The SouthWest Action Network, SWAN, a non-profit organization, represents several thousand homeowners in greater Las Vegas. For more than a decade, SWAN has collaborated with county leaders and community groups to improve processes and decisions on land use, development and infrastructure that impact community quality of life.

SWAN is committed to:

• Residential input and representation in open dialogue about development directions that have neighborhood and community implications.
• A reasonable plan for community growth that effectively balances long-term positive economic opportunities with Rural Neighborhood Preservation (RNP), Master Planned communities and residential neighborhoods.
• Valid, transparent and inclusive community development standards.
• Accountable municipal integrity.
• Growth of public and private amenities based on qualified community and residential needs.

     If you are concerned about development in your neighborhood you are not alone. For over a decade the SouthWest Action Network has been giving voice to residents like you.

As a member of SWAN, you have:

• A TEAM OF FRIENDS to call when you have concerns about problems in your neighborhood.
• KNOW-HOW: SWAN can teach you where and how to make your voice heard - so that it counts!
• CLOUT: SWAN has either outright won or negotiated a workable settlement on a majority of land use applicatins we have been involved with.

A TEAM OF FRIENDS

     SWAN started in 1998 as a small group of friends and neighbors in rural Enterprise. We were concerned with the impact of growth on our area, and joined hands to protect our rural lifestyle. Although a primary focus is still protecting the 13 existing RNP’s in Enterprise, we have broadened our membership to include residents from Paradise, Spring Valley, Mountain’s Edge, Southern Highlands, the Northwest, and other suburban communities. We all drive on the same congested roads, our children all attend the same overcrowded schools, and we all have to wait for police, fire, and emergency medical assistance.

     We are strong because of our numbers, with more than 1000 affiliated households. We are strong because our membership cares about their neighborhoods, the area, and the impact of new growth on existing neighborhoods. Our members are found in all Enterprise Rural Neighborhood Preserves (RNPs) as well as those in Spring Valley, Paradise, the Northwest, and many suburban developments. Members have many different lifestyles, jobs, hobbies, and concerns, including roads/traffic, schools, trails/parks, new developments, and adequate public safety facilities. Our website, email and telephone networks keep everyone informed and involved so that folks know where to go, when to go, and the nature of potential problems. The SWAN Board of Directors meets monthly with meetings open to the public. The 10 Board members represent different areas of the township. They advise, promote actions, and make decisions according to the Bylaws and the consensus of the membership. Members work on different projects each month, then report to the Board for further guidance and help. SWAN meets regularly with developers, County Officials, and local residents to solve issues that effect our SouthWest neighborhoods.

“...SWAN has emerged in recent years as a potent force in helping Clark County make proper land use decisions. I doubt that we could have developed the strong Rural Neighborhood Preserves without the concerted effort of the dedicated members of SWAN... ”
Bruce Woodbury
Former Clark County Commissioner
(Representing most of Enterprise)

KNOW-HOW

     The SWAN Board and long time members have learned how to succeed through many years of trial and error with a lot of perseverance. Members have acquired expertise at deciphering zoning language and working the system. We welcome new members with new skills to improve “our game”. SWAN reviews all Town Advisory Board (TAB) agendas to identify items that may affect our membership. Members are notified via an email network. SWAN members and other interested residents attend the TAB meeting to obtain information and to provide input. We track key issues through the Planning Commission (PC) and/or Board of County Commissioners (BCC). During this process we negotiate with developers to achieve a favorable outcome for everyone whenever possible.

"SWAN has provided valuable input on issues related to development in the Enterprise area.”
Former Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid.

CLOUT

• SWAN has built a reputation with government agencies, developers and citizens: we try to be tough, fair, and ready to negotiate. Our word is our bond, which has helped us succeed by building “street cred”. We have participated in regional growth issues as well as localized zoning items. An anonymous developer stated that: “SWAN is the only citizens group that will eat your lunch.” We are proud of our reputation, and the following success stories.
• Achieving hard R-E/RNP-1 overlay zoning for the 13 viable RNPs in Enterprise was a major accomplishment. This was the largest single zoning action in the history of Clark County: it was accomplished by residents, not developers. Only 50 out of a total 3500 acres were excluded from the RNP Overlays. These 50 acres are still in the RNPs, and are still zoned R-E. The only additional permitted use is .5 houses per acre, giving a total of 2.5 rather than 2 units/acre. Any other land use requires a non-conforming zone change.
• After a two year battle, SWAN negotiated a settlement with Ready Mix Inc that minimized the impact of an active concrete batch plant on the area around Blue Diamond Road and Rainbow. When the BCC ruled to allow the Batch Plant (Woodbury and James dissented), SWAN filed a lawsuit that resulted in a compromise that: limits the number of trucks, causes the applicant to pave all access roads/interior driving/parking spaces, prohibits a commercial well and septic, and causes the applicant to use the latest dust control techniques. Had we not sued, the Batch Plant would have operated with no paving, unlimited trips, and a commercial well/septic that could adversely impact our aquifer.
• SWAN was instrumental in capping enrollment at Tony Alamo Elementary School: another first for Clark County. Other schools are now trying to cap enrollment as well.
• SWAN helped establish height and access limitations on buildings/developments adjacent to established neighborhoods. This allows for improved transitions from one land use to another.
• SWAN obtained conditions of development mandating adequate paved access to developments before new homes can be occupied. This reduces much of the adverse impact that new development can have on existing neighborhoods, since it provides alternative routes for traffic generated by additional homes. We have also established a precedent allowing traffic calming devices on roads that go through residential neighborhoods.
• SWAN addressed 35 specific zoning and land use issues. We were able to stop some truly unacceptable projects, negotiate acceptable compromises or negotiate project redesigns over 95.3 % of the time. Developers frequently approach SWAN beforesubmitting plans to the County staff if they know members live in adjacent areas: this saves tremendous time for everyone.

“I have worked closely with members from SWAN on various projects. I have always had a positive experience and I have found them to be reasonable and fair. Because of their involvement, the future of our community will be well served.”
Robert J. Gronauer
Kaempfer Crowell (Attorneys at Law)