Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reno public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues with high priority
Regional Stormwater Permit Compliance and Invoices
NDEP has issued the draft Truckee Meadows MS4 Permit #NVS000001, which sets stormwater discharge requirements for Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. Comments are open through November 30, 2026, so this is the window to influence regional runoff rules.
Gorelick Density Increase at Taylor and Arlington
The Gorelick application asks to more than double allowed density — from 14 to 30 units per acre — on four parcels at the northeast corner of West Taylor Street and South Arlington Street. Neighbors will want to weigh in before the Planning Commission hears it December 3.
Dorothy McAlinden Park Public Art Selection
The city is commissioning artwork for Dorothy McAlinden Park with a budget of up to $81,000, and three finalists — Eileen Gay, Jennifer Tran, and Brian Wignall — are pitching their concepts. The task force's pick will shape what residents see in the park for years.
Lear Theater Stabilization and Historic Preservation
The board allocated $2 million toward interior stabilization, exterior blight remediation, and feasibility studies for the historic Lear Theater.
Opioid settlement funds for MOST team and addiction treatment
Reno is sitting on opioid settlement money and council wants to know if $780,000 of it can fund the MOST crisis-response team — clinicians who ride with police on behavioral health calls — and $50,000 for treatment at The Empowerment Center. The catch: settlement dollars have strict rules on what they can pay for, so staff will first check what's eligible.
Primary Election Certification
The council must legally certify the November 3 election results by canvassing the returns — the step that makes the winners official and lets new council members be sworn in.
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.
Quilici Ranch mass grading and hillside development
A nearly 20-acre multi-family site would see mass grading with cuts deeper than 20 feet and fills over 10 feet, including within designated open space land. Neighbors may care about hillside impacts, drainage, and loss of open space.
ASL Master Plan & Zoning Map Amendment (Twin Lakes Drive)
A 25-year-old landscaping business sits on a patchwork of mismatched zoning, and the owner wants a Specific Plan District to make the whole site legal and bring it into conformance. Neighbors nearby are worried about truck traffic, kids playing in the street, parking, and code violations on the parcels.
Surplus City Property Disposition
Reno is about to shop around some city-owned land. The council approved a plan to flag properties that could be sold or leased, which could bring in cash but also change what public space is available and how the city grows. The details—which parcels and what they’re used for—will determine who wins and loses.
Keystone Canyon PUD Amendment & Density Increase
The developer of Keystone Canyon wants to add up to 105 more homes in northwest Reno and put housing where shops were planned. It's one of the bigger housing decisions coming before the city, and it will eventually go to the City Council.
Planning Commission Bylaws and Consent Agenda Rules
New rules will create a consent agenda for routine items, require commissioners to attend 75% of meetings, and limit virtual attendance to six meetings a year with cameras on during discussion. Removal triggers now hinge on attendance, not minor camera slips.
Pennington Foundation Fire Apparatus Grant
Reno Police would receive a $1.2 million federal technology grant, ammunition funding, and DNA services; Reno Fire would get helmets via a state grant.
West 4 Street Small Walls Mural Project
The updated Public Art Master Plan is one year into implementation, with the Small Walls mural program pairing local artists with private downtown property owners. Future ideas include art along the Truckee River and possibly reviving fire station murals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sidewalk Accessibility and Repair Prioritization
Public Works was scheduled to explain how the city decides which sidewalks get fixed first. That prioritization directly determines when residents using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers get safe, passable walkways.
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.
Regional Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System Contract Adjustment
The executive board is reviewing a major contract change order with vendor Octave (formerly Intergraph Corporation) that reduces milestone payments by $600,000, extends on-site support, and resets the project schedule. This multi-agency project involves Reno, Sparks, Washoe County, and REMSA to modernize emergency dispatch operations.
West 4th Street Roundabout Public Art Task Force Formation
Reno is commissioning a $200,000 large-scale sculpture for the new roundabout at West Fourth Street and Summit Ridge Drive, and the task force decided who can compete for it. The approved call opens eligibility nationwide but requires artists to show a genuine connection to Reno or the region and include a sense of place/historical component shaped by community engagement.
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.
J Resort Pedestrian Skyways
A 4-3 split recommended Council approve two glass skybridges over Fourth and Ralston Streets connecting the J Resort to a future parking garage and pool/spa — one topped with a replica 1964 Reno Arch. Opponents, including historic preservationists and urbanists, argued the skyways kill street-level activity and blur Reno's authentic history.
