Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in business jobs with high priority
Virginia Street Placemaking Study
The 2023 Placemaking Study found 70% of Virginia Street frontage is blank walls, garages, and empty lots, and half of people don't feel safe walking there. Proposed fixes include seating, shade, alley art, filling empty storefronts, and safer crossings — with funding decisions coming in the FY 28 budget cycle.
Downtown Events Center Operating Agreement
Members will discuss the operating agreement for the Downtown Events Center, focusing on responsibilities for capital improvements and necessary facility repairs. Keeping downtown facilities in good shape supports local events and tourism.
Federal Engagement and Youth Opportunities
Ashley Martinez from Senator Jacky Rosen's office will discuss federal representation and engagement opportunities for Reno's young leaders.
Privileged Business License for Revenant Music Hall
Downtown residents raised safety concerns regarding a new music hall license at 211 North Virginia Street, prompting a council debate on security and operational impacts.
Classified Service Career Progression Framework
The commission reviewed routine employee confirmations and accepted civil service eligible lists to support city staffing and hiring.
Economic Development and Hyve Solutions Expansion
Councilmember Ebert announced that Hyve Solutions will occupy the vacant Amazon facility in the North Valleys, bringing hundreds of technical manufacturing jobs to the area. This is expected to boost local employment and economic growth.
New Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Selection
Consultants from Berry Dunn provided an update on the fact-finding and technical requirement process for selecting a new enterprise resource planning system for Reno. The initiative aims to modernize payroll, administrative, and operational software.
Live Entertainment Pilot Program in Entertainment Cores
Residents and business owners discussed the balance between downtown nightlife vitality and noise impacts on residential condos, prompting staff to explore temporary suspensions of conditional use permits.
Vacant Storefront Activation Program
The city is launching an initiative to combat blighted and vacant storefronts along Virginia Street by exploring options like master leases and pop-up activations. The board recommended Option 1 to give the agency more direct involvement in curating downtown retail.
Downtown Reno Partnership FY 2027 Operating Plan
The Downtown Reno Partnership reviewed its ongoing work keeping downtown streets clean, safe, and welcoming through ambassador and security teams across 110 blocks. The board discussed how these teams coordinate with city services to manage trash, graffiti, and carts.
Labor Relations Legal Services Contracting
The city hired outside legal firm Simons Hall Johnston PC for labor negotiations and legal defense, sparking debate among council members over reliance on outside counsel.
Reno Redevelopment Agency Rebrand ("Re:Up")
The RDA is adopting a new public-facing name, logo, and color scheme to better distinguish itself from the city and improve public understanding of its economic development and urban placemaking role.