Reno City Council Meeting
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
What Happened
City council voted on 20+ items spanning downtown design contracts, housing, street repairs, and gaming licenses during a 5+ hour meeting with heavy debate on downtown revitalization strategy.
Key Decisions
APPROVED — $365,000 urban design consultant contract for Virginia Street placemaking (design work only; no furniture purchase yet) — vote count not recorded — Sets direction for downtown streetscape from Liberty to freeway
APPROVED — $8.24 million street rehabilitation contract for Ackard and Vanessa Avenue including sidewalk and ADA improvements — unanimous — Major infrastructure investment in Ward 5
APPROVED — Highway 40 motel conversion to 22-unit supportive housing with 24/7 mental health services — unanimous — Directly addresses vulnerable population housing crisis
APPROVED — $300,000 in ARPA funds to Reno Food Systems for senior food security — vote count not recorded
APPROVED — $4,000 grant to plant 18 fruit trees at Miguel Ribeira Park in federal food desert — vote count not recorded
APPROVED — $120,000 IT services contract with Blue Cover LLC for police department software (stolen vehicle alerts, crime data tools) — vote count not recorded
CONTINUED — Gaming license expansion at 219 University Way from 16 to 197 machines — 4-1 — Staff must clarify within two weeks whether conditional use permit is required; council split on whether gaming expansion fits downtown revitalization goals
Debated But Not Resolved
Downtown revitalization strategy — Disagreement over whether city should subsidize storefront improvements and furniture for privately owned properties (particularly gaming companies) before securing actual tenants; some council members want rent subsidies and infrastructure together; others argue landlords should invest first — City manager proceeding with Phase 1 design; council to revisit after options presented
Believe Plaza vs. Roe Plaza prioritization — Council member questioned why city is funding improvements on Caesar's Entertainment private property (Roe Plaza) rather than city-owned Believe Plaza (City Plaza) — Staff to bring separate contract for Believe Plaza; funding may come from tax increment beginning 2025
Ranchera equestrian center development — Neighbors oppose rezoning from one house per acre to mixed use with 22 homes; concern about traffic (462 new cars) and rural character loss; horses being evicted with no relocation plan — Developer withdrew master plan amendment; can resubmit in October 2023; council stated working on alternatives but unresolved
Midtown roundabout safety — Business owner reported 10 vehicle incidents in 15 months; requests safety barriers — City has not yet evaluated or implemented measures; ongoing advocacy
What to Watch
$365,000 — Virginia Street/placemaking urban design consultant — Redevelopment District funds
$8,236,007 — Ackard and Vanessa Street rehabilitation (roadway, sidewalk, ADA) — funding source not specified
$300,000 — Senior food security through Reno Food Systems — ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act)
$120,000 — Blue Cover LLC police IT services — funding source not specified
Gaming license decision (B4/B5) — Staff must determine by August 9 if conditional use permit required for expansion; this affects whether Parkway Tavern project moves forward and signals council's stance on gaming vs. other downtown uses
Virginia Street design options — Consultant to present two design options in late October; council will choose direction before final design and contractor bidding
Special events policy overhaul — Mayor scheduling special meeting after council complaints about waste management, street closures, and neighborhood impacts; new management procedures pending
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