Reno approves $31 million to acquire and rehabilitate Washoe-Mill Apartments, adding 200+ affordable housing units downtown.

June 15–21, 2026

THIS WEEK IN RENO CITY COUNCIL

Reno approved major infrastructure projects, park improvements, and public art initiatives while processing housing development proposals across nine city meetings.

THE BIG DECISIONS

• APPROVED — Washoe-Mill Apartments acquisition and rehabilitation at 1375 Mill Street — $31 million via tax-exempt bonds — Adds 200+ affordable housing units to downtown Reno.
• APPROVED — FY26 Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) Budget totaling $323.9 million — Unanimous — Funds transit operations, road preservation, and multimodal infrastructure across the region.
• APPROVED — Truckee River Pathway public art projects (four artists selections) — $70,000 total — Enhances pathway with visual elements at Lake Street, railings, functional art, and bridge underpasses.
• APPROVED — 2027 Lemmon Drive Traffic Improvements & Resiliency Project — $49.2 million from federal RAISE Grant and RTC fuel tax — Major corridor upgrades address traffic flow on key transportation route.

MONEY MOVES

• $31,000,000 — Washoe-Mill Apartments acquisition and rehabilitation — Tax-exempt bonds.
• $323,900,000 — Regional Transportation Commission FY26 Budget (transit, roads, regional projects) — RTC fuel tax and federal grants.
• $49,200,000 — Lemmon Drive Traffic Improvements & Resiliency Project — $25 million federal RAISE Grant plus RTC fuel tax revenue.

STILL IN PROGRESS

• 935 Manzanita Side Setback Variance — Request to reduce setback from 5 feet to 2.5 feet continued — July 15 meeting for applicant to provide stronger justification.
• Kengott Residence Accessory Structure — 1,800 square foot two-story detached structure with variance recommended for approval — Pending final decision by City Council.
• Ward 2 Neighborhood Advisory Board — Regular meeting held with no decisions deferred — Next meeting scheduled per standard calendar.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Meetings held: 9
• Items voted on: 24
• Total spending approved: $404,413,000
• Unanimous votes: 11
• Contested votes: 3

PULSE QUESTION

QUESTION: Should Reno continue expanding affordable housing through major bond-funded acquisitions like Washoe-Mill Apartments?

OPTIONS: ["Yes, housing affordability is critical", "No, too much debt risk", "Unsure, need more details"]

TAGS

Housing, Budget, Infrastructure, Zoning, Parks, Transit, Governance, Environment

Meetings This Week