Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
33 issues in taxes budget
New Community Services Coordinator classification
The city is creating a new job class that supervises staff and coordinates constituent services and community engagement programs. Approving its minimum qualifications is a step toward filling the role and shaping how residents access city services.
Parks and Recreation Department FY26 Financial Performance
The board reviews how many people used Reno parks and rec programs last fiscal year, plus how the department's budget is tracking in the first quarter of FY27. The numbers show which facilities and programs residents rely on most.
2027 Arts & Culture Event and Project Grants
Up to $180,000 in city grant funding will be recommended for community arts and culture events across 2027 — everything from a quilt show and barbershop music to Dia de Muertos celebrations and ballet performances. The board will rank applicants and pass recommendations on to City Council.
Telephone Franchise Fee Audit Results
The board hears the results of an audit of telephone franchise fees — money telecom companies pay the city for use of public rights-of-way — plus updates on audits in progress.
City Debt Position and Obligations
An update on how much debt the city is carrying. Debt levels shape what Reno can afford to borrow for roads, facilities, and other capital projects.
Property Tax Structure and Distribution Overview
A presentation on how property taxes work, how they're structured, and how the money gets distributed. Informational only — no action, but useful context for residents watching where their tax dollars go.
FY 2027 Interim Financial Report and Budget Augmentations
Reno's Financial Advisory Board will review how the city's FY2027 budget is tracking so far, including any spending augmentations and revisions. It's a mid-course check on whether the city can fund services residents count on.
OPEB Trust Fund Financial Health and Liabilities
The trust that helps cover retiree health benefits stands at about $39 million, with investment earnings — not city contributions — doing most of the growth. The board is weighing how much the city should contribute going forward as market conditions shift.
FY 2026/27 Redevelopment Agency Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
The board approved the annual budget and capital improvement projects for Redevelopment Areas 1 and 2, directing funds toward street improvements, neighborhood stabilization, and public programs.
Vice Mayor election
The council's annual pick of who serves as Vice Mayor for the coming year — the person who steps in when the Mayor is absent.
Redevelopment Agency consultant spending
The Agency plans to spend up to $1.8 million over three years on four consulting firms for analysis, underwriting, advisory, and financial work tied to redevelopment projects. This shapes which downtown projects get vetted and how redevelopment dollars are spent.
Capital Projects Surcharge Fund Financial Status
The fund covering downtown venue capital projects is projected to stay on budget through FY31, though a contractually required $3 million lane replacement hits in FY28. Members will review the full five-year plan at the next meeting.
Enterprise Fund and General Fund Financial Status
The fund that pays for Reno's building-permit services finished the year about $4 million ahead. Staff credit a permit surge before code changes plus right-sized staffing. That means better-resourced plan review and permitting services.
Property Tax Education and Revenue Structure
The youth council will review how property taxes fund essential city services like police, fire, and street maintenance in Reno. The discussion highlights Nevada's unique tax depreciation and capping rules that impact long-term municipal revenues.
FY27-29 City Strategic Plan Implementation
Staff presented the newly adopted FY27-29 Strategic Plan, highlighting its seven priority areas ranging from system stewardship to high quality of life. The plan aims to foster cross-departmental accountability and agile municipal decision-making.
Consolidated Tax (C-Tax) Distribution Disparities
An urban economist presented an overview of Consolidated Tax revenues, which form a major funding source for city general fund services including parks, recreation, police, and fire. The board discussed how distribution formulas impact municipal revenues across the region.
Fiscal Year 2027 Investment Policy Updates
The Financial Advisory Board reviewed proposed updates to Reno's investment policy aimed at aligning with state code. The board chose to postpone any formal recommendation to staff until their next meeting to allow for further review.
2027 State Legislative Bill Draft Requests
City staff outlined preparations for the upcoming 2027 legislative session, including the city's two allotted Bill Draft Requests and legislative platform updates.
RTC Ballot Advisory Question on EV and Hybrid Fees
The Regional Transportation Commission presented updates on local road repairs, active transportation plans, and an upcoming ballot measure asking voters about electric vehicle registration fees.
Emergency UPS repair and capital vs. operating cost responsibility
A failed power supply knocked out scoreboard and audio controls right before a tournament, costing $25,060 to fix. The committee paid RSCVA back but wants answers on where the capital-versus-maintenance line falls under the Downtown Event Center operating agreement.
Internal Audit and ERP System Recommendations
The Financial Advisory Board updated its annual report to strongly recommend re-establishing an internal audit position and ensuring outside stakeholders and open data standards are built into the city's new software systems.
Historical Resources Commission FY Budget and Funding
The commission faces a zero operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year and will rely on grant funds, donations, and sponsorships for projects.
FY 2027 Tentative Budget and Fee Adjustments
The City reviewed the upcoming fiscal year's budget for development services, noting that the Building Enterprise Fund has reached a stable and balanced financial standing with minimal fee changes.
Citywide Risk Assessment and Multi-Year Audit Plan
Outside auditors are assessing risk across city departments, having interviewed 36 people and mapped out an 18-topic multi-year audit plan. The final report comes to the board May 14 — a check on how well city government is managing public money.
FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget and Deficit Mitigation
The City of Reno faced a projected $24 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2026/27 due to inflationary costs outpacing revenue growth. Staff and council successfully closed the gap through spending cuts, position freezes, and sanitation franchise fee adjustments.
Vice Mayor appointment timing
Reno requires the Vice Mayor be chosen at the first November meeting — before election results are canvassed, which could seat a member who just lost reelection. The committee is considering removing that fixed timing.
Special elections for council vacancies
Should Reno be required to hold a special election when a council seat opens more than 180 days before a general election, instead of appointing a replacement? Members are weighing cost and likely low turnout before deciding.
Joint meeting requirement with City Council
Getting a full quorum of the charter committee to show up at joint meetings with City Council has been tough. The committee is working on language that would let the chair and vice chair — or any members who can attend — represent it, without requiring a quorum.
HUD Federal Funding and 2026/2027 Project Priorities
The subcommittee is reviewing updates on federal HUD grants and discussing priorities for the upcoming 2026/2027 funding cycle. These decisions help determine how federal dollars support local community services, housing, and infrastructure.
Selection of the City Attorney
The committee considered — then dismissed 9-2 — the idea of switching the City Attorney from an elected to an appointed position. Reno is unusual among Nevada's large cities in electing this office, and the office typically runs unopposed.
Fiscal Year 2027 Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule
The board reviewed and recommended approval for the upcoming fiscal year's fee schedule, which sets pricing for various city recreational services and facility rentals.
FY2027 TMWRF Operational Budget
The regional wastewater plant's operating budget for next fiscal year is heading to the Reno and Sparks councils. It adds a control systems programmer, more fire mitigation funding, and a new capital project, with chemical costs and inflation pushing expenses up.
Consolidated Tax (C-Tax) Education for Youth
Youth Council members learned how statewide taxes are collected and split to fund city and regional services in Reno.