Reno · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Keystone Canyon PUD Amendment & Density Increase
The developer of Keystone Canyon wants to add up to 105 more homes in northwest Reno and put housing where shops were planned. It's one of the bigger housing decisions coming before the city, and it will eventually go to the City Council.
Planning Commission Bylaws and Consent Agenda Rules
The commission is updating its own rulebook — new consent agenda limits, attendance requirements (commissioners must make 75% of meetings), and limits on virtual attendance. These changes shape how quickly and transparently development cases move through the city.
Corner Lot Fence Height Deviations and Neighborhood Visibility
A homeowner at 931 Gordon Avenue wants a six-foot fence in a front yard where only four feet is allowed. Small on its face, but major deviations like this set the tone for neighborhood character.
Pawsitive Improvements Program
A pet relief area improvement program would be formally found compliant with NRS 279 and consistent with the Redevelopment Plan, with the Executive Director authorized to administer it.
Martinez Landscaping Patent Easement Abandonment
A public hearing on abandoning about 14,500 square feet of roadway and utility easement at the north end of Koenig Road in Ward 4.
Talus Valley Special Assessment District No. 1
South Reno's Talus Valley development would get new sewer, storm and water infrastructure through a special assessment district, with property owners there footing the $9.5 million bill via assessments and bonds. No cost to the general fund, but it sets the financing framework for a large development.
Pennington Foundation Fire Apparatus Grant
Reno Police would receive a $1.2 million federal technology grant, ammunition funding, and DNA services; Reno Fire would get helmets via a state grant.
Sutro Street rezone for Hillside Foursquare Church site
About 6.8 acres off Sutro Street currently zoned for single-family homes could be rezoned to mixed-use suburban, opening the door to denser development near US 395.
FY 2026/27 Redevelopment Agency Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
The Agency plans to spend up to $1.8 million over three years on four consulting firms for analysis, underwriting, advisory, and financial work tied to redevelopment projects. This shapes which downtown projects get vetted and how redevelopment dollars are spent.
Vice Mayor election
The council's annual pick of who serves as Vice Mayor for the coming year — the person who steps in when the Mayor is absent.
Public Art Master Plan Progress
Board members will discuss the ongoing implementation and overview of the Public Art Master Plan to integrate more artistic elements into Reno's public spaces.
Virginia Street Placemaking Study
The advisory board will review progress and overview details on the Virginia Street Placemaking Study, which aims to enhance downtown vibrancy and pedestrian experience along the central corridor.
OPEB Trust Fund Financial Health and Liabilities
The board is reviewing the health of the city's $39 million OPEB Trust fund, examining how investment returns and city contributions impact long-term retiree benefit liabilities.
TMWRF Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Progress
Committee members are scheduled to examine current progress on capital improvement projects at the reclamation facility. These updates track infrastructure investments and long-term facility upgrades.
Voting Machine Integrity
Reno's voting machines are officially in top shape, with local officials confirming everything is calibrated and printing properly. You can head to the polls knowing your vote will count without any technical headaches.
Regional Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System Contract Adjustment
The executive board is reviewing a major contract change order with vendor Octave (formerly Intergraph Corporation) that reduces milestone payments by $600,000, extends on-site support, and resets the project schedule. This multi-agency project involves Reno, Sparks, Washoe County, and REMSA to modernize emergency dispatch operations.
Capital Projects Surcharge Fund Financial Status
The $2 surcharge fund brings in about $1.1 million a year and is projected to hold $1.5 million by the end of 2031, even after a $3 million bowling stadium lane replacement in 2028. That fund pays for downtown venue upkeep that supports tourism events.
Shared Micromobility Safety and Bird Scooter Operations
City officials and the board will look at safety measures for Bird scooters, including speed limits and geofencing to prevent sidewalk clutter and collisions. These rules aim to protect pedestrians while keeping shared transportation options available.
BRAIN Nevada Disability Support Programs
The board will learn about programs and resources offered by BRAIN Nevada to support individuals with brain injuries, neurological conditions, and disabilities. The presentation connects residents with vital family and caregiver support services.
Sidewalk Accessibility and Repair Prioritization
The board is reviewing how the city prioritizes sidewalk repairs and street lighting upgrades to ensure safe pedestrian travel for people with disabilities. Better infrastructure helps residents navigate neighborhoods safely, especially during low-visibility hours.
Enterprise Fund and General Fund Financial Status
The committee is reviewing the financial health of the Building Enterprise Fund and General Fund, which tracks building permit revenues and operational costs. These funds are critical for maintaining efficient plan review and inspection services for local builders and developers.
West 4th Street Roundabout Public Art Task Force Formation
The task force is narrowing down a massive list of artists to choose up to three finalists for a new public art installation at the West 4th Street roundabout. This project will bring a prominent new cultural landmark to the West 4th Street corridor.
Dorothy McAlinden Park Public Art Selection
The task force is reviewing 26 artist proposals to select up to three finalists for new public art at Dorothy McAlinden Park. This project will bring new cultural installations to a community park for residents to enjoy.
Downtown Events Center Operating Agreement
Members will discuss the operating agreement for the Downtown Events Center, focusing on responsibilities for capital improvements and necessary facility repairs. Keeping downtown facilities in good shape supports local events and tourism.