Sky Tavern Long-Term Lease Extension
Council approved a 99-year lease extension for the nonprofit Sky Tavern on Mount Rose Highway to secure its future as a premier youth ski and mountain biking recreation center.
2027 Reno City Artist Selection
The task force is considering a large pool of local and regional artists to commission for the 2026 Art Signals public art project, distributing awards up to $10,000 per artist. These installations help enliven public spaces and support local creative professionals.
Eisan Avenue Right-of-Way Abandonment
Adjacent property owners want the city to abandon a dead-end stretch of East Fifth Street east of Tacchino Street, saying it's misused for illegal camping. Board members flagged that a dirt road there gives the Coney Island Bar informal access — and the applicants haven't talked to the bar yet.
Ethics Reform
A Reno City Council candidate wants to shake up local government with a five-point ethics plan. If adopted, it would set up an independent citizen oversight board and make official calendars and lobbying records completely public.
Reno Fire Department Operations and Regional Readiness
Fire Chief Dave Cochran updated the board on emergency response capabilities, regional partnerships with Sparks, and wildfire defensible space guidelines. The discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance staffing and manage community fire risks.
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.
Regional Fire Service Integration
Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran discussed ongoing efforts to regionalize fire services between Reno, Sparks, and Truckee Meadows, including joint academies and a recent 1,200-page regional fire study.
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.
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.
Street Width Compliance and Emergency Access
An 18-unit single-family neighborhood is planned on Copper Leaf Drive. Residents raised concerns about emergency vehicle access and neighborhood safety, but staff confirmed fire code compliance.
Damonte Ranch Park Dog Park Controversy
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of notification and proximity of a newly constructed dog park at Damonte Ranch Park, noting it is within 40 feet of homes.
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.
Mayoral Forum
Reno's mayoral candidates just clashed over the city's future at a heated forum, arguing about big tech data centers, police surveillance cameras, and where our tax dollars actually go. If you live here, these debates directly affect your daily life and the city's vibe.
Reno's Neon Line District Pedestrian Walkways Design
The committee reviewed a proposal by Jacobs Entertainment for two elevated skyways connecting the J Resort across West Fourth Street and Ralston Street. Discussions centered on architectural transparency, compatibility with design guidelines, the impact of a replica Reno arch sign, and street-level pedestrian connectivity.
Teen Survey and Mental Health Initiative
A presentation of local teen survey results was pulled from the agenda because the presenter was absent and the data wasn't available. Recommendations based on what teens said will come at a later meeting.
Watershed Assessments and Monitoring Plans
Reno has kicked off its FY2027 watershed assessments with contractor NCE, but dates aren't set yet and staff still need access to some private HOA properties to do the work.
Youth Leadership Elections
The council held elections for its top leadership roles, choosing Geo Kim as Chair and Addison Guinan as Vice Chair to lead meetings and guide projects for the rest of 2026.
Youth Community Engagement and Volunteerism
The Youth City Council organized upcoming volunteer efforts, choosing to participate in a superhero-themed Trunk or Treat at Paradise Park and a literacy event with Spread the Word Nevada. These activities help teens give back to the community and build leadership skills.
Park District Service Plan Update
Parks staff reported progress toward a regional park district that could create dedicated park funding, with a decision point expected in early 2027, plus doubled swim lessons and the Pembroke flat fields design.
Public Surveillance and Flock Safety Contract Concerns
Commenters challenged the police chief's prior testimony on automated license plate readers, arguing the AI-enabled network is far larger than stated and raises constitutional pre-crime concerns.
Lithium Battery Fire Preparedness
Mayor Schieve pressed for a city plan for fighting lithium battery fires, noting the Trago battery facility sits near the proposed Codexa development, and asked that fire-hazard identifiers appear on maps shown to council.
Cyan Park Outdoor Sculptures Public Art Project
The advisory board recommended artists Robin Riley and Jason Butler for a $97,000 public art sculpture project at Cyan Park, sending the proposal to City Council for final approval.
Reno City Charter Biennial Review and Proposed Amendments
The Reno City Charter Committee finalized its recommendations for city charter changes, creating a priority tier system to help the City Council evaluate proposals such as City Manager residency requirements, gender-neutral language, and joint meeting rules.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Setback Deviations
A property owner is requesting a setback reduction from 30 to 15 feet to build an accessory dwelling unit for aging parents while saving mature trees.
Recreation Management Software Upgrade
The board approved VMware licensing upgrades for server infrastructure while holding off on Microsoft licensing quotes to ensure contract clarity. These software licenses support the core infrastructure running emergency response software.