Steering Committee designed and conducted an internet survey that asked Latinos in Southern
Nevada to list five issue areas that are important to the Latino community. The results of the survey were
categorized into six key areas:
Arts and Culture
Education
Health and Human Services
Immigration
J obs and Economy
Natural and Built Environment

As Figure 1 indicates, education was identified as the most important issue. Based on the survey results,
the Steering Committee decided that improving educational achievement of Latinos should be considered
the primary, North Star goal of the Network.
Figure 1. Issues of Importance to Latinos in Southern Nevada







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Collective Impact Model
To achieve the goal of improving educational achievement of Latinos, the Latino Network of Southern
Nevada is using a Collective Impact Initiative model. Collective Impact Initiatives are long-term
commitments by a group of important actors and stakeholders from different sectors to develop and
support a common agenda with the objective of solving a specific social problem. Their actions are
supported by a shared measurement system, mutually reinforcing activities, and ongoing communication.
Accordingly, the Steering Committee decided that the Network would work on each of the six key areas
with the goal of improving education.
Vision
The Latino Network of Southern Nevada envisions a Latino community that is well educated, prosperous,
healthy, and has a strong voice and cultural presence in the community.
Mission
The Latino Network of Southern Nevada is a networking forum for Latino leaders, community members,
and organizations that advocate for issues and policies beneficial to the Latino community, with the
primary goal of improving education.
Goals
1. Identify Latino leaders and organizations that are conducting activities that serve Latinos.

2. Create opportunities for networking between Latino leaders and identify ways for organizations to
work together to improve outcomes for Latinos.

3. Build capacity within organizations (e.g., write grants, create accountability systems, engage the
community, etc.).

4. Build leadership capacity, including informing Latinos about leadership opportunities, such as serving
on boards or becoming mentors in schools with a high percentage of Latino students.

5. Inform Latinos about key issues affecting the community.

6. Identify gaps that need to be addressed in the six key areas (i.e., services or resources needed).

7. Identify what policy interventions are needed to improve outcomes.

8. Advocate for policy interventions identified.

9. Find ways to support City of Las Vegas programs that may improve through participation of
volunteers or other collaboration with Latino leaders.



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Target Audience
1. Primary target audience: Latino leaders and organizations that serve Latinos.

2. Ultimate target audience: Engage the rest of the Latino community, those who may need to be
served, guided or informed. A theme song has been developed by one of the Steering Committee
members, which will create identity and branding.
Action Items Planned
1. Produce a final report from data collected during the March 21 and J une 27, 2014, focus group
discussions of the six key areas.

2. Develop a directory of Latino Network attendees and organizations.

3. At the J une 27, 2014 event: (a) identify individuals who will lead or participate in each of the six key
areas; and (b) obtain ideas from attendees regarding next steps for the Latino Network.

4. Identify opportunities for increasing collaboration among Latino leaders, including scheduling a
networking event in the fall 2014.
Logo
The logo is a representation of the sun and a map of Southern Nevada. The colors in the Southern
Nevada graphic represent the six different focus areas and include pre-Colombian designs. The logo is
meant to awaken a powerful nucleus full of energy, aptitude, strength, unity, warmth, and passion.
Website
http://www.latinonetworksnv.com: The website will offer a directory of Latino leaders and Latino serving
organizations, serve as a dashboard of Latino demographics, serve as a calendar of events, provide
information about each key area, and offer opportunities for mentorship and volunteerism.
Members of the Steering Committee
The following individuals were members of the original Steering Committee which initially convened on
September 11, 2013. The first full Steering Committee meeting was held on October 8, 2013. The
members of the Steering Committee participated as individuals and not as representatives of their
respective organizations.
Adrian Alvarez
Nelson Araujo
Karla Banda
Kelly Benavidez
Leonardo Benavidez
Nancy E. Brune, Ph.D.
Gerald Bustamante
Yasodara Cabrera
Victoria Carreon
Arturo Castro
Domenica Castro
Gloria Castro
Bob Coffin
Maria Castillo-Couch, Ph.D.
Anastacio Del Real
Esther Pla, M.S.
Geneva Gamez
Norma A. Gomez
Sandra J auregui
Miriam Lira-Hickerson
Ramiro Lopez
Nora Luna
Maria Marinch
J ose Luis Melendrez
Leo Murrieta
Felicia Ortiz
Felipe A. Ortiz
Rosanna Silva-Minnich
J orge Viote


