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It’s hard to believe, but we’re now only a couple of weeks from the new year! So as I reflect on 2025 I also want to thank each of you for your hard work and dedication.
This year brought its share of challenges and change, but it also highlighted the strength, resilience and dedication that define our organization. Across teams, locations and duties, you continued to demonstrate the city’s values of being kind, committed and smart. Because of you, we made progress, supported one another and enhanced the community that relies on us.
I’m deeply grateful for your hard work and for what you do that often goes unseen by the public. Please know every job at the city matters, and each makes a real difference.
As we look ahead to the coming year, I’m confident in what we can achieve together. We will continue to learn, adapt and build on the strong foundation you help create, guided by our core purpose of building community to make life better.
I hope the holiday season brings you time to rest, reflect and reconnect with the people and moments that matter most. On behalf of the entire leadership team, thank you for all that you do, and for the energy and optimism you bring to our organization. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Mike Janssen
City Manager
Weekly Update Update
Since Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve both fall on Wednesdays, our usual publication date for the employee Weekly Update, we are not planning to publish the next edition of the Update until Jan. 7. However, if important information needs to be shared before Jan. 7, we will be sending it to you.
Salsa In The Plaza Dec. 17
Please note that this is a Workforce Connections–hosted event; staff may attend only during their regular lunch or break period, or with approved leave.
The Latin Breeze Orchestra will perform live on the stage in Goodman Plaza from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Dance instructors will be available 1-2 p.m. for those who wish to learn steps!
Food Truck Thursday Dec. 18
Food trucks will be selling refreshments between Las Vegas Civic Center and City Hall on Goodman Way Thursday, Dec. 18. Expect Honey Bear Bakery to sell breakfast treats and holiday specials 7:30-10:30 a.m. LV Taco Bar, Dog City Kitchen and Cousins Maine Lobster will serve from their menus 11 a.m.-1 p.m. As always, food trucks are subject to change without notice.
See the menus! LV Taco Bar Dog City Kitchen Cousins Maine Lobster
Scan the code to RSVP and register for contests or go directly to to the link by clicking the button below.
Holiday Hours
All community centers and aquatics centers will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 31 (winter break camp will not close until 6 p.m.) All city facilities will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
Employees pictured in lower left of collage from left: Jasmine Freeman, Arturo Martinez, David Balberdi, Claudia Mokuahi, Jennifer Brailey and Ainsley Osawa.
City Volunteers Clean Up Historic Westside
City volunteers spent the morning of Dec. 12 cleaning up two parcels in the Historic Westside, collecting a total of 18 13-gallon bags of trash across both locations. The effort helped improve neighborhood spaces while bringing city of Las Vegas employees together in service.
Volunteers also took time to connect with one another, sharing conversations about their roles and the work they do across the city, reinforcing the program’s focus on community and collaboration.
Employees interested in joining future volunteer opportunities can sign up through the City Volunteers interest form to stay informed about upcoming events.
City volunteers included in this group photo include Nick Christie, Tina Hoff, Rebecca Shaffer, Olivia Barker, Mary Camin, David Balberdi, Kimberly Alvarez-Vazquez and Zackory Beasley.
City Volunteers Support Opportunity Village At Magical Forest
A large group of city of Las Vegas employees, joined by the Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2026, volunteered Saturday evening at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest, supporting park operations during one of the organization’s busiest weekends of the season. Volunteers assisted with a range of roles to help ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for families and visitors.
The partnership reflects the city’s continued commitment to community service and support for longtime nonprofit partners serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A photo collage highlighting the evening and volunteer impact is included above.
More opportunities to serve are coming up. To join an upcoming volunteer event, please visit CLV Volunteers Registration; friends and family are always welcome to join in.
All social activities and excursions offered to city employees as outlined above are strictly volunteer-based opportunities and are not considered to be events sponsored or hosted by the city of Las Vegas. Check out the @CLV Social channel for other networking opportunities.
Questions? Contact Jasmine Freeman at jafreeman@lasvegasnevada.gov or 702.229.6672.
Sad News To Share
Rick Cantrell, who worked as a computer systems supervisor in the city's IT department 1979-2005 before retiring, recently passed away. His son Brian Cantrell currently works for the city in the Finance department.
Upcoming Events
City Of Las Vegas Holiday Vintage Movie Marathon Dec. 22-26
City of Las Vegas TV will broadcast the following movies in order Dec. 22-26. Enjoy these classic films with your family! The movies will be broadcast live on city of Las Vegas TV, and on the city of Las Vegas TV YouTube channel.
Movies
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1949)
"Santa and the Three Bears" (1970)
"The Little Princess" (1939)
"Scrooge" (1935)
"Beyond Tomorrow" (1940)
"Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" (1964)
Dates and Times
Monday, Dec. 22, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 3:30-10 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.-2:30 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 25, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-midnight
Friday, Dec. 26, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
City Of Las Vegas Documentaries Marathon Dec. 30-Jan. 1
City of Las Vegas TV will broadcast documentaries of the city's history from the early years through the 1970s in order Dec. 30-Jan. 1. Make the popcorn and catch up on Las Vegas history while you enjoy these hour-long documentaries with your family on city of Las Vegas TV, and on the city of Las Vegas TV YouTube channel.