Regional Parks and Recreation District Feasibility
Local leaders are exploring whether to form a joint regional district to manage parks, trails, open space, and recreation across Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County. The goal is to tackle massive deferred maintenance backlogs and secure stable, long-term funding.
Regional Stormwater Permit Compliance and Invoices
The committee is paying CAMwise Consulting up to $2,000 to build a training class for HOAs and common-interest communities on flooding, stormwater infrastructure, maintenance obligations, and liability. HOA board members are the target audience.
Federal Engagement and Youth Opportunities
Ashley Martinez from Senator Jacky Rosen's office will discuss federal representation and engagement opportunities for Reno's young leaders.
Massage Parlor Regulations
Reno is hosting a public workshop to shake up the rules for local massage parlors, giving residents and business owners a chance to have their say. If you live or work in town, these upcoming changes could directly impact how these businesses operate near you.
Property Tax Education and Revenue Structure
The youth council will review how property taxes fund essential city services like police, fire, and street maintenance in Reno. The discussion highlights Nevada's unique tax depreciation and capping rules that impact long-term municipal revenues.
Sky Tavern Long-Term Lease Extension
Council approved a 99-year lease extension for the nonprofit Sky Tavern on Mount Rose Highway to secure its future as a premier youth ski and mountain biking recreation center.
J Resort Pedestrian Skyways
The council is considering allowing two elevated walkways over West Fourth Street and Ralston Street to connect the J Resort with nearby properties.
Axon Public Safety and Surveillance Contract
The City Council approved an 8-year, $21.7 million contract with Axon for police body-worn cameras, tasers, drones, and automated license plate readers, sparking intense debate over community privacy and public safety.
West 4 Street Small Walls Mural Project
The board is considering a $5,000 artist call to commission a new public mural at Wilkinson Park, adding vibrant artwork to a community space.
2027 Western Lights Festival Call for Artists
The board is considering the call for artists for the 2027 Western Lights Festival with a budget of up to $35,000 to support community light installations.
2027 Reno City Artist Selection
The task force is considering a large pool of local and regional artists to commission for the 2026 Art Signals public art project, distributing awards up to $10,000 per artist. These installations help enliven public spaces and support local creative professionals.
NV Energy Utility Corridor Realignment
NV Energy proposed a 3.63-mile high-voltage overhead electrical transmission line through Reno's jurisdiction, raising concerns from affected property owners.
Eisan Avenue Right-of-Way Abandonment
Adjacent property owners want the city to abandon a dead-end stretch of East Fifth Street east of Tacchino Street, saying it's misused for illegal camping. Board members flagged that a dirt road there gives the Coney Island Bar informal access — and the applicants haven't talked to the bar yet.
2027 Meeting Calendar Approval
Reno is the only Nevada city whose Charter forces the Charter Committee and Council to meet jointly — which is hard to schedule with 20+ officials. A change could make the meeting optional and require Council to report back on the committee's recommendations.
The Boulevard Mixed-Use Project & Stadium
Developers are planning a major entertainment district on Kietzke Lane featuring a 6,000-seat soccer stadium, a hotel-casino, and plazas. While soccer fans and business advocates are excited for the economic boost, neighbors voiced concerns about severe traffic gridlock and noise.
Infrastructure Upgrade
Reno wants to spend $19 million fixing up the West Wash and East Wash dams to keep northwest Reno from flooding. Right now, the city is taking public comments on the environmental review, so if you live in the area, it's a good time to look at the plans and share your thoughts.
ARPA Program Updates for Senior and Community Support
Planning is underway for Older Americans Month in May, featuring an information fair on May 1 at the Washoe County Senior Center and council-sponsored ice cream socials.
Ethics Reform
A Reno City Council candidate wants to shake up local government with a five-point ethics plan. If adopted, it would set up an independent citizen oversight board and make official calendars and lobbying records completely public.
Property Tax Structure and Distribution Overview
The board scheduled a presentation to help residents understand how property taxes are structured and where tax dollars go. This information helps seniors and taxpayers grasp local revenue collection.
Wildfire Defense and Evacuation Preparedness
Homeowners report insurers telling them to remove trees for wildfire defensible space; the city has 2,400 acres of open space backing up to homes, making this a growing issue.
FY27-29 City Strategic Plan Implementation
Staff presented the newly adopted FY27-29 Strategic Plan, highlighting its seven priority areas ranging from system stewardship to high quality of life. The plan aims to foster cross-departmental accountability and agile municipal decision-making.
Development Review Training and Public Engagement
The city reviewed how it engages residents — 700+ touchpoints last summer — and is rolling out a new engagement framework. The board was asked for input before the plan is finalized.
Regional Fire Service Integration
Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran discussed ongoing efforts to regionalize fire services between Reno, Sparks, and Truckee Meadows, including joint academies and a recent 1,200-page regional fire study.
Reno Fire Department Operations and Regional Readiness
Fire Chief Dave Cochran updated the board on emergency response capabilities, regional partnerships with Sparks, and wildfire defensible space guidelines. The discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance staffing and manage community fire risks.
Judicial Election
Trying to figure out your ballot for the Reno Municipal Court race? Check out our quick Q&A with candidates Angie Gianoli and Jenny Hubach to see where they stand on the issues.
Financial Advisory Board Vacancies and Appointments
The board reviewed applicants to fill a vacant seat and recommended Shelby Harvey to the City Council.