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Theme Song
The Latino Network of Southern Nevada Steering Committee adopted a theme song authored by one of
its members. Redescbrete, as the song is called, means Rediscover Yourself. The songs title is also
a play on words since Red means network, so Redescbrete is also an invitation to discover the Latino
Network of Southern Nevada. The song inspires and brings together the diverse cultures that comprise
the Latino community. It also challenges Latinos to be counted, dream big and follow their inner voice to
reach the pinnacle. Latinos are also asked to share their nobility and lineage by giving all they can, with
faith and passion, becoming part of this great community.
Redescbrete
Music and Lyrics by Arturo Castro, J anuary 10, 2014

Por donde empezar?
La brjula se ha movido
No temas dejar
El nido

Escucha tu voz
Te indicar el camino
Del ncleo del sol
Emerge una nueva fuerza hoy

Que inicia su nuevo rumbo
Sin mas fronteras, sin temor ninguno,
Que es capaz de la cima alcanzar

Siempre y cuando te prepares
No habr quien te pare
Tu voz y tu voto se harn contar
Sers parte de esta gran nueva civilacin
Dalo todo mi hermano con fe, con passin

Redescbrete
Latino entrega toda tu alma
Redescbrete
Tu herencia es grande y eso te basta
Redescbrete
Demuestra tu nobleza y tu casta
Redescbrete
J ams te rindas nunca por nada

Tu solo no ests
Pues cuentas ya conmigo
La oportunidad te brindo
Comienza a soar
Y traza tu destino
Te invito a gozar
De esta fuerza que emerge hoy


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Inicia tu propio rumbo
Sin mas fronteras, sin temor ninguno
Tu eres capaz de la cima alcanzar

Siempre y cuando te preprares
No habr quien te pare
Tu voz y tu voto se harn contar
Sers parte de esta gran nueva civilacin
Dalo todo mi hermano con fe, con pasin

Redescbrete
Latino entrega toda tu alma
Redescbrete
Tu herencia es grande y eso te basta
Redescbrete
Demuestra tu nobleza y tu casta
Redescbrete
J ams te rindas nunca por nada

Redescbrete
Latino entrega toda tu alma
Redescbrete
Tu herencia es grande y eso te basta

Redescbrete
J amas te rindas nunca por nada
Redescbrete
Latino Network of Southern Nevada








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Agenda

Latino Network of Southern Nevada
Summit

East Las Vegas Community Center
March 21, 2014

Welcome
Dr. Maria Castillo-Couch
Mistress of Ceremonies

Unlimited Opportunities for Latinos
Councilman Bob Coffin, Ward 3

State of Latinos in Nevada
J eremy Aguero, Applied Analysis
Dr. Nancy E. Brune and Victoria Carren,
Guinn Center for Policy Priorities

Collective Impact Model
Video

Focus Group Table Discussions and Reports
J ose Luis Melendrez, UNLV Office of Diversity

Next Steps and Call to Action
Felicia Ortiz, Entrepreneur







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Agenda

Latino Network of Southern Nevada
Forum

City Hall, City of Las Vegas
J une 27, 2014

Vision for Event
Dr. Maria Castillo-Couch
Mistress of Ceremonies

Welcome
Mayor Carolyn Goodman

Opening Remarks
Councilman Bob Coffin

Communities and Schools Working Together
Ruben Murillo, President
Nevada State Education Association

Downtown Achieves
Rae Lathrop, Associate Director
Outside Las Vegas Foundation

Opportunities in the Policy Landscape
Dr. Nancy E. Brune
Guinn Center for Policy Priorities

Call to Action: Workgroup Sessions

Summary from Work Group Sessions
Felicia Ortiz, Entrepreneur



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Demographic Data on Nevadas Latinos

Latinos Have Been the Fastest Growing Group in Nevada
As Nevadas economy has grown, the State has experienced tremendous population growth, increasing
from a population of only 500,000 in 1970 to 2.7 million in 2010. Latinos have been the fastest growing
population group in Nevada. Figure 2 shows that the Latino population has increased from 27,142 (5.6
percent) in 1970 to 716,501 (26.5 percent) in 2010. For perspective on the magnitude of this population
growth, consider that the number of Latinos in some zip codes in Clark County is now higher than the
number of Latinos in the entire state in 1970.
From 2000 to 2010, the Latino population grew faster than the non-Latino population across the Silver
State (see Figure 2). Statewide, the Latino population grew by 82 percent while the non-Latino
population grew by 24 percent. In Southern Nevada, the cities of Henderson and North Las Vegas had
the highest Latino population growth rates while the City of Las Vegas and Boulder City had the lowest
growth rates. In addition, Boulder City was the only location in Clark County where the non-Latino
population decreased over this time period.
Figure 2

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Decennial Census
The Latino Population has increased in every county in Nevada
The Latino population increased in each county in Nevada from 2000 to 2010 (see Table 1). Counties
with the highest growth rates include Clark County, Lyon County, and Nye County. In contrast, Mineral
County, Lander County, and Pershing County had the lowest Latino growth rates.



