Board appoints Garrett Lapeer to Culture and Tourism Authority seat representing commercial interests

The Carson City Board of Supervisors on Wednesday appointed Garrett Lapeer to a two-year term on the Culture and Tourism Authority to represent “other commercial interests,” after interviewing three applicants and receiving public comment that one applicant withdrew.

The appointment followed a round of public interviews in which the two active applicants — Mary Claire (last name not specified in the record), who described herself as a small-business owner and arts advocate, and Garrett Lapeer, who said he grew up in Carson City and runs a local business — answered questions from the mayor and all five supervisors. After board discussion, Supervisor Horton, Supervisor Gioami, Supervisor Schutte and others expressed preferences and the board voted to appoint Lapeer; the motion carried unanimously.

The board heard each applicant describe how they would help the CTA market Carson City. Mary Claire said she wanted to expand arts and cultural programming, saying, “I think art builds community,” and cited the Brewery Arts Center and other cultural institutions as draws. Lapeer emphasized sports tourism, train-related events and developing a “hub” identity for Carson City to draw visitors who would then explore the region’s outdoor and cultural offerings.

Board members highlighted different priorities in their final remarks. Supervisor Horton said Lapeer’s long involvement in the community and his experience organizing events gave him an edge. Supervisor Schutte said she was leaning toward Mary Claire because of her marketing focus but ultimately supported the appointment. Mayor Lori Bagwell noted the board’s need for both local knowledge and new perspectives and thanked all applicants for stepping forward.

The motion to appoint Lapeer was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board recorded no roll-call breakdown in the public discussion beyond the unanimous voice vote at the end of the appointment.

The newly appointed member will represent “other commercial interests” on the CTA for a term described at the meeting as two years, expiring in July (year as specified by city appointment records).