On the Agenda: A City of Reno Podcast

Paying off debt may not be as visible as a new building, park or streetscape, but it can help make future redevelopment projects possible.

In this episode of On the Agenda, Assistant City Manager Ashley Turney explains the Reno Redevelopment Agency’s decision to pay off two series of tax increment bonds issued in 2007. They break down what terms like “redemption,” “defeasance” and “tax increment” mean, where the funding comes from and why this action does not create a new tax or increase anyone’s tax rate.

The conversation also explores how eliminating the debt reduces future interest costs and gives the Agency greater flexibility to invest future tax increment in eligible projects that improve public spaces, support housing, strengthen local businesses and encourage private investment.

In this episode of On the Agenda, we explore the proposed Dickerson Trail Bridge, a new bicycle and pedestrian connection that could one day link the Dickerson Road neighborhood and Oxbow Nature Study Area with Idlewild Park and the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail.

Public Works Senior Management Analyst Brynna Nichols explains how a newly accepted $250,000 state grant, along with a $50,000 City match, will support the project’s planning, design, environmental review and permitting. We also clarify what Council approved, what must happen before construction can begin and how the bridge could close an important gap in Reno’s regional trail network.

Today, we’re talking about a recent Reno City Council decision involving a City-owned property in the Stead community.

Council approved the sale of the property at 14180 Mt. Charleston Street to the Reno Housing Authority, or RHA, for a nominal $10 plus closing costs.

Now, if you hear that the City sold a piece of property for $10, you might have some questions.

Why $10? What is actually on the property? Why did the City sell it to RHA? And what does the decision mean for the residents who live there?

We’re answering those questions today.

What is a Privileged Business License and why does it have to come before the Reno City Council?

In this episode of On the Agenda, Director of Licensing and Code Enforcement Lance Ferrato explains what makes a business license "privileged" and why they appear on Council agendas. Ferrato also unveils a new tool on the City's website aimed at making the business license process smoother.

Plus, hear highlights from the August 12 Reno City Council meetings and a preview of items coming before Council on August 26.

Learn more and listen to past episodes at Reno.gov/OnTheAgenda.

What does it mean for Reno and Sparks to share a Fire Chief?

In this episode of On the Agenda, Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran explains the new interlocal agreement that places both the Reno and Sparks fire departments under Chief Cochran’s executive leadership.

They discuss how the shared leadership model will work, what will remain separate, how Sparks will contribute financially and how greater coordination could improve station coverage, emergency response and regional resources. Plus, hear highlights from the July 29 Reno City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board meetings and a preview of items coming before Council on Aug. 12.

Learn more and listen to past episodes at Reno.gov/OnTheAgenda.

The City of Reno is moving forward with a proposed rooftop solar array at the Moana Springs Community Aquatics and Fitness Center. Environmental Services Manager Suzanne Groneman joins the podcast to explain how the project would generate renewable energy, reduce long-term utility costs and advance the City’s sustainability goals without using General Fund dollars.

The conversation also explores how the facility was designed with solar energy in mind, how federal funding and proceeds from previous clean-energy projects are helping fund the nearly $1.6 million investment, and how the project could serve as a model for future City facilities.

Plus, City Manager Jackie Bryant recaps highlights from the July 22 Reno City Council meeting and previews what is coming before Council on July 29.

What is redevelopment? How is it funded? What does it mean for Reno residents? In this final installment of Off the Agenda: Ask Reno, we sit down with Assistant City Manager Ashley Turney to break down the Reno Redevelopment Agency and its role in revitalizing specific areas of the city.

The conversation explores how redevelopment areas are created, how increases in property tax revenue are reinvested without creating a new tax, and why those funds can only be spent within designated boundaries. Ashley also highlights upcoming investments in the Truckee River path, University Village and Fourth Street, along with programs that help local businesses and property owners improve storefronts, security and underused spaces.

Why does it take so long and cost so much to build housing in Reno?

In Part 2 of this conversation from last week, we take a closer look at the housing development process with Assistant Director of Development Services Angela Fuss and affordable housing developer Matthew Fleming from Northern Nevada Community Housing. They explain the steps a project must go through before construction can begin and how state requirements, limited developable land, aging infrastructure, labor shortages, interest rates, tariffs and supply-chain delays can affect timelines and costs.

The conversation also explores the additional considerations involved in affordable housing, from selecting sites near essential services to securing funding, and how the City of Reno works with developers, dedicated project liaisons and prioritized permit reviews to help move affordable housing projects forward.

In this episode, we continue the conversation on housing by breaking down how affordability is calculated, what area median income means, how subsidies help keep rents lower and why long-term affordability requirements are an important part of affordable housing projects.

Guests Elaine Olson, Housing Administrator for the City of Reno Housing and Neighborhood Development team; Angela Fuss, Assistant Director of Development Services; and Matthew Fleming, Executive Director of Northern Nevada Community Housing, help explain what affordable housing actually means, how these projects are funded, and why the City does not directly build or own affordable housing, but helps make projects possible through funding, incentives and partnerships.

The episode also highlights recent and upcoming affordable housing projects, including permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, veteran housing and other developments serving residents across a range of income levels.

In Part 2 of Off the Agenda: Ask Reno, we continue the conversation on homelessness and housing by focusing on affordable housing, eviction prevention and the programs available to help residents stay housed.

Guests from the Reno Housing Authority and the City of Reno Housing and Neighborhood Development team discuss public housing, housing choice vouchers, rental and deposit assistance, housing court, supportive housing projects and how regional partners work together to connect residents with the right resources.

The episode also highlights how residents can apply for help, how landlords can participate in housing programs and why preventing homelessness is a critical part of the region’s overall response.