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Table 1
Nevada Population Growth by County from 2000 to 2010

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Decennial Census

Highest Concentrations of Latinos in North Las Vegas and City of Las Vegas
Figure 3
Statewide, Latinos represented 27 percent of
Nevadas population in 2010. As shown in
Figure 3, the highest concentrations of
Latinos in Southern Nevada in 2010 were in
the City of Las Vegas (32 percent) and North
Las Vegas (39 percent) while the lowest
concentrations were in Boulder City (7
percent) and Henderson (15 percent).



Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Decennial Census

Figure 4 reveals the top 10 zip codes in Clark County where Latinos represented the largest percentage of
the population from 2008 to 2012. The highest concentrations of Latinos are in East Las Vegas and North
Las Vegas. The zip code with the largest representation of Latinos is 89030 at 73.1 percent followed by
89101 at 59.8 percent.

Total
Popul ati on
Lati no
Popul ati on
Percent of
Popul ati on
Total
Popul ati on
Lati no
Popul ati on
Percent of
Popul ati on
Growth
i n Total
Pop.
Growth
i n Lati no
Pop.
Carson City 52,457 7,466 14% 55,274 11,777 21% 5% 58%
Churchill County 23,982 2,076 9% 24,877 3,009 12% 4% 45%
Clark County 1,375,765 302,143 22% 1,951,269 568,644 29% 42% 88%
Douglas County 41,259 3,057 7% 46,997 5,103 11% 14% 67%
Elko County 45,291 8,935 20% 48,818 11,158 23% 8% 25%
Esmeralda County 971 99 10% 783 120 15% -19% 21%
Eureka County 1,651 158 10% 1,987 238 12% 20% 51%
Humboldt County 16,106 3,040 19% 16,528 4,038 24% 3% 33%
Lander County 5,794 1,073 19% 5,775 1,219 21% 0% 14%
Lincoln County 4,165 221 5% 5,345 332 6% 28% 50%
Lyon County 34,501 3,784 11% 51,980 7,674 15% 51% 103%
Mineral County 5,071 428 8% 4,772 436 9% -6% 2%
Nye County 32,485 2,713 8% 43,946 5,967 14% 35% 120%
Pershing County 6,693 1,294 19% 6,753 1,508 22% 1% 17%
Storey County 3,399 174 5% 4,010 228 6% 18% 31%
Washoe County 339,486 56,301 17% 421,407 93,724 22% 24% 66%
White Pine County 9,181 1,008 11% 10,030 1,326 13% 9% 32%
TOTAL 1,998,257 393,970 20% 2,700,551 716,501 27% 35% 82%
2000 Census 2010 Census


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Figure 4
Top 10 Latino Zip Codes in Clark County

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau 2008-2012 American Community Survey

Nevadas Latinos Have Diverse Backgrounds
Figure 5
Nevadas Latinos come from diverse backgrounds
and experiences, which contribute to a rich Latino
culture. Statewide, 76 percent of Nevadas
Latinos are of Mexican heritage and 24 percent
come from other backgrounds, including Puerto
Rico, Cuba, and Central and South America (see
Figure 5). The cities with the greatest diversity of
Latino heritage are Boulder City and Henderson.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau, Decennial Census




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Highest Percentage of Latino Non-Citizens in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas
Figure 6
The majority of Nevadas Latinos are either
native born or naturalized citizens. Statewide,
68 percent of Latinos are citizens while 32
percent are non-citizens (see Figure 6). Within
Southern Nevada, Boulder City and Henderson
have the highest percentages of Latinos who
are citizens. In contrast, Las Vegas and North
Las Vegas have the highest percentages of non-
citizens.



Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2010, 5 year estimate

Nevadas Latinos are Young Compared to Non-Latinos
Nevada attracts young Latino families because of jobs in the accommodation and food services industry,
as well as older non-Latinos who want to retire in a low tax environment. The median age for Latinos in
2010 was 26 compared to 43.7 for non-Latinos. As shown in Figure 7, 35 percent of Latinos were age 17
or younger compared to 20 percent of non-Latinos in 2012. In contrast, 11 percent of Latinos were age
55 and over compared to 30 percent of non-Latinos.
Figure 7
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, American Community Survey





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Nevada Latinos have Lower Educational Levels than Non-Latinos
Figure 8
Across Nevada, Latinos generally have lower
educational attainment levels than non-Latinos.
In 2010, 42 percent of Latinos in Nevada had
less than a high school education (see Figure 8)
compared to 16 percent for the total population
(see Figure 9). In addition, only 8 percent of
Latinos had a bachelors degree or higher
compared to 22 percent of the total population.








Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2010, 5 year estimate

Figure 9
Within Southern Nevada, the cities of Las
Vegas and North Las Vegas had the lowest
educational attainment levels for Latinos. The
percentage of Latinos with a high school
education or less was 47 percent in Las Vegas
and 52 percent in North Las Vegas. In
contrast, Boulder City and Henderson had the
highest educational attainment levels for
Latinos (see Figure 8).






Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2010, 5 year estimate

Latinos Are Now the Largest Group in Nevadas Schools
Given that Latinos have been Nevadas fastest growing population group and Latinos are younger than
the non-Latino population, it is not surprising that Latinos are now the largest racial/ethnic group in K-12
schools. As indicated in Figure 10, the percentage of Latinos in K-12 schools increased from 30 percent in
2003-04 to 40 percent in 2012-13. During this same time period, the percentage of white students
decreased from 51 percent to 37 percent. The school districts with the largest concentrations of Latino
students are Clark, Carson City, Washoe, Humboldt, and Esmeralda (see Figure 10).



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Figure 10

Source: Nevada Department of Education, Nevada Report Card

English Language Learners are a Significant Part of the K-12 Population
Nevada has a significant percentage of English Language Learners (ELLs) (see Figure 11). The
percentage was as high as 23 percent in 2010-11. The school districts with the highest percentage of
ELLs in 2012-13 were Carson City, Clark County, Esmeralda County, and Washoe County. Approximately
84 percent of ELLs speak Spanish. However, there are a large number of languages spoken by Nevadas
students, including 85 languages in the Clark County School District.
ELLs are consistently one of the lowest achieving subgroups in both English and math. In 2013, only 6
percent of fourth grade ELLs and 2 percent of eighth grade ELLs were proficient in reading on the
National Assessment of Educational Progress, while only 14 percent of fourth grade ELLs and 2 percent of
eighth grade ELLs were proficient in math.
Figure 11

Source: Nevada Department of Education, Nevada Report Card




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Gaps in High School Graduation Rates for Latinos and English Learners
In 2011-12, Nevadas overall graduation rate was the lowest in the nation. While rates have increased in
2012-13, there are still sizable gaps for Latinos and English Language Learners. Graduation rates in Clark
County track closely with statewide rates as shown in Figure 12.
Figure 12

Source: Nevada Department of Education, Nevada Report Card

Significant Challenges Exist in College Graduation Rates
There are three public institutions of higher education in Southern Nevada: College of Southern Nevada
(CSN), Nevada State College (NSC), and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The 2012
graduation rates at all three institutions are lower than the national average of 21 percent for 2-year
colleges and 55 percent for 4-year colleges. In addition, graduation rates have been consistently lower
for Latino students than for the total student population (see Figure 13). However, these gaps are fairly
small at CSN and UNLV.
Figure 13

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education System




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Figure 13 (continued)

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education System

Gaps Exist in Median Household Income and Per Capita Income
Nevadas Latinos lag behind the total population in median household income and per capita income. As
Figure 14 shows, median household income in 2010 was $55,726 for the total population compared to
$44,605 for Latinos. A similar trend existed for per capita income, which was $27,589 for the total
population compared to $15,724 for Latinos. Boulder City had the largest gap between the total
population and Latinos for both household income and per capita income but this data should be used
with caution due to a high margin of error. In contrast, Latinos had the highest income levels in
Henderson and North Las Vegas.
Figure 14

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2010, 5 year estimate




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Disparities Exist in Poverty Rates
Figure 15
Nevadas Latinos face higher poverty rates for
families with children under the age of 18 than
the total population (see Figure 15). In 2010,
Boulder City had the highest Latino poverty
rate and the largest disparity between Latinos
and the total population. Once again, Boulder
City data should be used with caution due to a
high margin of error. In contrast, Henderson
had the lowest Latino poverty rate.

