The panel strongly suggests, however, that an approach that moves toward regionwide authority for governance will offer the most effective response to the Valley's needs in the 2 1st century. The panel recommends that local governments, along with civic and business leaders, begin the process of establishing a regional organization that unites the efforts of local governments and other agencies to manage growth. This may require a staged approach in which interlocal agreements define a basic level of regional responsibilities, which can be expanded over time. Building strategic leadership and a sense of community among Las Vegans should be a high priority in the region's management of growth. The panel has been struck by the relative weakness of civic leadership and community identity in the Valley, especially with regard to regionwide issues.
Political leadership appears fractious and unfocused on the major issues confronting the Valley.
Business leadership in civic affairs is almost invisible. It is time to form a more collaborative approach to regional development and to formulate a shared vision to guide future growth. The panel has also observed that citizens of the Las Vegas Valley appear apathetic toward the idea of participation in governmental and civic activities, perhaps because of the large numbers of new residents and the extent of transiency in the population. Although many residents are proud of the Valley's tremendous transformation over the past few decades and do identify with their particular communities, incorporated or not, citizens seem to have little sense of their role in, and interdependence with, the wider regional community. The panel believes that changing these attitudes will be critical to addressing growth problems in the Valley effectively and equitably.