Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in environment
Section 106 Federal Preservation Regulations Update
An update on proposed changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the federal review process that protects historic properties when federally funded or permitted projects affect them.
TMWRF Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Progress
The plant has 18 capital projects underway, and the committee shifted money within the FY27 capital budget to keep the dewatering building and TWAS pump upgrades moving — key investments in keeping the regional wastewater plant reliable.
Urban Heat Mitigation and Tree Canopy
With Reno experiencing some of the fastest temperature increases in the United States, officials and advocates emphasized the urgent need for shade trees and equitable tree planting in lower-income neighborhoods.
Truckee River Vision Plan Implementation
The 17-mile riverfront plan is being phased in with RDA money: phase one construction starts this spring, and phases two and three will extend improvements east to GSR. A regional parks district is seen as the long-term funding and oversight answer, since only about 5 of the 17 miles sits inside RDA boundaries.
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.
Wildfire Mitigation and Forest Health Grants
Washoe County Emergency Management is working to reduce wildfire risk through vegetation management and defensible-space practices in vulnerable areas.
Reno Municipal Code Title 8 Tree and Shrub Updates
City officials are working on updated tree management regulations and public workshops to address Reno's status as a rapidly warming city and increase the urban tree canopy.
NPDES discharge compliance
Staff presented charts showing how the plant is tracking against its Nevada-issued permit limits for nitrogen, phosphorus, and dissolved solids — the numbers that protect the Truckee River.
2026 Urban Forestry Commission Annual Report & Future Planning
City officials are working on updated tree management regulations and public workshops to address Reno's status as a rapidly warming city and increase the urban tree canopy.
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.
Water Conservation
Reno's rapid growth is crashing into hard water limits, forcing city leaders to make some tough choices about future development and new conservation rules.
Solar panels at the Reno Events Center
Staff estimated a 280-kilowatt solar array would cost about $1.4 million with a 19-20 year payback and only about 5.2 percent ROI — well below the 10-15 percent target — and the RSCVA, not the City, pays the utility bills, so the City wouldn't directly benefit. The committee agreed it wasn't a good deal for now.
Virginia Lake recirculation system vandalism
Virginia Lake's water level dropped because someone apparently closed the gate valve on the low-flow recirculation system — likely vandalism. The valve was reopened and the lake is back to normal levels.
Truckee River Fund grant for Construction BMP Field Guide
Reno is applying for a Truckee River Fund grant, due January 30, to update the Construction BMP Field Guide used for stormwater compliance training.
Sparks Marina water quality
Testing found high sulfite concentrations at lower depths in the Sparks Marina, possibly from a biological or mechanical conversion to hydrogen sulfide gas in the canal recirculation system. Staff are diagnosing the issue and developing a fix.
Sediment runoff from NDOT staging yard at Clear Acre Lane
Sediment from an NDOT staging yard next to the freeway was washing into a Reno catch basin off Clear Acre Lane. NDOT will install a drainage swale to stop the sheet flow and erosion.
Microforest proposal for south Reno
Member Reich proposed planting a small but complete urban forest of 300-400 trees, possibly at Double Diamond Park, with UNR students involved and small grants to fund it.