“The housing in Fernley is more attainable than it is in Washoe County, Reno and Sparks,” Marchant explains.“A single-family home is $600,000 there.The median one here is $400,000.” While acknowledging that “$400,000 is not really attainable for the factory workers,” he emphasizes the relative affordability advantage. Population patterns indicate that Fernley’s role as a regional employment hub is evolving. Mayor McIntyre notes that “right now, I believe it is around 60 - 65% of our workforce works outside the city of Fernley.” However, major industrial commitments are reshaping this dynamic. Microsoft’s recent $70.5 million purchase of 300 acres at the nearby Victory Logistics District exemplifies the corporate investment driving local employment growth. Marchant observes the demographic diversity this attracts: “Looking around the parking lot, there are license plates from every state in the nation, including Hawaii and Alaska, Florida and Maine. We are really a job center attracting people for work to northern Nevada.” TOURISM AND RECREATION Economic diversification increasingly relies on quality-of-life amenities that attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in technology and manufacturing sectors. Fernley’s recreational assets go beyond municipal boundaries, piggybacking on northern Nevada’s natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities to enhance its appeal as a business location and residential destination. 124 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx