Reno City Council approves $3 million EPA grant for water reclamation facility electrical upgrades.

Week of July 27–August 2, 2026

THIS WEEK IN RENO CITY COUNCIL

Reno City Council approved five major initiatives totaling $4.65 million, including federal grants for water infrastructure, housing assistance, and a shared fire leadership agreement with Sparks.

THE BIG DECISIONS

• APPROVED — First Amendment to Rapid Rehousing Agreement with Volunteers of America — $375,000 from federal HOME-ARP grant funds through October 2028 — Expands rental assistance for unhoused residents at Village on Sage Street.
• APPROVED — Acceptance of $3,000,000 EPA Community Grant for Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility electrical improvements — City contributes $750,000 from Sewer Fund — Major infrastructure upgrade funded mostly by federal money.
• APPROVED — Interlocal Agreement with City of Sparks for shared Fire Chief leadership — Sparks reimburses Reno 25% of Fire Chief's fully burdened cost — Reduces city overhead while maintaining service quality.
• APPROVED — Property transfer to Reno Transit Commission for 4th Street Bus Station expansion at $1,350,000 appraised value — Advances public transit hub improvements from Capital Fund.

MONEY MOVES

• $3,750,000 — EPA grant plus city match for water reclamation facility electrical improvements — EPA Community Grant + Reno Sewer Fund.
• $1,350,000 — 4th Street Bus Station expansion property transfer — Reno Capital Fund.
• $375,000 — Rental assistance for unhoused residents at Village on Sage Street — Federal HOME-ARP grant funds.

STILL IN PROGRESS

• Volunteers of America Service Coordinator Agreement — Second Amendment — $275,000 case management services contract pending final vote — Expected approval soon; extends through October 2028.
• Reno Housing Authority Service Coordinator Funding — $57,750 acceptance pending final vote for salary and benefits — Expected approval soon; extends through March 2028.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Meetings held: 7
• Items voted on: 5
• Total spending approved: $4,653,000
• Unanimous votes: 5
• Contested votes: 0

PULSE QUESTION

QUESTION: Do you support Reno sharing its Fire Chief with Sparks to reduce costs?

OPTIONS: ["Yes, it saves money", "No, our fire services might suffer", "Unsure, need more details"]

TAGS

Housing, Budget, Social Services, Infrastructure, Public Safety, Governance, Transit

Meetings This Week