Governor Steve Sisolak
Nevada’s governor Steve Sisolak has outlined more details of his controversial proposal to allow technology companies to establish Innovation Zones in the state. The developments are pitched as an “alternative form of local government political subdivision” with powers similar to those of county governments.
The plan for the greenfield smart cities is a bid to diversify Nevada’s economy through technologies such as blockchain, autonomous systems, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, artificial intelligence, renewables and biometrics, without the need for incentive packages, tax credits or public funding.
Companies in an Innovation Zone would pay taxes like other Nevada businesses as well as an additional special fee placed on the technology that is the focus of the district.