Nevada rethinks ‘innovation zones’ plan to let tech firms run cities

The Las Vegas Strip seen from the 550 foot-tall (167.6 m) High Roller observation wheel, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The draft of the initial Nevada proposal alludes to a more systemic problem, stating that the traditional local government model is ‘inadequate alone’ to attract and retain new forms of businesses and foster economic development. — Reuters

NEW YORK: Nevada this week paused efforts to pass a bill that would allow technology companies to buy land and form quasi-local governments, following criticism that the proposal was part of a troubling trend of “smart cities” run by tech behemoths.

In January, Governor Steve Sisolak unveiled a bill to create so-called “Innovation Zones” which would let companies impose taxes and create school districts and court systems.