Reno · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Consolidated Tax (C-Tax) Distribution Disparities
An urban economist presented an overview of Consolidated Tax revenues, which form a major funding source for city general fund services including parks, recreation, police, and fire. The board discussed how distribution formulas impact municipal revenues across the region.
FY 2027 Interim Financial Report and Budget Augmentations
City officials shared positive financial news, noting that consolidated tax revenues are outperforming projections and parking fine collections have jumped following the return of DMV holds.
Parks and Recreation Department FY26 Financial Performance
The department brought in about $7 million in revenue for FY26 while achieving an overall cost recovery rate of 40.5%. Staff highlighted strong performance in aquatics and youth programs.
Fiscal Year 2027 Investment Policy Updates
The Financial Advisory Board reviewed proposed updates to Reno's investment policy aimed at aligning with state code. The board chose to postpone any formal recommendation to staff until their next meeting to allow for further review.
2027 State Legislative Bill Draft Requests
City staff outlined preparations for the upcoming 2027 legislative session, including the city's two allotted Bill Draft Requests and legislative platform updates.
RTC Ballot Advisory Question on EV and Hybrid Fees
The Regional Transportation Commission presented updates on local road repairs, active transportation plans, and an upcoming ballot measure asking voters about electric vehicle registration fees.
Historical Resources Commission FY Budget and Funding
The commission faces a zero operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year and will rely on grant funds, donations, and sponsorships for projects.
Internal Audit and ERP System Recommendations
The Financial Advisory Board updated its annual report to strongly recommend re-establishing an internal audit position and ensuring outside stakeholders and open data standards are built into the city's new software systems.
Citywide Risk Assessment and Multi-Year Audit Plan
Outside auditors are assessing risk across city departments, having interviewed 36 people and mapped out an 18-topic multi-year audit plan. The final report comes to the board May 14 — a check on how well city government is managing public money.
FY 2027 Tentative Budget and Fee Adjustments
The City reviewed the upcoming fiscal year's budget for development services, noting that the Building Enterprise Fund has reached a stable and balanced financial standing with minimal fee changes.
Vice Mayor appointment timing
Reno requires the Vice Mayor be chosen at the first November meeting — before election results are canvassed, which could seat a member who just lost reelection. The committee is considering removing that fixed timing.
FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget and Deficit Mitigation
Finance Director Vicki Van Buren walked the board through how the city's money works and how the FY2026/27 budget is coming together. Members pushed on property tax caps, state revenue sharing, and RTC funding — the kind of stuff that shapes what services Reno can afford.
Joint meeting requirement with City Council
Getting a full quorum of the charter committee to show up at joint meetings with City Council has been tough. The committee is working on language that would let the chair and vice chair — or any members who can attend — represent it, without requiring a quorum.
Special elections for council vacancies
Should Reno be required to hold a special election when a council seat opens more than 180 days before a general election, instead of appointing a replacement? Members are weighing cost and likely low turnout before deciding.
City Debt Position and Obligations
The board heard where the city stands on its debt, including the bond financing the American Flats project. Debt service competes with other city priorities for dollars.
HUD Federal Funding and 2026/2027 Project Priorities
The subcommittee is reviewing updates on federal HUD grants and discussing priorities for the upcoming 2026/2027 funding cycle. These decisions help determine how federal dollars support local community services, housing, and infrastructure.
Selection of the City Attorney
The committee considered — then dismissed 9-2 — the idea of switching the City Attorney from an elected to an appointed position. Reno is unusual among Nevada's large cities in electing this office, and the office typically runs unopposed.
Fiscal Year 2027 Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule
The board reviewed and recommended approval for the upcoming fiscal year's fee schedule, which sets pricing for various city recreational services and facility rentals.
FY2027 TMWRF Operational Budget
The regional wastewater plant's operating budget for next fiscal year is heading to the Reno and Sparks councils. It adds a control systems programmer, more fire mitigation funding, and a new capital project, with chemical costs and inflation pushing expenses up.
Consolidated Tax (C-Tax) Education for Youth
Youth Council members learned how statewide taxes are collected and split to fund city and regional services in Reno.