Las Vegas Delays $19.7M in Capital Improvements Amid Badlands Settlement Fallout

Las Vegas, NV — The City of Las Vegas has delayed 17 planned capital improvement projects—amounting to nearly $19.7 million—to mitigate the financial strain from the costly Badlands settlement, city officials confirmed. The move could ripple through local neighborhoods, delaying infrastructure upgrades essential to daily life.

According to the Las Vegas Review‑Journal, city officials made the move public earlier this month, citing the $286 million settlement paid to EHB Companies for litigation tied to a failed golf course development.

City Manager Mike Janssen told a legislative committee in May that the city had “weathered the storm,” adding there were “no layoffs planned.” Despite that assurance, delaying nearly $20 million in projects suggests deeper budgetary consequences.

Local transparency advocates argue this decision underscores the fragility of municipal budgets. “Delaying critical projects without broader discussion weakens public trust,” said Maria Gutierrez of the Nevada Open Government Coalition, a watchdog group that calls for clearer budget disclosures.

Meanwhile, local business owner and community volunteer Alex Martinez noted, “Sidewalks and street lights in our neighborhood were promised two years ago. These delays hit residents where they walk home at night.” Unofficial accounts like Martinez’s illustrate the real-world effects of budget shifts on daily life.

What Was Affected

While a detailed breakdown of individual projects hasn’t been publicly released, past budget documents show the postponed improvements mostly target neighborhood infrastructure—sidewalks, drainage, and minor road repaving.

Next Moves

Mayor Luz Mendoza has pledged a public town hall next month to review updated timelines for the affected projects. Meanwhile, the city’s budget office said it’s reviewing internal funding allocations to “minimize disruption.” Martinez and other residents say they’ll be watching closely.

Reporting the truth, for the people of Las Vegas – Samantha Reyes.

Samantha Reyes

Award-winning investigative journalist focused on government accountability, public records, and Las Vegas political transparency.