On the Road in Nevada: Witnessing the K-Shaped Economy and Fighting for Real Change

Dear friends and neighbors,

I want to take a moment to share with you what I’ve seen as a doordasher navigating the streets of northern Nevada—an experience that has shaped my understanding of our economy and fueled my decision to run for Congress in Nevada’s Second Congressional District.

Driving from the heart of Reno’s bustling business corridors to the mobile home parks of Sun Valley, I have witnessed firsthand the stark divides in our community. This is the reality of what economists call a “K-shaped recovery”—a term that’s not just academic jargon, but a lived experience for millions, including myself and the neighbors I serve.

The K-Shaped Economy. What Is It?

The K-shaped recovery describes how, after economic shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, some sectors and individuals bounce back strongly (the upward arm of the “K”), while others continue to struggle or fall further behind (the downward arm). According to the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), this pattern is evident across the United States, with wealthier Americans and large corporations recovering faster, while working families and small businesses face ongoing hardship (PPI, 2023).

Small Businesses vs. Franchises: A Tale of Two Economies

As a doordasher, my daily route has become a tour of Nevada’s changing economic landscape. I’ve seen too many beloved mom-and-pop restaurants shutter their doors, unable to survive rising costs and shrinking foot traffic. The Nevada Independent has reported that, since 2020, Nevada has lost hundreds of small businesses, particularly in food service and hospitality. Meanwhile, national franchises and chain restaurants move in—bringing jobs, yes, but often at lower wages and with less community investment (Nevada Independent, 2024).

I remember one week where I delivered high-end meals—$40 entrees from PF Chang’s and other upscale establishments—to luxury apartments downtown. Minutes later, I found myself at a Dollar General in Sun Valley, picking up two sweet potatoes to be delivered to a mobile home. The contrast could not be more stark. In one part of town, abundance; in another, survival.

Economic Inequality Up Close

The Pew Research Center and Economic Policy Institute (EPI) have both documented the widening gap between the wealthiest Americans and everyone else. In Nevada, this divide is especially visible. According to the Nevada Current, the cost of living continues to rise—housing, groceries, and healthcare—while wages for working Nevadans have stagnated. More than 40% of Nevada households report struggling to cover basic expenses (Nevada Current, 2024).

These are not just numbers—they are the faces I see each day. The single parent working two jobs and still ordering the bare minimum for dinner. The elderly couple relying on delivery because they can’t afford to drive into town. The small business owner who, after decades of service, had to close up shop and lay off loyal staff.

Why I Ran—And Why the Fight Continues

This is why I ran for Congress. Not because I thought it would be easy, but because the status quo is unacceptable. For 40 years, we’ve been told that “trickle-down economics”—tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations—will somehow benefit everyone. But after four decades, the results are clear: the top 1% have seen their wealth soar, while most Americans—especially those of us in the service sector, gig economy, or small business community—have been left behind (Progressive Policy Institute, 2022).

The movement for Universal Basic Income (UBI) offers a new path. UBI is not a handout—it’s a recognition of the dignity and value of every person’s labor, paid or unpaid. It would put money directly in the hands of all Nevadans, allowing us to spend, save, and invest in our families and communities. Studies from the Roosevelt Institute and Stanford have found that UBI can boost local economies, reduce poverty, and provide a cushion in times of crisis.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement for Real Change

Although I did not win the primary election, this movement is bigger than one race or one candidate. Real change comes when ordinary people refuse to accept an economy that leaves so many behind. If you believe that everyone deserves a fair shot—if you see the same inequality I see, and you’re ready to fight for something better—I invite you to join us.

Subscribe to this newsletter. Share it with your friends, family, and neighbors. Donate if you can. Most importantly, show up and make your voice heard. The road to change is long, but together, we can build a Nevada—and an America—where prosperity is truly shared.

Thank you for believing in real change. The movement continues, and so do I.

In solidarity,

Gamy Enriquez, MPA

References:

• Progressive Policy Institute. (2022, 2023). “The K-Shaped Recovery: How the Pandemic Widened Inequality.”

• Nevada Independent. (2024). “Small Businesses Still Struggling Post-Pandemic.”

• Nevada Current. (2024). “Cost of Living and Wage Stagnation in Nevada.”

• Economic Policy Institute. (2024). “Income Inequality in the U.S.”

• Pew Research Center. (2023). “Trends in U.S. Economic Inequality.”

• Roosevelt Institute. (2022). “Universal Basic Income: Local and National Effects.”

• Stanford Basic Income Lab. (2023). “UBI and Economic Security.”