Is Las Vegas prepared for the next economic downturn? By Patrick Blennerhassett Las Vegas Review-Journal February 26, 2026 - 9:04 am The Las Vegas Valley is better prepared now for an economic downturn than it has been in the past but is still relatively exposed because of a lack of economic diversity, according to one of UNLV’s top economists. The valley was one of the hardest hit cities in the country during the 2008 Great Recession, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, and the city’s tourism and gaming industry found itself on life support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel Chi, a professor and the chair of the Lee Business School at UNLV, said Las Vegas needs to continue its push to diversify its economy before the next economic shock, as the first thing Americans do when the economy is suffering is tighten discretionary spending such as vacations. He noted after the housing bubble burst in 2008, the national unemployment rate peaked at 10 percent, but Nevada hit 13.4 percent, and then during the pandemic, the overall U.S unemployment rate peaked at 14.8 percent, and Nevada hit 30.5 percent. “So [...]

2,000 JOBS ADDED MONTH TO MONTH Las Vegas ranks second in metro unemployment at 5.2% amid tourism slump Yogonet International 2026-02-11United States Las Vegas recorded a 5.2% unemployment rate in December, ranking second-highest among major US metro areas. The result comes amid a sustained slump in tourism to America’s casino capital, where visitor volume fell 7.5% to 38.5 million in 2025. The December jobless rate, based on non-seasonally adjusted data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, placed the Las Vegas area second among more than 50 metro areas with populations of at least 1 million. Fresno, California, posted the highest rate at 8.2%. Honolulu recorded the lowest rate in the group at 2.1%. Seasonally adjusted figures from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation show that Las Vegas-area employment increased by 2,000 jobs from November to December. On a year-over-year basis, total employment was down by 9,800 jobs compared with December 2024. Metro-level unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted, unlike the monthly job totals. Despite the decline in annual visitation, several taxable sales categories posted year-over-year increases in November, according to the Nevada Department of Taxation. Food services and drinking places [...]

Experts address Vegas economy in local NAIOP event Press Release Date 02-05-2026 The Economic Club of Las Vegas is scheduled to host “Tariffs, Taxes and The Las Vegas Economy” reception with light hors d’oeuvres on February 19th, 2026, at Park MGM LAS VEGAS, NV, UNITED STATES, February 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Economic Club of Las Vegas is scheduled to host “Tariffs, Taxes and The Las Vegas Economy” reception with light hors d’oeuvres on February 19th, 2026, at Park MGM. The event will take place in Hyde 2 & 3 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Guests are encouraged to arrive before 5:00 PM for preliminary check-in. Presenters for the event are Dr. Kristopher Sanchez, Director—State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry, Cameron Belt, Senior Economist & Research Director—RCG Economics, and David Damore, Ph.D., Executive Director—The Lincy Institute and Brookings Mountain West. General memberships for the Economic Club of Las Vegas are now being offered through nominations. About the Economic Club of Las Vegas: The Economic Club of Las Vegas is a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-political organization designed for members to share their perspectives on social, economic, and [...]

Experts address Vegas economy in local NAIOP event BY BUCK WARGO LAS VEGAS BUSINESS PRESS January 27, 2026 - 12:13 pm The Southern Nevada chapter of NAIOP kicked off its monthly breakfast program Jan. 15 focusing on the economy and how Las Vegas may be playing catch up to the national economy during 2026. Peter Kroner, director of national market intelligence for Avision & Young, and John Restrepo, principal of RCG Economics headlined the program moderated by Kyle Nagy, founder and director of CommCap Advisors. In describing 2026, Restrepo called it a transitional year while Kroner said he’s bullish and said it’s about alignment. READ THE ARTICLE

Thursday, January 15th 2026 Southern Nevada Forecast: Insights that Move CRE Markets Speakers: Peter Kroner Director, National Industrial, Market Intelligence Avison & Young John Restrepo Principal RCG Economics Moderator: Kyle Nagy Founder and Director CommCapAdvisors Sponsor: Martin-Harris Construction