Dates and Times
Tuesday, Dec. 30, 4-11 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 1, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Farmers Market Update
Jan. 8 & 22, 4-8 P.M. On Goodman Plaza At The Las Vegas Civic Center
The First Friday Foundation will hold a farmers market on the second and fourth Thursday each month in 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Goodman Plaza, across from City Hall. Take a few minutes to shop the many vendors, including chef demonstrations and local farms, and a bar with warm beverages starting Jan. 8. Questions? Call ext. 6171 or 2279.
2026 Senior Idol Tickets On Sale Now
Two Shows! Jan. 15 & Jan. 22
The 18th annual Senior Idol Showcase in 2026 will have two Thursday afternoon performances! The first will be Jan. 15 and the second Jan. 22 -- both from 3 to 5 p.m. at Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 Brush St. Performers will include the "Never Too Late" jazz band from Doolittle, the Cosmopolitan Quartet of Sweet Adelines International, an African drum group, musicians, a hula dancer, comedian, and numerous vocalists, dance and performing groups. Communications Director David Riggleman will be the master of ceremonies. The annual show always sells out -- get the $5 tickets you need at any city of Las Vegas active adult center.
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The city’s thematic goal for 2025 is:
Through December 2025, the city will continue to focus on employee wellness by providing opportunities to enhance the physical, emotional and financial well-being of all staff. This week we focus on holiday traditions.
Rediscovering Holiday Traditions
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The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of perfectly decorated homes, flawless gatherings, matching outfits and magazine-worthy meals. But for many people, the pressure to create a “picture-perfect” holiday can overshadow the simple, meaningful traditions that make this time of year special. In reality, the most memorable moments are rarely the ones that look perfect — they’re the ones that feel genuine.
Holiday traditions, whether big or small, are powerful for several reasons:
* They reflect our values.
“In Peru, where I’m from, we celebrate Nochebuena on Christmas Eve. When I was growing up, our whole family would gather at my grandparents’ house to enjoy hot cocoa, panetón and roasted turkey. At midnight, we would all cheer, unwrap the baby Jesus from the nativity set and then open our gifts. I remember those nights fondly —staying up late surrounded by family, laughter and friends. Christmas Day itself was a slower, more relaxed family day. We'd sleep in, have a big breakfast made from the previous night’s leftovers, and just enjoy the good vibes together. Now, I continue that tradition in my own way. We celebrate Christmas Eve with my family, and on Christmas Day we go to my girlfriend’s house to celebrate with hers.” – Giancarlo, Municipal Court
Traditions remind us of where we come from and what we value most.
* They create continuity.
“One holiday tradition is the making of tamales and buñuelos from scratch. My mom was an expert tamale maker. My dad had his own secret recipe and would make the best menudo. My sister and I would race home to help in the assembly of the tamales. As an immigrant family from Monterrey Mexico, we kept that tradition and incorporated new traditions, like having a Christmas tree and outdoor lights.” – Noraen, YDSI
Simple rituals — cooking a specific dish, continuing a meaningful childhood activity, and spending time together in a purposeful way — help us feel anchored.
* They strengthen connection.
“In Mexico, kids get gifts Jan. 6, which is "Dia de Reyes” — the arrival of the Three Wise Men. That day, family also get together for the "Rosca de Reyes" which is a ring-shaped sweet bread where a small baby Jesus is hidden inside. Whoever gets a piece with the baby Jesus inside is responsible for bringing tamales for the family Feb. 2. Now, my kids and I do gifts on Christmas Day but we still get together as a family Jan. 6 for Rosca.” – Berenice, Business Licensing
Sharing traditions with family, coworkers, or friends builds a sense of belonging. Whether it’s sharing a family tradition with friends and co-workers, or bringing a nostalgic group activity to work, traditions help us feel grounded and supported.
* They reduce stress by adding predictability.
“Each year on Dec. 1, our mischievous elves, Little Red and Sparkles, return to bring 24 days of hide-and-seek, laughter and holiday magic. (It's more anxiety provoking for me. Coming up with new and creative ways to hide those two!) One of our favorite traditions is cozying up in matching pajamas to watch the classic Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas together.” Shania, Human Resources
In a busy season, familiar routines can feel comforting (even the anxiety-provoking ones that entail “did you move the elf?!”). Traditions provide structure, ease and a sense of calm and familiarity — something many of us crave during the rush of the holidays.
This year, give yourself permission to trade perfection for presence — and let your traditions guide you to a holiday season that feels authentic, warm and nostalgic. When we focus on purposeful traditions, we reconnect with the intentions behind the season: gratitude, generosity, rest, intentionally slowing down and simply spending time with people who matter.
Questions? Email Wellness@LasVegasNevada.gov.
Happy 30th anniversary to the Fremont Street Experience!
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