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2010, 5 year estimate

Nevadas Economic Growth has Attracted Latinos
The accommodation and food services industry has been the historic driver of Nevadas economy and is
the largest employer of Latinos in the state. In 2012, this industry employed 38 percent of Nevadas
Latinos. Before the Great Recession, the construction industry was the second highest employer of
Latinos. However, the percentage of Latinos employed by the construction industry fell from 13 percent
in 2006 to 5 percent in 2012. The retail industry has also attracted Latinos to Nevada, increasing from 9
percent of Latino employment in 2006 to 11 percent in 2012. Unfortunately, Latinos have been
overrepresented in jobs that do not require high levels of education and offer lower pay than the average
statewide wage.
Demographics Reveal Need for Infrastructure of Opportunity
As these statistics illustrate, Nevadas Latinos lag behind non-Latinos in many indicators. This has serious
implications for Nevadas future economic well-being given that Latinos are the fastest growing segment
of the States population. The data underscore a need to create an infrastructure of opportunity that will
help improve economic security for Latinos. This infrastructure of opportunity includes education, job
training, health care, housing, and access to capital for Latinos.



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Issues of Concern among the Latino Community

Following the presentations on the State of Latinos in Nevada on March 21, 2014, Latino community
leaders participating in the Latino Network of Southern Nevada Summit broke into six focus groups
organized around the following issues:
Arts and Culture

Education

Health and Human Services

Immigration

J obs and Economy

Natural and Built Environment
The facilitators for each group led the group to answer and discuss the following five questions:
1. What issues within the area of _________(e.g. education, jobs, built environment, arts, health,
immigration) are the most important to you?

2. What programs and/or services does your organization offer to address these issues? Beyond your
organization, are there other programs or services that exist to address these issues?

3. How do your organizations programs and/or services help improve education?

4. What gaps exist in this area? What models and/or programs exist that could be scaled up? What
items/needs are not being covered by any programs or services being offered now?

5. How could the Latino Network of Southern Nevada help promote and facilitate collaboration on these
issues? What can we do, in our respective groups, to promote collaboration?
Common Themes Emerge
1. Strengthening Communication and Collaboration
Across the focus groups, participants stressed the need to improve communication between community
groups and organizations serving the Latino community. In particular, participants identified the need to
improve collaboration and coordination between organizations and businesses to maximize the reach and
effectiveness of services. The focus groups also emphasized the need to strengthen private-public (and
nonprofit) sector partnerships. In addition, participants discussed the need for organizations to improve
communication with Latinos about services available. To facilitate communication, participants
recommended greater use of social media, and the establishment of a community calendar, which groups
could use to post information about their events.


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2. Improving Education in Various Issue Areas
Participants emphasized the need to improve education and awareness among the Latino community in
Southern Nevada across all areas of discussion. For example, focus group participants identified the need
to provide better education to Latinos on job seeking strategies. In addition, community leaders in
management positions discussed the need for better education in areas of human resource management
and navigating the tax and regulatory environment.
Other participants focused on the need to improve health education, particularly in the area of sex
education, domestic violence, Medicare and the recently implemented Affordable Care Act.
3. Strengthening Parental and Community Engagement in K-12 education
Another predominant theme that emerged from the focus groups was the importance of parental and
community engagement in K-12 education in Southern Nevada. In order to improve parental
engagement, participants identified the need to provide more communication to parents, offer training
for parents, and provide culturally relevant materials to parents.
Focus group participants emphasized the need to increase high school graduation rates and identified the
importance of effective mentoring and tutoring programs. Participants also discussed the need for the
Clark County School district to provide more services for homeless students, provide arts education,
improve staff development on cultural competency, and address resource inequalities between schools.
4. Building Local Capacity
Discussions across all six focus groups touched on the need to build local capacity among the Latino
community in Southern Nevada. Community leaders identified the need to increase the number of
Latinos in leadership positions within organizations, institutions of higher education, and businesses, and
on community and corporate boards. Participants also recognized the need to increase the number of
Latinos serving in elected positions. While there are seven Latinos serving in the Nevada legislature,
Latinos are underrepresented on city councils, the Clark County School District Board of Trustees, the
Board of Regents, and the Clark County Board of Commissioners.
Participants identified the need to build the capacity of local organizations to successfully apply for
federal, state and private foundation grants. Leaders also identified the need for organizations and
businesses to improve diversity in hiring, increase the number of bilingual staff, and provide cultural
competency training to staff.
5. Shaping Policies and Influencing Outcomes
Participants across the six focus groups identified the need to shape policies that affect the Latino
community in Southern Nevada. Many expressed a lack of understanding about how the legislative
process works at both the state and Federal level. Community leaders expressed an interest in becoming
more informed about the legislative process in Nevada.
Gap analysis
Latino community leaders in each focus group identified gaps and needs in the specific areas of
discussion. The primary gaps as identified by participants are presented on the following page.


