Reno City Charter Committee Meeting

Why a 2023 recommendation died — In 2023, the Charter Committee recommended changing one at-large City Council seat to six ward-based seats. The bill died in the Legislature. City staff explained the concern was that smaller districts might make it easier for people to run for office, but the Committee did not resolve whether to revive this idea.

Special election rule rejected by Council — In 2024-2025, the Charter Committee recommended that special elections be required if more than 180 days remain until a general election. City Council rejected this recommendation. Staff could not explain why. The Committee requested a written explanation from Council at the next meeting.

Voting rights for Reno-Sparks Indian Colony members — Committee Member Shinn raised whether members of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony can vote in City of Reno elections and whether annexation would be required. No resolution was reached.

City Attorney appointment process — Committee Member Knox indicated interest in reviewing how the City Attorney is selected. No action was taken.

Reducing joint meeting attendance — Committee Member Knox proposed that only the Chair and Vice Chair be required to attend joint meetings between the Charter Committee and City Council instead of the full committee. Staff will provide recommendations at the next meeting.

None over $50,000.

Written explanation from City Council — Expect the Committee to receive a written response from City Council explaining why they rejected the 2024-2025 special election recommendation. This will shape whether the Committee pushes the issue again.

June meeting coordination — The Committee will schedule its June 2026 meeting and coordinate with City Council on a joint meeting date at the March meeting.

Joint meeting requirement change — Watch for staff recommendations in March on whether the joint meeting rule should be modified to require only leadership attendance.