About

We’re on a mission to change the future, one innovation at a time.

Our Why

It’s known as the entertainment capital of the world, but there’s much more happening here. Las Vegas is also home to a flourishing tech scene, vibrant and full of opportunities. We don’t follow trends — we create them. We’re here to push boundaries, test the limits, and move our communities into a future full of endless possibilities.

KEY FACTS
  • Las Vegas is home to CES, the most influential technology event in the world.
  • We’re one of the most popular states for people looking to relocate, making Vegas a great place to live and work.
  • We are the trade show capital of the world, welcoming millions of unique visitors from all over the world every single year.
  • State-of-the-art telecommunications and broadband infrastructure.
  • Good potential to grow both ground and air autonomous vehicle technology.
A Message From The Mayor

Carolyn Goodman

Las Vegas Mayor

Las Vegas continues to capture the world's imagination as the city where anything is possible. With world class hotels, award-winning restaurants, luxurious spas, fantastic shopping, the finest golf courses and spectacular entertainment, Las Vegas remains one of the most electrifying destinations in the world.

Beyond the neon there is another Las Vegas for residents and businesses. We are building a world-class city that features the best in arts, culture and medicine, and we also continue to diversify our economy with projects like the Las Vegas Innovation District

Las Vegas is an international stage for innovation and technology, hosting the massive Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) shows annually. Building on the strong tech foundation provided by SWITCH, the city of Las Vegas recently established the Innovation District to create a center for testing groundbreaking technology in the areas of alternative energy, citizen participation, transportation and social infrastructure. It will also be a proving ground for collaborative efforts between the city and its new technology partners.

The city is on the cutting edge of developing safe practices that enable automated vehicle (AV) implementation and innovation. Solutions to everyday issues such as traffic congestion, parking and accessibility are at our fingertips. With full-time staff already integrating AV technology and a demonstrated commitment to safety and security, the city is primed to be an AV proving ground.

Join us as we continue efforts to become a hub for new technologies that will be used around the world.

Mike Janssen

City Manager

Mike Janssen became city manager Sept. 1, 2023. Previously, he served as the executive director of infrastructure, focusing on the city’s infrastructure-related projects with Public Works.

Originally from Queens, New York, Janssen began his career with the city of Las Vegas in 1997 as an entry-level engineering associate. During his time at the city, Janssen has held various positions, including land development project engineer, traffic engineering project manager, assistant city traffic engineer, transportation division manager, and until November 2020 served as Public Works director.

Janssen received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology and later obtained a Master of Public Administration from UNLV. He’s been a licensed professional civil engineer since 1999 and a registered professional traffic operations engineer since 2004.

Michael Lee Sherwood

Chief Innovation Officer

Michael Sherwood is the Chief Innovation Officer/Director of Technology for the City of Las Vegas. Michael has more than 20 years of management experience in the fields of technology, process improvement, and innovation.  Most recently, he served as the Deputy Director of Public Safety, Business Services & City Technology for the City of Irvine, CA.  Michael is extremely passionate about digital equality and workforce development.  He believes technology, innovation, and education are opportunity gateways to a brighter sustainable future for our community.  

Michael received his B.S. in Management from Pepperdine University followed by a M.S. in Executive Management from the University of Southern California.

Chris Craig

Deputy Director of Information Technology

Chris Craig is the Deputy Information Technology Director at the City of Las Vegas with more than 20 years of technology experience in the higher education and public sector. In his role, he oversees the day-today operations and maintenance of all City technology. Chris joined the City of Las Vegas in 2014 as a Project Manager and held positions as IT Business Partner and IT Relationship Manager with a focus on Emerging technologies prior to his promotion to Deputy Director.

Chris received a Bachelors in Business Management as well as a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Technology & Innovation Team

Don Jacobson
Innovation Center Business Partner
Scott Stevens
Innovation Analyst
Craig Andrews
IT Business Relationship Manager
Rana Marri
Applications Architect

Economic and Urban Development Team

Ryan Smith
Director, Economic and Urban Development
Zach Blankfeld
Economic Development Analyst
Rich Atkins
Economic Development Partner
Tammy Christensen
Economic Development Partner

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