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Arts and Culture
Lack of awareness in the general community about the importance of art;

Lack of general knowledge of Hispanic/Latino history in Southern Nevada;

Lack of physical space for cultural arts activities and institutions;

Reduced funding in public schools for arts education; and

Lack of integration between art and education in the schools.
Education
Inadequate funding for schools;

Unequal distribution of resources among schools;

Need to strengthen engagement of parents and the community, including businesses;

Need to improve the high school graduation rate; and

Need to make higher education more affordable, particularly for undocumented students.
Health
Need to educate Latino community about available healthcare resources, sex education, nutrition,
Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Healthcare Act, prenatal care, and sexual abuse prevention;

Lack of Latinos in health care industry and in senior leadership positions;

Lack of coordination and communication among agencies;

Lack of access to affordable, quality healthcare; and

Lack of bilingual, culturally sensitive staff and materials.
Immigration
Need to educate key stakeholders about comprehensive immigration reform and the Dream Act;

Need to halt deportations;

Lack of resources for undocumented students; and

Lack of legal protection for undocumented immigrants.



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J obs and the Economy
Lack of diversity in senior leadership of businesses and organizations, and on boards;

Lack of access to capital;

Need to address wage differentials and income inequality;

Lack of knowledge of effective job seeking strategies;

Lack of understanding of the tax and regulatory environment; and

Lack of a Latino business district, such as a Hispanic Village or Spanish Market, to serve as a tourist
destination.
Natural and Built Environment
Need for better transit options and pedestrian-friendly walkways;

Lack of public transportation in heavily populated areas;

Lack of understanding of what end users want;

Lack of involvement and community participation, particularly in advocacy efforts; and

Lack of education and awareness.
Action Taken at March 21, 2014 Summit

During the March 21
st
Summit, the Steering Committee called on attendees to urge the City of Las Vegas
to approve a ceremonial street name change in honor of the late labor and civil rights leader, Csar
Chvez.
Over 200 petitions were signed by community members and sent to the City of Las Vegas. In response to
the communitys request, a resolution was submitted to the Las Vegas City Council recommending
adoption of Camino Csar Chvez as a ceremonial street name for Pecos Road between Charleston
Boulevard and Owens Avenue.
The Las Vegas City Council approved the resolution On May 7, 2014. New signs with the ceremonial
street name of Camino Csar Chvez will be placed below the existing street signs. Donations are being
accepted to cover the costs of the new signage.
The signage changes will be completed by September 10, 2014. A ceremony will be held to unveil the
signage in mid-September 2014 during Hispanic Heritage Month.


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Opportunities in the Policy Landscape

At the conclusion of the Summit in March, participants convened in full plenary session to explore how
the Latino Network of Southern Nevada might work to support the interests of the Latino community.
Participants agreed to assemble in J une 2014 to continue the conversation. A number of policy issue
areas were identified that might warrant the collective action, attention and resources of the Latino
community in Southern Nevada. During the J une 2014 meeting, Latino community leaders gathered to
discuss key policy issues, explore opportunities in the policy landscape, and identify specific actions the
Latino community in Southern Nevada could take to address key policy concerns. During the J une 2014
forum, Latino community leaders addressed:
1. What are the priorities of this focus group?

2. What are the 2-3 specific action items that individuals and organizations can take to shape and
influence policy interventions and outcomes in the 2015 legislative session?

3. What should be the legislative priorities of the Latino Network of Southern Nevada?

4. What can individuals and organizations do to advance these priorities?
To inform the discussion, participants were presented with policy developments and issues for
consideration in each of the focus areas.
Arts and Culture
Latino art and culture play an important role in southern Nevada. Listed below are recommendations to
ensure that Latino art and culture remain an important part of life in Southern Nevada.
Support efforts to increase arts programming in public schools.

Encourage Latino artists, schools and cultural programs in Southern Nevada to apply for grants
offered by the Nevada Arts Council.

Encourage Latinos to participate in the Las Vegas Arts Commission and Clark County Library District
Board.

