Las Vegas’ Historic Westside, long known as a food desert, became the first neighborhood in the city to have a community-based urban agricultural farming facility when the Urban Farm at James Gay Park opened in spring 2023.
A new local food source that is helping to tackle food insecurity for the area and encourage better food choices, the Urban Farm at James Gay Park was funded by a $500,000 donation from MGM Resorts International to The Mayor’s Fund. The gift underwrote the purchase of two climate-controlled containers that operate year-round, providing approximately 320 square feet of growing space, and producing output equivalent to nearly 3.5 acres of farmland or eight tons of produce.
With diversified crop production capability, the containers are suitable for growing lettuce, leafy greens, herbs, vining berries and vegetables, rooted vegetables and flowers – produce and products that are needed and desired by Historic Westside residents.
The city hired urban farmers who manage, plant, harvest and package the crops, and work with nonprofit partners to distribute the fresh produce at no cost to the residents. The City is also exploring the possibility of developing other vertical farming facilities that will grow crops in layers in specially controlled environments with the goal of increasing food supplies without using more land. The Urban Farms are also part of a larger master plan in James Gay Park for future community redevelopment, including additional containers, community center and fruit orchards.
Partnership Opportunities
Partnership opportunities exist to develop more vertical farming facilities that will not only provide a source of fresh produce and food in underserved areas of the city, but also to create meaningful employment opportunities; establish sustainable development programs that drive social, environmental and economic impact in underserved areas; catalyze growth; and create opportunities for local and minority-owned firms and subcontractors to take part in development projects.
Reinvent Schools Las Vegas (RSLV) is a partnership between the Clark County School District and the City of Las Vegas in collaboration with local businesses and non-profit organizations. Reinvent Schools Las Vegas is an intentional school transformation strategy concentrating on expanded learning opportunities, health and social services, family and community engagement, as well as youth development in grades K-5. This community school model sees the community as a resource for learning and better development in the education of its children.
Participating RSLV school sites, which serve as support hubs for students and families, are committed to the community school model, set high academic and attendance expectations, and use data to drive decision making.
For the 24-25 CCSD School Year, ReInvent has achieved the following to date:
Provided support to 613 students in the area of Chronic Absenteeism
Approximately 1,795 Hours of Support Provided
17 Literacy Tutors serving 13 RSLV sites
Provided support to 487 students in the area of Literacy
Approximately 4,036 Hours of Support Provided
4 Nutrition Mentors serving 15 Safekey/Rap sites
Provided support to 281 students in the areas of Nutritional Health, Wellness, and Knowledge
Partnership Opportunities
The Mayor’s Fund seeks partnerships to:
Provide an extension between the Family Engagement Program and all partner schools to provide at home literacy components, additional at home nutritional supplements, and possible chronic absenteeism needs. These could include but are not limited to:
Picture and reading books
Writing journals
Recipe cards
Craft supplies related to stories
Prepared meal kits for distributed nutrition recipes
Incentives for attendance success
Restock book inventory for home libraries
Technology & Learning Tools – grants for tablets, reading apps, and literacy software
Transportation Support – Sponsorships for bus passes, ride-share partnerships, or funding for transportation assistance
Data & Tracking Tools – Grants for attendance monitoring software and early warning systems.
Healthy Meals & Snacks – Funding for meal programs, weekend food bags, and fresh produce access
Food Security Initiatives – Sponsorship for food pantries and backpack programs for students in need
Professional Development – Training for teachers and AmeriCorps members on literacy interventions
Support mental, physical, and financial wellness services for students, families, and RSLV school staff
Sponsor or host the Reinvent Schools Las Vegas School Principals meetings, parent meetings, student meetings
Early childhood education is one of the best investments in a child’s future. Research shows that high-quality early learning experiences have a significant impact on long-term success. The Strong Start GO! Mobile Pre-K program provides half-day early education services, family engagement workshops and activities, and community advocacy given the importance of early learning and kindergarten readiness.
The Strong Start GO! Mobile Pre-K program is an innovative program that brings early learning into neighborhoods where it is needed most. Currently, there are four Mobile Pre-K buses that provide early childhood education in underserved neighborhoods.
Partnership Opportunities
Partnership opportunities exist at a variety of levels, including funding for additional Mobile Pre-K Buses. Additional partnership opportunities are also needed to support field trips, portable outdoor equipment, learning tools and resources to equip the buses, and STEM materials for families to engage in hands-on learning.
Carolyn G. Goodman Education Legacy Fund This special fund was established as a testament to Mayor Carolyn Goodman’s enduring commitment to education, providing a unique opportunity to personally honor her remarkable achievements promoting education in our city and her pivotal role in establishing the Mayor’s Fund to support key city initiatives, including early childhood education. This fund aims to address the diverse needs of students across all levels of education with an emphasis on Pre-K through grade 12, as well as underserved student populations in the city. The Fund, which will bear Mayor Goodman’s name in perpetuity, well beyond her impressive tenure, will serve as a perpetual, renewing source of support for educational initiatives city-wide.
Strong Future Las Vegas youth employment program provides workforce readiness training and employment to youth in Las Vegas.
Our workforce readiness training offers a seven-session course taught by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and includes resume writing, time management, interview techniques, ethics, and professionalism. Our adult advisors work closely with youth and their worksite supervisors to provide feedback and guidance, ensuring a meaningful and productive work experience.
Summer Jobs
Working for the summer helps youth explore varied career opportunities, enhance essential workplace skills, and establish valuable relationships with the business community for future job opportunities.
