Politics
Housing proposals move to the forefront in North Las Vegas mayoral contest
With Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown unable to seek another term, voters will choose between Councilman Scott Black and Assemblymember Daniele Monroe-Moreno. Residents say rising costs are a priority, while both candidates point to housing as an area where city government can act.
North Las Vegas voters are choosing a new mayor in a race shaped by concerns about the cost of living, particularly housing, rent, groceries and fuel.
Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown is term-limited and cannot run again. The open seat is being contested by Ward 3 Councilman Scott Black, the city’s mayor pro tem, and state Assemblymember Daniele Monroe-Moreno. The mayoral race is nonpartisan.
Residents interviewed in recent days described higher everyday costs as a central concern. One voter who commutes from North Las Vegas to Henderson said filling her gas tank had become markedly more expensive and said she planned to vote for Monroe-Moreno.
Tiffany Washington, a lifelong North Las Vegas resident who has not decided whom to support, said housing costs have risen. She estimated that a one-bedroom apartment now costs about $1,000, compared with $400 to $600 in the past.
Both candidates said city government has limited ability to reduce the price of essentials such as food and gasoline, but argued it can influence housing and development decisions.
Black said the city could work with developers and use federal funding to support affordable housing. He also linked public safety to household costs, saying efforts to prevent retail theft and vehicle crashes could help protect residents and avoid higher insurance bills.
Monroe-Moreno said the council should scrutinize proposed projects and ensure they deliver benefits to the community. She also criticized the current council leadership’s transparency in contract negotiations, arguing that greater accountability could reveal funds that might be directed toward affordability concerns.
The candidates also drew distinctions over political identity. Black said he works for North Las Vegas residents rather than a political party, pointing to Monroe-Moreno’s role as chair of the Nevada Democratic Party. Monroe-Moreno said residents would remain her priority in city decisions.
Black has served on the City Council for nine years, including three years as mayor pro tem. Monroe-Moreno has experience in the state Legislature and said her relationships with state and federal officials would be useful to the city.
North Las Vegas voters have until 7 p.m. Nov. 3 to cast their ballots.