How Will AI Impact the Future of the Hospitality Industry? Clip: Season 8 Episode 27 | 15m 59s Video has Closed Captions As AI continues to evolve, there are questions about how the hospitality industry in Las Vegas can be affected. We explore the possibilities with RCG Economics Principal John Restrepo. We also experience the technology creators say could help improve working conditions for hospitality workers. SEE VIDEO AT 2:50 01/08/2026 WATCH THE VIDEO

NAIOP Southern Nevada president optimistic for 2026BY BUCK WARGO LAS VEGAS BUSINESS PRESSJanuary 13, 2026 - 11:21 amSteve Neiger has started his term as president of NAIOP Southern Nevada as it kicks off its monthly educational breakfast sessions this week and said getting the federal government to make more land available for development is the No. 1 issue for the organization in 2026.Neiger, a principal and managing broker of CAST, has been a member of the commercial development organization for more than 15 years and has served on the board for a handful of years. He also has served as chair of the Government Affairs Committee after being on it for several years as a member.NAIOP launches its monthly breakfast educational meetings Thursday at The Orleans discussing the key insights that will move the commercial real estate markets in 2026. Panelists include Peter Kroner, director of national industrial market intelligence at Avison & Young and John Restrepo, principal at RCG Economics. Kyle Nagy, a founder and director of CommCap Advisors, will moderate the panel.Q: What is NAIOP and who are its members?A: It is the premier real estate development trade organization in the United States. Anybody in the [...]

NAIOP Southern Nevada Sets Jan. 15 Breakfast Meeting Sharing Insights That Will Move the Commercial Real Estate Markets in 2026 January 5, 2026 By B&P LAS VEGAS – NAIOP Southern Nevada is kicking off the new year with its Jan. 15 breakfast program sharing key insights that will move commercial real estate markets in 2026. It’s the start of a new year full of opportunities and potential challenges for the commercial real estate industry in Southern Nevada. At the January NAIOP breakfast, industry leaders will provide their insights on what will move the markets in 2026 to give attendees and online viewers the information they need to prepare for 2026. Panelists include Peter Kroner, director of national industrial market intelligence at Avison & Young, and John Restrepo, principal at RCG Economics. Kyle Nagy, a founder and director of CommCap Advisors, will moderate the panel. Martin Harris Construction is sponsoring the event. As Southern Nevada’s premier commercial real estate association, NAIOP brings together the brightest minds through dynamic monthly gatherings. From insider market insights to game-changing strategies, its programs give members a competitive edge in this evolving industry. From seasoned [...]

Welcome to robot Vegas: Up to 95 percent of hospitality jobs in Sin City could be replaced by AI, report says Erin Keller In Ohio Tuesday 25 November 2025 17:24 EST The future is here. Walking into a major Las Vegas casino-resort today may look very different from a decade ago, as new research suggests that more resorts are expected to replace hospitality workers with AI or robots. What once seemed like science fiction is rapidly becoming reality, as a report byRCG Economics states that 80 to 95 percent of hospitality jobs could be at risk from AI and automation by the end of next year. By 2027, several hospitality roles in Vegas face a high risk of automation. Customer service representatives have an 80 to 90 percent chance of being replaced, while reservations agents and call center operators face an even higher risk of 85 to 95 percent. Data entry personnel are also vulnerable, with their roles facing an 80 to 90 percent likelihood of automation. READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

Report: up to 95% of Las Vegas hospitality jobs at risk from AI by Steve WolfordMon, November 24, 2025 at 6:25 PM LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Las Vegas, known for its constant reinvention, is facing a new challenge as artificial intelligence and automation threaten to transform the hospitality industry. A report from RCG Economics warns that between now and the end of next year, 80% to 95% of hospitality jobs could be at risk due to AI and automation. By 2030, 65% to 80% of front desk and accounting clerks, housekeeping dispatchers, and up to half of all food service workers may face similar threats. Economist Mike Pequeen from Hightower Las Vegas highlighted the potential impact, stating, "Right now, we have a little over 300,000 people employed directly in the hospitality industry in Southern Nevada. According to this RCG report, somewhere between 77,000 and 92,000 of those people could have their jobs at risk in the next few years based on the development of AI and automation." Despite the rapid advancements, Aya Shata, an assistant professor and AI expert at UNLV, believes AI is not poised to replace many [...]