Dina Titus - Congresswoman Representing Nevada's 1st District

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Congresswoman Dina Titus, who represents Boulder City and Southern Nevada in the U.S. House of Representatives. Dina shares how a politically active Georgia upbringing, a proud Greek immigrant grandfather, and 35 years teaching political science at UNLV shaped her path to public service.

Dina opens up about the decline of civility in politics and how she finds common ground across the aisle. She discusses the fight to protect Southern Nevada’s share of the Colorado River, the importance of Lake Mead and Avi Kwa Ame, and the need for transparency around data centers on public lands. Along the way, listeners get a personal look at her first jobs, her family, her favorite books, and the lessons her Southern parents taught her.

DISCUSSION

1. From Georgia to Nevada: Growing up in a politically active family, her grandfather’s restaurant that fed troop trains during World War II, and studying political science at William & Mary.
2. Professor & Legislator: Teaching at UNLV for 35 years while taking unpaid semesters off to serve in the Nevada State Legislature, and how each role made her better at the other.
3. Civility & Statesmanship: How political discourse has changed, the hidden meaning behind “my most esteemed colleague,” and why both sides must take the high road.
4. Finding Common Ground: Bipartisan work on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, her friendship with former opponent John Porter, and teaming up with Rep. Brian Mast to end animal testing at the VA.
5. Colorado River & Water Conservation: Her role as a founding member of the Colorado River Caucus, the lawsuit against the Bureau of Reclamation’s decision, and why Southern Nevada’s conservation success shouldn’t be punished.
6. The Mexico Treaty & Desalination: Explaining the “law of the river” and why investing in desalination in Southern California helps keep water in Lake Mead.
7. Protecting Public Lands: Boulder City as the gateway to Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Avi Kwa Ame, and why conservation protects both lives and livelihoods.
8. Coke Machines & Jujubes: Her first job stocking a motel Coke machine in Tifton, Georgia, and working as a movie theater popcorn girl.
9. Family, Home & Decompressing: Over 40 years of marriage, her sister Ro, coming home every weekend, and nightly cocktail hour.
10. Lessons from Mom & Daddy: “Don’t back somebody into a corner,” Emily Post manners, and bringing social graces back to public life.
11. What She’s Reading: Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential and why she reads a novel set in every country she visits.
12. Data Centers & Transparency: Why she supports transparency over moratoriums, and the need for clear standards on water, power, local hiring, and community revenue.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Congresswoman Dina Titus, visit https://titus.house.gov

To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com

KEYWORDS

Dina Titus, Congresswoman, Boulder City, Southern Nevada, Colorado River, Lake Mead, Water Conservation, Avi Kwa Ame, Public Lands, Data Centers, Civility, UNLV, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast

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