The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:

1. The process of regional planning in a county whose population is 100,000 or more but less than 700,000, as set forth in NRS 278.026 to 278.029, inclusive, ensures that comprehensive planning will be carried out with respect to population, conservation, land use and transportation, public facilities and services, annexation and intergovernmental coordination.

2. The process of regional planning set forth in NRS 278.026 to 278.029, inclusive, does not specifically limit the premature expansion of development into undeveloped areas or address the unique needs and opportunities that are characteristic of older neighborhoods in a county whose population is 100,000 or more but less than 700,000.

3. The problem of the premature expansion of development into undeveloped areas and the unique needs and opportunities that are characteristic of older neighborhoods may be addressed through:

(a) Cooperative efforts to preserve and revitalize urban areas and older neighborhoods; and

(b) Review of the master plans, facilities plans and other similar plans of local governments and other affected entities.

4. It is the intent of the Legislature with respect to NRS 278.026 to 278.029, inclusive, that each local government and affected entity shall exercise its powers and duties in a manner that is in harmony with the powers and duties exercised by other local governments and affected entities to enhance the long-term health and welfare of the county and all its residents.

(Added to NRS by 1999, 2123; A 2011, 1179)