In this episode, we recap a few items from the latest Reno City Council meeting, including a new historic preservation grant, two ordinance introductions, and the appointment of Ward 3 Councilmember Miguel Martinez as Reno’s new Vice Mayor.

Then we’re joined by Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran for a closer look at the Reno Fire Department’s regional partnerships, including a Cooperative Agreement with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, mutual and automatic aid systems, airport fire service, and why cross-jurisdiction collaboration is essential for fast, efficient emergency response.

Listen in to learn how regional teamwork is shaping public safety across the Biggest Little City!

In this episode, we recap recent City Council actions, including new safety bollards at the Reno Event Center, tree-planting grants, and updates on housing and downtown operations.

We also sit down with April Wolfe, our Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, to talk about more than $40,000 in new grants supporting adaptive recreation programs for veterans. April shares how programs like Fit But Not Forgotten, Military to the Mountains, and the Military Sports Camp help veterans stay active, build confidence, and connect through adaptive sports such as sled hockey, cycling, and wheelchair football.

We discuss how community partnerships make these programs possible and hear inspiring stories of veterans who’ve gone on to compete at national and international events.

In the latest episode of On the Agenda, we’re joined by Development Services’ Grace Mackedon to talk about what the new ordinance means for residents, how it supports housing affordability, and what steps to take if you’re interested in adding an ADU to your property.

Reno City Manager Jackie Bryant also recaps highlights from the most recent Reno City Council meeting, including new public safety grants, community program updates, and what’s coming up on the next agenda.

In the past 5 years, the City of Reno has assisted in adding more than 2,200 new affordable housing units, including the new Eddy House Transitional Living Community, the Carville Park Senior Apartments, the Marvel Way Long-term affordable sober living complex, Dick Scott Manor, and more.

In this episode of On the Agenda, we learn how fee waivers are helping bring more affordable housing to our community with Housing Manager Elaine Wiseman. She also shares details about Arrowleaf on Harvard, a 168-unit affordable housing project supported by City Council’s approval of reduced development fees.

We also hear from Director of Maintenance and Operations Travis Truhill, who explains how the new North Valleys Corporation Yard will improve city services by reducing travel time, cutting costs, and delivering quicker maintenance response to residents in the area.

Plus, we preview upcoming agenda items ranging from community survey results to public safety investments.

In this episode of On the Agenda, we dive into a big topic: Nevada’s unique property tax system.

First, we cover highlights from the latest Council meeting, including acceptance of key public safety grants, updates on the Reno Police Department’s Mobile Outreach Safety Team, the annual economic outlook, and the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. Council also approved a new ordinance on Accessory Dwelling Units and made a decision regarding the Stonegate Development.

Then, Finance Director Vicki Van Buren and Urban Economist Jason Gortari return to explain how property taxes work in Nevada and why it’s unlike anywhere else! From depreciation on both residential and commercial properties, to tax caps and the lack of resets on resale, we unpack how these rules impact homeowners, renters, and the City’s ability to fund essential services like police, fire, and road maintenance.

In this episode of On the Agenda, Reno Fire Chief David Cochran, Fire Inspector Sean O’Brien, and Boston the Arson Dog join us to explain the 2024 International Fire Code and the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. They share what these updates mean for our community, why regional collaboration is so important, and how Reno is preparing for new challenges like lithium-ion battery storage and wildfire risks.

City Manager Jackie Bryant also gives a look ahead to the September 10 Council meeting, highlighting housing initiatives, an economic update, and a closer look at accessory dwelling units.

Stay informed and join us “On the Agenda.”

Did you know that if you spend $100 and pay sales tax of $8.27, only $0.69 makes its way back to the Biggest Little City through C-Tax?

In Episode 11 of On the Agenda, we examine Consolidated Tax (C-Tax), a vital revenue source that funds nearly one-third of Reno’s General Fund. We're joined by Director of Finance Vicki Van Buren and Urban Economist Jason Gortari to hear how it works, why it matters, and what it could mean for the future of community services.

Similar to how preventative maintenance on your vehicle could prevent major damage down the road, maintaining sewer pipes today can prevent costly repairs tomorrow!

To understand more about the sewer utility system, we are joined by Trina Magoon, Director of Utility Services, and John Flansberg, Regional Infrastructure Administrator. They explain how our underground wastewater system works, why maintaining it is essential to public health, and the critical challenges the City is facing with aging infrastructure and treatment capacity.

Jackie also previews what’s coming up at the next Council meeting on August 13, including updates on emergency dispatch systems, affordable housing projects, and a deep dive into how Reno’s largest revenue source, consolidated taxes, works.

In Episode 9 of On the Agenda, we discuss a challenging but necessary topic: staff reductions in response to a projected $25 million shortfall for Fiscal Year 2027. City Manager Jackie Bryant is joined by two guests: Director of Finance Vicki Van Buren, who breaks down the factors behind this decision, including slow revenue growth and economic uncertainty, and Chief Examiner for the Civil Service Commission Barbara Ackerman, who outlines the process and safeguards in place for workforce reductions. The conversation also touches on broader strategies the City is pursuing to minimize impacts on essential services and ensure long-term financial stability. Tune in for a transparent discussion about tough decisions and the City’s commitment to maintaining critical public services.

There were over 1,200 bills introduced at the State Legislature this session, with 500 of them directly affecting Reno. Nic Ciccone, Government Affairs Manager, joins us to discuss some of these bills, including one that secured $5.25 million in rental assistance, ADUs, and cocktails to go!

We also take a look at what happened at last week's council meeting, including sponsorship of 35 events, a presentation on nonprofit organization registration, and more!

Take a look at the agenda: https://reno.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=7227