Reno · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Waste Disposal
Reno is hosting a free drop-off event this weekend for old electronics and hazardous waste like paint. It's an easy way to clean out your garage and keep toxic junk out of local landfills.
Arts & Culture Advisory Board Appointments
The board evaluated applications to fill a required architect or designer seat and recommended Danielle Dolan to City Council.
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 and Growth Management
Reno's booming growth is colliding with the reality of increasing wildfires, forcing city leaders to seriously rethink how much more development the area can safely handle. As flames threaten expanding neighborhoods, the city has to figure out how to balance its booming economy with the safety of its residents.
Wildfire Response
The fast-moving Hawk wildfire in Reno is currently sitting at 27% containment as local crews fight to get it under control. If you're in the area, keep a close eye on your phone for sudden evacuation alerts.
Wildfire Evacuations
Good news for some Reno folks as Hawk Fire evacuations start lifting, but thousands remain on edge while crews fight the blaze. If you're in the area, you'll want to keep an eye on local alerts since the danger isn't fully in the rear-view mirror yet.
Idlewild Park Arboretum Designation
The commission evaluated the operational status and upkeep needs of the Idlewild arboretum to ensure healthy public green spaces.
Santerra-Quilici Water Storage Tanks
Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) received approval to relocate two 400,000-gallon water storage tanks to a more feasible hillside location to serve the approved Santerra-Quilici Ranch subdivision. The review addressed hillside grading, cuts and fills, and seismic safety standards.
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.
Wilkinson Park Mural Public Art Project
A new public art project is coming to McAlinden/Mayors Park, with community input being gathered through a survey.
Historical Resources Commission Vacancy Appointment
The commission reviewed twelve candidates to fill an open seat on the Historical Resources Commission, ultimately recommending Brett Banks and naming Cory Munson as an alternate.
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.
HOME Project Monitoring and Compliance
Staff reviewed compliance monitoring for local housing projects, noting that most projects are meeting standards while a few transitional housing providers receive extra support.
Surveillance Technology
Reno is catching heat from locals over the new AI license plate readers and security cameras popping up everywhere. If you value your digital privacy and hate the idea of your daily drive being tracked, you'll want to pay attention to this.
Youth City Council Annual Report and Operations
The council is drafting its annual report of accomplishments and initiatives to send to the Reno City Council. Members shared ideas but haven't approved a final version.
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan Update
Staff provided an update on the long-term master plan guiding future park development and open space preservation across the city.
Reestablishment of Nonconforming Auto Repair Use at 55 S. Wells Avenue
The owner of a long-standing auto repair building on South Wells Avenue is seeking a conditional use permit to allow auto repair again after recent zoning overlay changes prohibited it. Neighbors and board members expressed support for grandfathering the established business use.
CWallA Outdoor Storage and Warehouse Expansion on East Fifth Street
CWallA is seeking a conditional use permit and multiple variances to establish a warehouse, distribution center, and outdoor storage yard on East Fifth Street. The project includes facility upgrades, improved landscaping, and security enhancements.
Minimum Qualifications for City Classifications
The Community Engagement & Services Department got approval to build a separate hiring list limited to Spanish-bilingual candidates, helping the city serve Spanish-speaking residents better.
Personnel Investigation
Reno's city clerk was suddenly slapped with paid leave after a worker filed a complaint, and HR is currently digging into what happened. It's a classic shake-up at city hall that could impact how smoothly your local government runs day-to-day.
Dorothy McAlinden/Mayor’s Park Phase IV Improvements
Parks and Recreation staff are presenting updates on phase four enhancements for Dorothy McAlinden/Mayor’s Park to improve community recreational amenities.
Horseman's Park Potential Improvements
Board members are pushing to evaluate Horseman's Park for new community amenities like pickleball courts, a mini soccer pitch, and lighting. Staff agreed to look into the site's current constraints and bring back a status update.
Redevelopment Agency Governance Structure
The board discussed the legal relationship between the City Council, the RDA board, and the advisory board, recommending exploration of alternative governance structures to enhance efficiency.
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.
Civil Service Commission Leadership Vacancy
The commission scheduled an election to fill a vacant chairperson seat for a term ending in July 2027, ensuring steady leadership for personnel and civil service oversight.
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.
Ralston Street Major Deviation and Parcel Split
A property owner is asking to adjust rear setback rules so a lot with two houses can be split into separate parcels. Board members discussed whether this sets a good precedent for more granular neighborhood housing options.
Conversion of Commercial Property Back to Residential Use
The City Council unanimously approved a zoning change on Stewart near the Riverside District, removing the Wells overlay to allow converting professional office space into multifamily housing.
Subdivision of Commercial Office Park into Individual Units
A proposal to subdivide six existing commercial office buildings into 42 individually owned commercial units on South McCarran Boulevard.
Agenda Change
Reno officials suddenly pulled The Eddy's proposal to take over City Plaza from the upcoming meeting agenda, leaving the future of the downtown space up in the air for now. If you were hoping to see a cool new vibe downtown, you're going to have to wait a little longer.
Municipal Unsolicited Proposal Process Review
Council members raised concerns about how unsolicited business or property proposals are handled and agendized, prompting a request to study better vetting processes used by other local governments.
Youth Smartphone Use and Mental Health
Dr. Brittany Avila presented the 'Wait Until 8th' initiative, highlighting research that links high screen time to increased depression rates among children.
Data Center Development
Reno needs to hit the brakes on approving new data centers before developers overwhelm our local power grids and water supplies. If you're tired of unchecked neighborhood growth eating up our resources, this is a debate you'll want to keep an eye on.
City Manager Residency Requirements
The committee is revisiting whether the City Manager should be required to live locally — possibly within 50 miles or within Washoe County rather than strictly in Reno.
Kengott Residence and Detached Garage/ADU Project
A residential project involving a front yard setback variance near an access easement and a major deviation to expand an accessory building footprint up to 1,800 square feet.
Moran Street Pedestrian Improvements
Board member Anthony Dispenziere pitched a proposal to make Moran Street more pedestrian-friendly between South Virginia Street and Wells Avenue. The idea aims to improve neighborhood walkability and safety.