The Downtown Project | Zach Ware | Talks at Google

TL;DR

The Downtown Project in Las Vegas aims to turn the city into a community-centric and connected city through investments in small businesses, startups, education, arts and culture, and real estate development.

Transcript

JESS SCHWARTZ: Welcome. Thanks to everyone for coming. My name is Jess Schwartz, and I'm a community manager for Google Search. I'm thrilled to be introducing Zach Ware of the Downtown Project in Las Vegas. In addition to being one of our talks at Google, this is also one of our Google community talks in which we bring in outside leaders to talk ab... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏙️ The Downtown Project in Las Vegas aims to transform the city into a vibrant and connected community.
• 🥰 The project focuses on investments in small businesses, startups, education, arts and culture, and real estate development.
• 🥅 The goal is to create density, street-level activity, and a culture of openness and collaboration in downtown Las Vegas.
• 💦 The project aims to be inclusive and accessible to all communities, working with existing infrastructure, institutions, and communities in Las Vegas.
• 😨 Mobility options, such as car-sharing and biking, are being invested in to make the community accessible and affordable for everyone.
• 📞 The project has been receiving positive reception and interest from outside talent and entrepreneurs, contributing to the community's growth and success.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main focus of the Downtown Project in Las Vegas?

The main focus of the Downtown Project is to transform downtown Las Vegas into a community-centric and connected city through investments in small businesses, startups, education, arts and culture, and real estate development.

Q: How is the project working to create a vibrant and connected community?

The project focuses on creating density, street-level activity, and a culture of openness and collaboration in downtown Las Vegas. Investments in small businesses, startups, and education aim to foster connections and collisions between people from various backgrounds. The project also seeks to provide opportunities for co-learning and co-working.

Q: How is the project addressing the needs and interests of different communities in Las Vegas?

While the project is still in progress, the aim is to create a diverse and inclusive community. Efforts are being made to work with existing infrastructure, institutions, and communities in Las Vegas. The project is also investing in opportunities for mobility, such as car-sharing and biking, to make the community accessible to all. The project hopes to provide affordable options and bring in outside talent and entrepreneurs to contribute to the community.

Q: How is the project being received by different ethnic and class communities?

The project aims to be inclusive and accessible to all communities in Las Vegas. While there may be challenges in engaging with existing communities, the project is working towards creating a diverse and vibrant neighborhood. Partnership and collaboration with various institutions and organizations, such as Teach for America and local universities, can help bridge gaps and ensure that the project benefits all members of the community.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Downtown Project is an initiative with a $350 million investment to revitalize downtown Las Vegas and create a vibrant community.

• The project includes investments in small businesses, startups, education, arts and culture, and real estate development.

• The goal is to create a city that is highly connected, encourages collisions and serendipitous interactions, and fosters a culture of openness and collaboration.