Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow

Ward 5

Ricki Y. Barlow, a lifelong resident of the Las Vegas valley, was sworn into office on June 20, 2007. Having been a resident of Las Vegas for more than 30 years, he knows intimately the unique character of this part of southern Nevada and is passionate about preserving the historic roots of the community. He has done this by encouraging economic diversity, addressing crime and preserving the sense of community within Ward 5.

Through his hands-on approach to the issues facing West Las Vegas neighborhoods, he regularly participates in and sponsors events that garner community involvement including neighborhood clean-ups, town hall meetings, senior events such as Barlow Bingo and events geared specifically toward area youth such as his annual Teen Town Hall.

 Councilman Barlow has worked closely with other agencies such as the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to curb violence in the area and local neighborhood associations to clean up the community and erase graffiti. He also works with area businesses to encourage development and revitalization in downtown and West Las Vegas. For example, he has been instrumental in the effort to attract a new grocery store to West Las Vegas, which opened in late 2008, and he has played a vital role in the development of Union Park, the 61-acre master planned community in downtown. He is also familiar with the traffic issues in Ward 5 and has mitigated traffic concerns through projects such as the Martin L. King Boulevard improvement project. His commitment to improving the lives of youth and seniors is seen by the improvement projects as several parks and community centers such as Lorenzi Park and the Doolittle Senior Center.

 His commitment to the community can be seen through his participation on numerous boards and commissions. Currently, he sits on:

• Las Vegas Housing Authority
• City of Las Vegas Recommending Committee
• Southern Nevada Health District Board
• National League of Cities – Community Economic Development Board
• Neon Museum Board of Directors
• City of Las Vegas Management Committee for Emergency Operations
• KIDS Vote
• Post Office Executive Committee

Over the years, the councilman has been recognized by his peers in the community with numerous awards and accolades for his community service including the Community Partners “Portrait of Pride” Award, Nevada Library Association Trustee of the Year and Clark County School District PAL Program Supervisor of the Year.

Councilman Barlow began his interest in government at an early age, serving as student body president at Vocational-Technical High School. After graduating from UNLV with a degree in political science, he continued to pursue public service when he served as a legislative aide in Washington, D.C. to then-U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan. Upon returning to Las Vegas, he turned his love of public service into a career when he joined the city of Las Vegas Mayor and Council Office as a liaison.