Support the Hispanic Museum of Nevada and other new and existing cultural institutions.

Create a Latino community calendar that includes cultural and artistic activities.

Support memorializing and publishing the history of Latinos in Southern Nevada.
Education
Not surprisingly, improving educational outcomes for Latinos is the highest priority for the Latino
community in Southern Nevada. Outlined below are a number of areas that could merit further
consideration and action by participants in the Latino Network of Southern Nevada.


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Support implementation of the Nevada Academic Content Standards adopted by the State Board of
Education.

Support policies to improve early literacy in grades K-3 by requiring universal assessments to identify
students needing intervention, parent involvement, intervention programs for students, evaluation of
the effectiveness of the interventions, and literacy training for teachers.

Support expansion of funding for English Language Learners (ELLs) and students eligible for Free and
Reduced Lunch (FRL) through increased funding for Zoom Schools or by creating a weighted funding
formula that provides additional funding to ELLs and FRLs.

o The Nevada Legislature provided $50 million for the 2013-2015 biennium for a new initiative to
improve outcomes for ELLs. Funds have been provided to 20 Zoom Schools in Clark and
Washoe counties with the highest rates of ELLs and the lowest academic outcomes. These
schools are required to provide pre-kindergarten programs, full-day kindergarten programs,
intersession programs, and reading skills development centers. Schools in other counties are also
receiving funding for English Language Learners through this initiative.

o In addition, the Task Force on K-12 Education funding is currently developing recommendations
to the Legislature on how to create a weighted funding formula that provides additional funds to
ELLs, FRLs, and students in need of special education services.

Support expansion of pre-kindergarten programs throughout the state.

Support expansion of full-day kindergarten programs throughout the state.

o The Nevada Legislature provided $32 million for the 2013-2015 biennium to expand full-day
kindergarten, which is a 66 percent increase over the previous biennium. School districts are
required to prioritize these funds for schools with the highest percentage of students eligible for
free and reduced price lunch.

Support more funding for K-12 education.

Support the recommendations of the English Mastery Council that may require legislative action.

o In 2013, the Nevada Legislature passed S.B. 504, which established the English Mastery Council.
The charge of the Council is to recommend curriculum standards and a system of endorsements
required of educators to teach English as a second language.

Encourage the Clark County School District Superintendent to invest additional resources in parental
engagement and community outreach.

Encourage the Clark County School District to provide Spanish speaking staff at schools with high
percentages of parents that are Spanish-speakers.



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Monitor Clark County School Districts reform efforts to reduce disproportionately in expulsions and
suspensions by race/ethnicity.

o In the Clark County School Districts 2014 Pledge of Achievement Strategic Plan, the district
committed to realizing an annual decrease in the disproportionality in expulsions and suspensions
by race and gender. To date, the Clark County School District has not released performance
metrics or targets for any of the goals in the Strategic Plan.

Support legislation to create a state-supported need-based grant program to provide financial aid to
low-income students seeking to attend community college.
Health
Raising awareness about health issues and improving access to affordable, quality healthcare are issues
of significant concern to Latinos in Southern Nevada. Listed below are possible policy recommendations.
Support legislation that provides culturally appropriate education on the Affordable Care Act,
Medicaid, Medicare, and Nevada Check Up to Nevada residents.

Support legislation to require health care providers to provide certified interpreters.

Support legislation implementing mental health screening in schools.

Support legislation strengthening nutrition requirements for school breakfast and lunches.

Support proposed legislation that expands sex education in our public schools.

o In the 2013 Nevada Legislative Session, the legislature rejected a proposed bill that would have
expanded the existing requirements for each school district to provide sex education. It is likely
that this bill will be introduced again in the 2015 Legislative session.
J obs and the Economy
Latinos were hit hard by the Great Recession, resulting in high unemployment rates, particularly among
the youth, and higher poverty rates. Given the high poverty rates among Latinos, and the income and
wage inequality between Latinos and non-Latinos, it is critical that Latinos support policies that can
strengthen their long term economic security. Below are some policies that warrant further consideration
and discussion among Latino community leaders.
Support legislation that strengthens economic security by limiting interest rates for payday loans, title
loans, and car loans.

o On average, Nevada payday lenders charge an average 521 percent annual interest on their
loans. Nevada, Utah, and Idaho have some of the highest payday loan rates in the nation.

Support legislation to raise the minimum wage.



