Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subcommittee Meeting

School zone flashing beacons — Members Reese and Martinez opposed using CDBG housing funds to pay for them, saying the city's transit agency (RTC), state highway department (NDOT), the street fund, or schools should pay instead. Staff is still exploring whether beacons fit the program's goals — next decision in January.

Fair funding across neighborhoods — Member Reese asked for proof that CDBG money gets spread equally across all five city wards. Chair Ebert noted her ward lacks parks and wants more investment at Dorothy McAlinden Park. Staff must provide a breakdown showing where past projects went.

Dorothy McAlinden Park incomplete work — Chair Ebert flagged ongoing problems: sidewalks leading to playground equipment don't meet accessibility standards, signage is hard to see, and leftover metal posts create tripping hazards. Staff is working with Parks Department to finish the job but no deadline was set.

$2,000,000 — Annual Community Development Block Grant from HUD

$400,000 — Housing Department staff salaries (20% of grant)

$1,600,000 — Available for projects and programs (80% of grant)

$109,000 — Fire Station 2 improvements (previously approved, still being spent)

$50,000 — Audible pedestrian signal upgrades (annual commitment)

January 30 project rankings — The subcommittee will review funding applications from city departments and decide which projects get the $1.6 million. This determines what actually gets built or fixed in Reno.

April City Council vote — Final project list goes to the full council in April, then to HUD as Reno's official annual plan. This is when residents learn what infrastructure and services their federal housing dollars will fund.

Ward equity report — Staff must show whether CDBG spending fairly reaches all five city wards. If one ward gets most of the money, that could trigger a policy change.