WNDD Annual Summit to Focus on Building a Stronger Nevada

Regional leaders across Northern Nevada will gather in Virginia City on April 21–22 for the Western Nevada Development District’s (WNDD) 2025 Annual Summit, themed “Building a Stronger Nevada.”

The two-day event will spotlight rural economic development strategies and bring together government, business, and nonprofit leaders from a 29,000-square-mile region that includes eight counties, numerous cities, and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

Founded in 1983, WNDD is Nevada’s first federally designated Economic Development District. Its mission is to create a supportive environment for business recruitment, infrastructure development, and sustainable regional growth.

“Balancing Northern Nevada’s quality of life with the infrastructure needed for continued growth is at the heart of this summit,” said Chris Brandon, WNDD’s Executive Director. “This gathering allows stakeholders to collaborate and develop partnerships that support long-term regional success.”

Summit sessions will explore:

Rural Resources – Statewide programs and funding available to rural communities and how rural resources fuel the broader economy.

Main Street America – A look at how rural and urban Nevada communities are leveraging the Main Street program to revitalize local economies.

Funding Opportunities – Federal and state grants, matching funds, and public-private partnerships to support infrastructure investment.

Infrastructure Needs – Addressing critical gaps in transportation, energy, and wastewater systems to keep pace with growth.

WNDD’s members include Churchill, Lyon, Pershing, and Mineral counties, as well as the cities of Fallon, Fernley, Lovelock, Yerington, and many others. Associate members span a wide range of sectors, from commerce and utilities to education, construction, and state agencies.

The summit is open to the public, with registration and full panel details available at wndd.org/wndd-2025-summit.

As part of its federal designation, WNDD updates a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) annually, with a complete rewrite every five years. This planning tool guides investments and priorities across member communities.

For rural Nevada communities facing both opportunity and challenge, the WNDD Summit offers a rare chance to connect, learn, and help shape the region’s economic future.