Texila International Journal
In February 2026, Polagani collaborated on a critical healthcare assessment titled The State of Mental Health in the Mountain West, 2025 . The findings exposed profound structural deficits: , while Arizona demonstrated staggering workforce shortages, operating with only one mental health professional for every 550 residents. This report has been heavily downloaded by state legislators tasked with allocating healthcare funds. Key Research Document Primary Focus Area Key Regional Insight Salary Needed to Live Comfortably Income Distribution & Welfare Evaluates real-wage requirements across major cities. Cost of Living for Older Adults Demography & Inflation Exposes financial vulnerabilities of elderly cohorts. Chronic Student Absenteeism K-12 Policy & Education Maps multi-year truancy rates across five states. The State of Mental Health Public Health & Infrastructure Identifies severe professional care deficits in NV and AZ. ✍️ Economic Advocacy and Public Scholarship
Anirudh Polagani is a researcher and public policy contributor known for his work with and Brookings Mountain West at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) . His work primarily focuses on regional economic, health, and social policy issues in the Mountain West. Professional Background and Expertise
Beyond his academic contributions, Anirudh Polagani is actively involved in civic leadership and education. anirudh polagani
Polagani serves as the for the City of Henderson , Nevada. Previously holding the position of Vice Chair, his leadership in this body addresses critical challenges facing educational policy, structural progress, and youth engagement programs. The commission represents the longest-standing youth civic assembly in Henderson. Nevada Department of Education
In mid-2025, Polagani served as the lead author for a major public report: . Published by The Lincy Institute and Brookings Mountain West , this brief calculated: In February 2026, Polagani collaborated on a critical
One of Polagani's most prominent public contributions is his critique of Southern Nevada's narrow economic foundations. In his widely cited op-ed published by the Nevada Current , "Still overdependent on tourism after all these years," he issued a sharp call to action for Las Vegas leadership. He noted that while Nevada's casino industry generated an economic impact of $59.4 billion and supported over 330,000 jobs, such acute reliance leaves the state dangerously vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks, as seen during global disruptions.
: Published in the Nevada Current , this article analyzes the vulnerability of the Las Vegas economy due to its heavy reliance on the gaming and tourism sectors. Key Research Document Primary Focus Area Key Regional
: Contributing to crucial standard-of-living metrics, including Salary Needed to Live Comfortably in the Mountain West, 2024 . 🏛️ Advocacy for Nevada's Economic Diversification
at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). His research focus spans economic growth, healthcare workforce development, and the socioeconomic challenges facing the Mountain West region. Public Policy and Research Contributions
In an age of "move fast and break things," Anirudh Polagani promotes a more sustainable model of growth. He emphasizes long-term scalability and ethical considerations, ensuring that today's innovations don't become tomorrow's liabilities. Leadership and Influence
Anirudh Polagani has emerged as a significant young intellectual voice in the Mountain West region, bridging the gap between rigorous academic research and accessible public advocacy. Currently recognized as a student researcher with Brookings Mountain West and The Lincy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) , Polagani’s work focuses on the intersection of economics, governance, and community well-being. Academic Research and Contributions