Group honors Goodman

The International Economic Development Council has awarded Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman the 2009 Leadership Award for Public Service, which will be presented in October at the council's annual conference in Reno.

The award recognizes an elected official who has pushed for economic development for at least 10 years.

When Goodman took office in 1999, the top 10 corporate taxpayers in downtown Las Vegas were casinos. That's changed: The list now includes the World Market Center, the Las Vegas Premium Outlets, the Molasky Center offices and developers Forest City-LiveWork Las Vegas.

Construction also is under way on the Smith Center for the Performing Arts on what was once a rail yard, and businesses have moved into a new Fremont East entertainment district. The historic Fifth Street School has been restored, and officials are pushing for the redevelopment of the Lady Luck Casino and the creation of a Mob Museum.