Understanding Solar Energy Leases

Over the past two decades, Boulder City has dedicated thousands of acres of desert land to solar fields. Still, many residents don't understand why, or how the revenue is used.

HOW MUCH LAND IS DEDICATED TO SOLAR IN BOULDER CITY?

The City is 135,880 acres in size.
75.7% (102,863 acres) is zoned Open Space.
12.5% (17,107 acres) is zoned Energy Resources.
Based on the 2024 Land Management Process List, approximately 1,595 acres of additional City owned land is available for future renewable energy and utility uses.
This would add another 1.2% to the total land dedicated to Energy Resources uses.

HOW DO RESIDENTS BENEFIT?

Other communities in Southern Nevada have funded their growing operations through growth (i.e. development fees, property tax revenue from additional properties, and gaming).
Lease revenues allow the City to fund essential city services without additional growth or gaming.
This helps to maintain the high quality of life expected by Boulder City residents.
We are able to do this while maintaining the lowest property tax rate in the State of Nevada.
Far below other communities –with the next lowest being more than double our mil levy.

The City has some of the lowest property tax and utility rates in the State of Nevada. Had the City not negotiated the renewable energy leases over the past 20 years, the City would have been required to increase property taxes to maintain services, or greatly reduce services to support residents. A significant majority of the land in the community is open space (75% percent). The City is able to maintain important services without growth.

The Boulder City Planning Commission learned more about this important revenue stream from Michael Mays, Community Development Director/Acting City Manager in August 2024. And the City's Finance Department put together a helpful brochure on Energy Revenue.

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

BROCHURE EXPLAINING BOULDER CITY SOLAR LEASES

VIDEO OF AUGUST 2024 PRESENTATION: