The Nevada Forum has been making its way through the state this year, and on Tuesday night, they invited people in our region to come together to discuss issues most Nevadans have in common.
Organizers have been hosting small group gatherings throughout the state to bring people together to share their thoughts on common issues.
Hosting these conversations allows a wide range of people to show up and listen to different policy perspectives.
Chris Miller, Co-Director of The Nevada Forum, said, "We are hoping to get a cross-section of Nevadans, both demographically and politically, in a room to talk about our four major issues. We started off asking people online, what do you want fixed in the state of Nevada? And over 70,000 people went to our website. Over 30,000 people gave us ideas, and we're down to four."
Issues they focus on at these events included the rising cost of health care and living in Nevada.
When it comes to involving the youth in these conversations, they want to make sure to allow them to have a space where they can share their experiences when it comes to purchasing a home.
Organizers understand that addressing the difference in housing affordability in this generation compared to past ones is an important issue to talk about.
Reagan Stephens, a Youth Consultant for The Nevada Forum, told us, “I know it's a lot different than me buying a home right now. I'm moving out to Colorado, but I mean, home prices are still high over there, and they're high in Reno and throughout the state, and so just sharing our stories and how the youth can share their experiences and how it was different 30 years ago for our parents when they were buying their first house."
Another issue that is discussed at these conversations is education outcomes and resources available in Nevada for K-12.
People we spoke with said the lack of education on these issues makes them feel bigger than what they could be.
Having the space to share opinions creates another form of education for people.
Jody Baden, an attendee, said, "I'm really happy to live in Nevada, a more purple state where people don't have such extreme views usually, and people have different ideas. And I also have my own chamber. I'll just never get any new ideas. And so it's good to be out with some people that might have a different perspective."