After-School Jobs
Strong Future Las Vegas youth employment program continually runs job readiness training, including financial literacy, communication and conflict management skills, and provides a range of comprehensive supports based on youth need. After completing this training, youth are matched with an after-school job and are supported by an adult advisor to encourage commitment to both work and school responsibilities.
Hire/Sponsor Youth
Hire your future workforce today. Experiential learning is an important part of youth workforce readiness.
Youth Sign-up
Explore a variety of industries through intensive case management, training services, educational programs and supportive services.
Additional Partnership Opportunities
The Mayor’s Fund is seeking community partners who can enhance the offerings and experience of the Youth Employment Program. Current requests include:
Hire a youth to work at your organization
Sponsor youth to work at another organization
Sponsor lifeguard certification classes
Sponsor additional adult advisors
It is estimated that one in five households in Las Vegas do not have access to the internet.
In an increasingly digital and connected world, digital illiteracy and lack of access to technology can act as significant barriers to achieving high-wage employment and self-sufficiency.
The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority was selected to pilot ConnectHomeUSA, an innovative program to end the digital divide in public housing across the United States. This program connects families with high-speed internet access and provides a device for home use, benefiting all members of the family—from schoolchildren to parents seeking employment.
The city of Las Vegas is one of 30 communities nationwide that will increase access to technology among residents living in public housing developments, beginning with sites that are close to the city’s ReInvent Schools.
Partnership Opportunities
The city of Las Vegas has committed funding to pilot this project in 300 households.
With private support, the city hopes to equip a total of 2,000 families living in public housing with a tablet computer, high-speed internet and computer training.
The Mayor’s Fund is seeking $595,000—just $350 per family—to provide these important resources.
The Las Vegas Book Festival is the largest literary event in Nevada and attracts 10,000+ attendees of all ages.
For 17 years, the city of Las Vegas has partnered with local businesses and nonprofits to bring the joy of reading to our community.
This three-day festival includes a wide range of events and activities culminating in a day-long bazaar of books, authors, readings, and workshops that are free and open to anyone who shares a love of reading.
Partnership Opportunities
The Mayor’s Fund is seeking new partners who recognize the importance of reading and literacy.
A range of sponsorship opportunities are available to help the city of Las Vegas bring engaging content and involve more community members.
The City of Las Vegas celebrates its unique and iconic character through public art and cultural events. From murals to large sculpture, the city recognizes the impact that art has on its community and ensures access to art throughout the city. As a reflection of the community, artists and artworks are selected that contribute lasting impact.
Projects include: • Conservation and maintenance • Murals in neighborhood parks • Public art education series • Annual Arts Summit
In addition to building community pride and improving the economic and social environment of communities, public art is credited with reducing crime and graffiti. Numerous studies in cities across the country cite the impact of public art on safety and community well-being. Most importantly, public art engages the community and helps to create more vibrant neighborhoods where people want to live and visit.
Partnership Opportunities
Partnerships in a variety of levels are sought by the Mayor’s Fund, including funding for individual sculpture, murals, and other public art projects, as well as cultural events, including the city’s annual Arts Summit that convenes arts organizations – large and small – to collaborate and problem-solve on issues affecting the arts.
Thousands in our community lack permanent housing with many of our homeless population living on the streets, in encampments, cars or other places not meant for human habitation.
Through the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, the City of Las Vegas is committed to ensuring that all residents can access a safe, respectful, permanent location to thrive, and is working with local partners to address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, launched in 2017, is an innovative public-private partnership that convenes a range of service providers in a central, convenient location, to provide homeless clients with access to:
housing
medical/mental health services
legal assistance
employment opportunities
income/benefits assistance
food
clothing
pet needs, including shelter, food, veterinary services
and other wraparound services
Partnership Opportunities
To provide the range of services homeless individuals need to regain independence, the Mayor’s Fund seeks significant support. Unique partnership opportunities include:
Housing Supports:
Rapidly rehousing a single homeless individual or a homeless family
Bridge housing for clients who are waiting for permanent placement in a housing program
Move-in costs and rental assistance for clients who are newly homeless, recently employed, or in danger of becoming homeless
Homelessness prevention and diversion – short term financial assistance to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless
Employment Supports:
New business clothing, shoes
Briefcases and backpacks
Bicycles (used as transportation to work)
Technology including cell phones, laptops and tablets
Supportive Services:
Document retrieval (birth certificates, ID Cards, etc.)
Bus tickets for transport to support networks
Bus passes for service appointments or employment opportunities
The Courtyard also seeks in-kind donations of personal care items, non-perishable food items, home starter items to support a fresh start in a new home, and recreational items.
Contact info@mayorsfundlv.org to learn more about how you can help support the path to independence for individuals and families in our community.
As our city’s beacon of hope for those experiencing homelessness, the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center provides a one-stop sanctuary. For many homeless persons, their pets are lifelines for survival and important companions. Because pets are typically not allowed in shelters, many homeless persons will choose to remain on the street with their pets. To ensure those individuals with pets are welcome and encouraged to seek services at the Courtyard, the Mayor’s Fund is working to fundraise for a variety of essential pet-related services at the Courtyard, including pet kennels, grooming and veterinary services, supplies and more. At the Mayor’s Fund, we believe that compassion should be extended to all living beings.
Partnership Opportunities are available in a range of levels – from program underwriting to one-time donations. Funds are always needed for pet food, veterinary services including pet medication and vaccinations, spay/neuter clinics, microchipping, grooming tools and services, pet toys and items such as leashes and collars.