Reno · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
Urban Heat Mitigation and Tree Canopy
With Reno experiencing some of the fastest temperature increases in the United States, officials and advocates emphasized the urgent need for shade trees and equitable tree planting in lower-income neighborhoods.
Truckee River Vision Plan Implementation
Sediment buildup has impacted the performance and safety of the whitewater features in the Truckee River. City staff and community groups are exploring short-term fixes and permit requirements to restore pool depths.
Bear Management and Wildlife Interactions in Neighborhoods
Council Member Duerr's rebate program drew over 270 applications; NDOW explained that 90% of bear calls involve unsecured trash and about 700 of Nevada's 800 bears live in the Reno area.
Section 106 Federal Preservation Regulations Update
Commissioners and preservation groups discussed proposed federal changes to Section 106 regulations that could impact local oversight and public notification for federal projects. Organizations like the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions have raised concerns over potential exemptions.
Wildfire Mitigation and Forest Health Grants
Washoe County Emergency Management is working to reduce wildfire risk through vegetation management and defensible-space practices in vulnerable areas.
Reno Municipal Code Title 8 Tree and Shrub Updates
The draft update to the city's tree code heads to City Council for public review before returning to the commission for final sign-off. A second portion covering private trees is still to come.
FEMA Flood Map Updates and Public Outreach
FEMA is updating flood maps in Ward 6 and surrounding areas, which will place certain properties into mandatory flood insurance zones while removing others.
2026 Urban Forestry Commission Annual Report & Future Planning
The commission will staff a sapling table at Earth Day (Idlewild Park, April 18) and hold an Arbor Day ceremony April 24 with a volunteer planting April 25 at Paradise Park. Awards will recognize tree-friendly work around the city.
Water Conservation
Reno's rapid growth is crashing into hard water limits, forcing city leaders to make some tough choices about future development and new conservation rules.
Solar panels at the Reno Events Center
Staff estimated a 280-kilowatt solar array would cost about $1.4 million with a 19-20 year payback and only about 5.2 percent ROI — well below the 10-15 percent target — and the RSCVA, not the City, pays the utility bills, so the City wouldn't directly benefit. The committee agreed it wasn't a good deal for now.
Truckee River Fund grant for Construction BMP Field Guide
Reno is applying for a Truckee River Fund grant, due January 30, to update the Construction BMP Field Guide used for stormwater compliance training.
Virginia Lake recirculation system vandalism
Virginia Lake's water level dropped because someone apparently closed the gate valve on the low-flow recirculation system — likely vandalism. The valve was reopened and the lake is back to normal levels.
Sparks Marina water quality
Testing found high sulfite concentrations at lower depths in the Sparks Marina, possibly from a biological or mechanical conversion to hydrogen sulfide gas in the canal recirculation system. Staff are diagnosing the issue and developing a fix.
Sediment runoff from NDOT staging yard at Clear Acre Lane
Sediment from an NDOT staging yard next to the freeway was washing into a Reno catch basin off Clear Acre Lane. NDOT will install a drainage swale to stop the sheet flow and erosion.
Microforest proposal for south Reno
Member Reich proposed planting a small but complete urban forest of 300-400 trees, possibly at Double Diamond Park, with UNR students involved and small grants to fund it.