Special Reno City Council Meeting

NV Energy rate increase — Councilwoman Der opposed proposed base rate increase from $15 to $45 and return-on-earnings increase from 8% to 10%, which would make Reno one of the nation's highest. Staff said the Public Utilities Commission should evaluate whether modernization justifies the cost. No decision made.

Downtown safety enforcement — Councilwoman Taylor demanded specific enforcement actions on camping, sleeping, and jaywalking with measurable 36-month results. Staff offered to develop measurement frameworks. Council wants action, not planning.

Housing affordability solutions — Council discussed city-owned manufactured home parks with deed restrictions to control costs. Staff expressed skepticism about government's ability to control prices against market forces but noted public-private partnership examples exist in Nevada.

Economic development strategy — Council debated whether to prioritize job quantity or quality, and whether city should focus on tech campus development with Edon or accept logistics/distribution growth.

City government scope — Council disagreed on whether Reno should tackle systemic problems (food insecurity, wage stagnation) or stick to basic services (police, roads, permitting). One councilmember noted residents complain about rats, speeding, and parks, which don't fit stated "fundamentals."

SNAP benefits impact — Councilwoman Der raised concern about federal shutdown affecting residents' food security. Federal government resolution required; city role unclear.

Mental health funding — Council identified mental health and addiction as fundamental quality-of-life issues but noted county, not city, currently funds these services.

Strategic plan measurement — Councilwoman Taylor called staff's proposed alignment language "non-measurable checkbox exercise" and demanded quarterly rolling updates with policy direction rather than waiting two years for refresh.

Lear Theater — Council member flagged urgent need to repair or decide on building's fate within 36 months to prevent collapse.

$11,000,000 — Sewer connection and building permit fees to support affordable housing units — Sewer fees and permit fees.

$1,000,000 — City offset of sewer charges for housing affordability — General fund (implied).

$1,000,000,000 — Airport expansion and renovation — Not specified.

$245,000 — FEMA fire prevention grant for wildland protection planning — FEMA.

$2,000,000 — Wildfire reimbursements to fire department — Reimbursements from wildland deployments.

Strategic plan finalization — Staff will conduct one-on-one interviews with council members, draft the plan with specific measures and major opportunity projects, and return for adoption targeting July 1. Councilwoman Taylor's demand for measurable 36-month downtown results will shape final priorities.

Regional joint meeting — Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County planning to meet after January to coordinate services and discuss governance efficiency. Scheduling challenges exist due to conflicting council meeting days.

Housing and sewer strategy — City manager committed to providing comprehensive update on permitted housing, expected construction pipeline, and status of sewer credits release.