Virginia City, Nevada attracts more than two million visitors each year. But that wasn’t always the case.
It’s a far cry from the years prior to World War II, when the town seemed practically abandoned. Once the largest community in Nevada, Virginia City had been losing population ever since the mines of the Comstock began to decline back in the 1880's.
In1986 the town appeared deserted. You could have bought any building in town for $500, and the smart people did.
Smart planning and the remaining community were dedicated to changing the fate of their failing town. They changed the look of of main street to resemble the old time West, the Hollywood version.
Virginia City is 30 minutes from Reno, Tahoe and Carson City in every direction. Situated off a windy desert canyon road, it brings the crowds every weekend.
IDEAS
Lansford is very similar to Virginia City. We have the historical sites, the empty main street and the community to make it work.
In studying different tourism plans, I found the common element of success is the community involvement and pride.
THIS WAS A PRESENTATION TO CARBON COUNTY FROM POCONO VISITOR CENTER BUT NO LANSFORD COUNCIL MEMEBER ATTENDED
night market
Night markets on weekends with food, music and cool lighting. Run by the community. Temporary food vendor licenses are available to apply for. Embrace diversity and strengthen the town.
Wing Contests
Ethnic food
Blues, Booze and BBQ
Crafts
Bike nights
COOL STOREFRONTS
TROLLEY TRANSPORT
MINING AREAS FOR KIDS
LANSFORD CASINO
Q Casino: Community-run casino in Dubuque, Iowa.
One of two non-profit casinos in America; the other is Prairie Meadows in Des Moines, Iowa.
Background and History
Origin: Established in the early 1980s during the farm crisis and manufacturing decline.
Purpose: Created to address high unemployment rates in Dubuque, initiated by local citizens.
Funding: City issued a general obligation bond to start a greyhound racing facility.
501c4 Non-profit: Organized such that 50% of profits go back to the city, and 50% to local charities.
Expansion: Added slot machines and table games later on.
Economic and Community Impact
Revenue Contribution: Provides one-seventh of the city's general operating budget.
Employment: Major employer in the area.
Philanthropic Efforts
Venture Philanthropy: Funding projects like Habitat for Humanity with significant contributions (e.g., $200,000 for land acquisition).
High Expectations: Applying rigorous financial scrutiny and high expectations to philanthropic efforts.
Operational Challenges
Competition of Ideas: Balancing between reinvesting in the casino and funding community services (e.g., police, fire services).
Capital Needs: Continual reinvestment required to maintain and improve gaming facilities.
Unique Model
Limited Adoption: Only two casinos in the U.S. follow this model; cities typically don't own businesses, let alone casinos.
Potential for Expansion: If more communities understand the benefits, similar models could be adopted elsewhere.
Future Plans
Integrated Resort: Vision includes developing a 200-acre plot into a resort with more hotel rooms, an amphitheater, water taxis, etc.
Community Ties: Success of the casino is tied to the overall success and population growth of the city.
Conclusion
Unique Case: Q Casino shows how a non-profit, community-owned casino can significantly benefit its local area through revenue and philanthropic efforts.
Interview Conclusion: Alex Dixon envisions growth through reinvestment and continued philanthropic projects, emphasizing the mutual benefits for Q Casino and the city of Dubuque.