On the Agenda: A City of Reno Podcast

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.

We're kicking off a special summer series of "On the Agenda" focused on answering common community questions that matter to residents. The series will bring in City, County and regional partners to help explain who does what, how local government works and how different agencies collaborate to serve the community.

We're calling it "Off the Agenda: Ask Reno," and the first episode is a 2-parter focused on homelessness, housing services, and the regional response to one of the most complex issues facing the community.

From outreach on the street to shelter, supportive housing and long-term stabilization, this episode breaks down how local partners are working together to help some of the region’s most vulnerable residents while also helping the community better understand what each agency is responsible for. Guests include representatives from the Reno Police Department, Washoe County Housing and Homeless Services, the City of Reno Housing and Neighborhood Development team, and the Reno Housing Authority.

The conversation begins with a look at the City of Reno’s new HOPE Team, which stands for Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement Team, and how Reno Police are working alongside the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, case managers and the City’s Clean and Safe Team to create a more coordinated regional outreach effort. The team explains how outreach is about more than enforcement. It is about building trust, connecting people to resources and helping individuals move toward safer, more stable options when they are ready.

The episode also takes listeners inside the role of case managers, who help individuals navigate everything from identification documents and Social Security cards to housing plans and ongoing support. From there, the discussion shifts to the CARES Campus, where Washoe County provides shelter, intake, diversion services, case management and wraparound support for people experiencing homelessness.

Listeners will also hear about the growing needs of the unhoused population, including the number of seniors, veterans, and people with serious physical or behavioral health conditions who rely on these services. The episode highlights why supportive housing, medical respite, on-site services, and long-term case management are critical pieces of the region’s response.

One of Reno's beloved community centers, the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, is about to get a makeover!

In this episode, we sit down with Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Ullyot to discuss the City of Reno’s recent $3 million federal Community Project Funding award that will help support future renovations and upgrades to the community center. The conversation explores how the funding will help modernize the facility, expand opportunities for recreation and wellness programming, and continue Evelyn Mount’s legacy of serving northeast Reno residents of all ages.

On the latest episode of “On the Agenda,” we sit down with Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran to discuss a recent Reno City Council investment in firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and why that equipment matters both on emergency scenes and long-term firefighter safety.

The conversation takes a closer look at the gear firefighters rely on every day, what it protects them from, and why regular replacement is critical to keeping crews safe and effective in the field. Chief Cochran also discusses the Reno Fire Department’s new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle at Reno-Tahoe International Airport and how updated equipment and technology help strengthen emergency response capabilities for the region.

The episode also includes highlights from the June 3 Reno City Council meeting, including the RTC 4th Street Station expansion, updates to indoor live entertainment regulations in the entertainment core, and a proposed housing development on West Plumb Lane. Plus, a preview of what residents can expect at the next Council meeting before the City’s regularly scheduled summer Council pause.

Listen now at Reno.gov/OnTheAgenda or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of On the Agenda, we sit down with newly sworn-in Reno Police Chief Corey Solferino to discuss the future of the Reno Police Department and what residents can expect moving forward.

Chief Solferino shares his background growing up in Reno, his leadership philosophy, and the priorities he plans to focus on as Chief, including community engagement, visibility, and trust.

After recently discussing the City of Reno’s proposed balanced General Fund budget (meaning the City is not operating at a deficit), we’re tackling another budget topic that often gets confused with it: the Redevelopment Agency, or RDA.

While the General Fund pays for services like public safety, streets, and parks, RDA funding is separate and can only be used for redevelopment projects within specific areas of the city.

Assistant City Manager Ashley Turney and Operations Manager Jenica Finnegan join the show to break down how the RDA works, what projects and programs are proposed for FY27, and where the Redevelopment Agency Board ultimately landed after discussion.

We also recap recent Council highlights, including park path repairs funded through CDBG, updates to the Regional Road Impact Fee program, and sewer infrastructure investments supporting long-term operations

On this episode of On the Agenda, Director of Finance Vicki Van Buren joins the show to explain the City’s projected FY26 savings, what a balanced budget really means, and how those decisions impact services across Reno.

Plus, a quick preview of what’s ahead at the next Council meeting!

In this episode of On the Agenda, we take a closer look at something you might not always notice but one that plays a big role in how people move safely through Reno: Pedestrian Ramps.

After a quick recap of recent Council items, we’re joined by Monica Kirch from Housing and Neighborhood Development and Jon Smith from Public Works, who break down how the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program works, how funding decisions are made, and why accessibility improvements like ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps matter for everyday life in Reno.

The conversation covers how project locations are selected, what makes a ramp ADA-compliant, and where residents can expect to see upgrades happening across the city!

From safer crossings to better accessibility for all, it’s a look at how thoughtful infrastructure improvements help make Reno more connected and easier to navigate.

Live entertainment has been a hot topic lately in the Biggest Little City, with some residents raising concerns about noise while some businesses say the rules can be too restrictive!

In this episode of On the Agenda, we are joined by Angela Fuss, Assistant Director of Development Services, to discuss the presentation she gave to the Reno City Council last week and how feedback from residents and businesses is informing potential updates. The goal is to strike the right balance between a vibrant live entertainment scene and livable neighborhoods.

In this episode, Neighborhood Coordinator Roberto Lara stops by to talk about Love Your Block, a resident-led neighborhood improvement program funded through a national grant partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. After a successful first year in Ward 3, the program is expanding to Ward 1, where residents can apply for mini-grants to support projects like cleanups, landscaping, public art, and other neighborhood improvements!