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Support efforts to amend the Nevada Administrative Code to comply with the State constitutional
requirement that employers provide health insurance in order to pay $1 less than the minimum
wage. (Current regulations only require employers to offer health insurance.)

Support legislation to expand the J obs for Americas Graduates (J AG) program.

Revise state law to require employers to pay for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) 10 hour safety training course. (Current law requires employees to pay for the OSHA safety
training course).

Support legislation to allow employees to file for workers compensation without a social security
number.

Support legislation that requires employers to improve the work safety climate in the construction
industry through methods such as hazard Prevention through Design (PtD) and Building Information
Modeling (BIM).

Encourage the Nevada OSHA to strengthen its regulatory oversight of employers to ensure they
provide engineering controls, institute safe work practices, maintain equipment adequately, reduce
production pressures, and offer effective training in the language of the worker.

Support a request to the City of Las Vegas or Clark County to create a Hispanic Village or Spanish
Market District with economic development funding.
Immigration
Congress is expected to take up comprehensive immigration reform this year. This issue affects Latinos
in Southern Nevada. Among the Intermountain West, Nevada has the highest share of undocumented
immigrants as a percentage of its population. Uncertainty over immigration policy affects the ability of
families to improve their long term economic security.
Urge Nevadas Congressional delegation to approve comprehensive immigration reform.

Encourage the Board of Regents to revise the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) residency
policy to allow undocumented immigrants to receive resident tuition at NSHE institutions.

o Currently, all graduates of Nevada high schools are eligible for resident tuition but certain
immigrants who did not attend high school in Nevada are not eligible for resident tuition.
Natural and Built Environment
The natural and built environment includes issues of security, transportation, infrastructure, the
environment, and natural resources. A strong natural and built environment supports economic security
of Latino families in Southern Nevada. Listed below are policy recommendations that warrant discussion.
Support local government planning efforts to increase park spaces/green spaces in urban areas,
particularly East Las Vegas and North Las Vegas.


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Support the efforts of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada to improve bus
routes in urban areas.

Support local government efforts to improve road and pedestrian safety, and encourage local
governments to commission a study adjusting crossing signals to increase the amount of time
pedestrians have to cross large intersections.

o Research on pedestrian crashes in Las Vegas shows that Latinos and low income populations in
Las Vegas are disproportionately affected.

Support funding trail connectivity for multi modal access and improve lighting on trails.

Improve availability of quality, affordable, organic, and fresh produce in low-income neighborhoods.







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Action Taken at J une 27, 2014 Forum

Prior to the close of the second meeting, participants in the Latino Network of Southern Nevada Forum
identified concrete steps to work together as a community to improve educational outcomes for Latinos in
Southern Nevada. The action items identified in each focus area are as follows:
Arts and Culture
Support the Hispanic Museum of Nevada in developing a plan for the future.

Support development of Villa Latina, or a Latino business district.

Learn from established groups on how to promote Latino arts and culture.
Education
Organize Latinos to testify before the Nevada Legislature during the 2015 Legislative Session to
advocate for increased funding for K-12 education.

Create a curriculum to train parents on how to be more engaged in schools and create a volunteer
pool.
Health
Promote creation and implementation of culturally and linguistically competent care and materials.

Support creation of a medical school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Immigration
Create Public Service Announcements sharing personal stories about the impact of immigration
policies.

Adopt policies to allow all undocumented immigrants to be eligible for resident tuition at Nevada
System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions.

Create a nonprofit to provide resources and protection for immigrants in Nevada.
J obs and the Economy
Grow potential and existing business focusing on providing resources, partnering with
others/organizations and support youth entrepreneurship by creating a town hall to provide these
resources in a one-stop-shop.

Support creation of Villa Latina by talking to political representatives about the project, creating a
buzz, and conducting a letter writing campaign.



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Natural and Built Environment
Identify mature areas that need mass transit.

Work with the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to understand how funding could be
redirected to mature areas.

Conclusion: Working towards the Future
Core Steering Committee members and representatives of the Latino Network of Southern Nevada will
share the recommendations and policy priorities developed by the Latino Network of Southern Nevada
with elected representatives of the City of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Clark County, and the
Nevada State Legislature, as well as with Clark County School Board trustees and Nevada System of
Higher Education Regents.
The Latino Network of Southern Nevada also plans to host several workshops in the next twelve months
to further engage the community leaders and stakeholders.
The Steering Committee has selected Friday, March 20, 2015, as the Second Latino Network of Southern
Nevada Summit.





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Join us for the next Summit
Friday, March 20, 2015