On the Agenda: A City of Reno Podcast

One of Reno's beloved community centers, the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, is about to get a makeover! In this episode, we sit down with Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Ullyot to discuss the City of Reno’s recent $3 million federal Community Project Funding award that will help support future renovations and upgrades to the community center. The conversation explores how the funding will help modernize the facility, expand opportunities for recreation and wellness programming, and continue Evelyn Mount’s legacy of serving northeast Reno residents of all ages.

On the latest episode of “On the Agenda,” we sit down with Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran to discuss a recent Reno City Council investment in firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and why that equipment matters both on emergency scenes and long-term firefighter safety.The conversation takes a closer look at the gear firefighters rely on every day, what it protects them from, and why regular replacement is critical to keeping crews safe and effective in the field. Chief Cochran also discusses the Reno Fire Department’s new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle at Reno-Tahoe International Airport and how updated equipment and technology help strengthen emergency response capabilities for the region.The episode also includes highlights from the June 3 Reno City Council meeting, including the RTC 4th Street Station expansion, updates to indoor live entertainment regulations in the entertainment core, and a proposed housing development on West Plumb Lane. Plus, a preview of what residents can expect at the next Council meeting before the City’s regularly scheduled summer Council pause.Listen now at Reno.gov/OnTheAgenda or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of On the Agenda, we sit down with newly sworn-in Reno Police Chief Corey Solferino to discuss the future of the Reno Police Department and what residents can expect moving forward.Chief Solferino shares his background growing up in Reno, his leadership philosophy, and the priorities he plans to focus on as Chief, including community engagement, visibility, and trust.

After recently discussing the City of Reno’s proposed balanced General Fund budget (meaning the City is not operating at a deficit), we’re tackling another budget topic that often gets confused with it: the Redevelopment Agency, or RDA.While the General Fund pays for services like public safety, streets, and parks, RDA funding is separate and can only be used for redevelopment projects within specific areas of the city.Assistant City Manager Ashley Turney and Operations Manager Jenica Finnegan join the show to break down how the RDA works, what projects and programs are proposed for FY27, and where the Redevelopment Agency Board ultimately landed after discussion.We also recap recent Council highlights, including park path repairs funded through CDBG, updates to the Regional Road Impact Fee program, and sewer infrastructure investments supporting long-term operations

On this episode of On the Agenda, Director of Finance Vicki Van Buren joins the show to explain the City’s projected FY26 savings, what a balanced budget really means, and how those decisions impact services across Reno.Plus, a quick preview of what’s ahead at the next Council meeting!

In this episode of On the Agenda, we take a closer look at something you might not always notice but one that plays a big role in how people move safely through Reno: Pedestrian Ramps.After a quick recap of recent Council items, we’re joined by Monica Kirch from Housing and Neighborhood Development and Jon Smith from Public Works, who break down how the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program works, how funding decisions are made, and why accessibility improvements like ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps matter for everyday life in Reno.The conversation covers how project locations are selected, what makes a ramp ADA-compliant, and where residents can expect to see upgrades happening across the city!From safer crossings to better accessibility for all, it’s a look at how thoughtful infrastructure improvements help make Reno more connected and easier to navigate.

Live entertainment has been a hot topic lately in the Biggest Little City, with some residents raising concerns about noise while some businesses say the rules can be too restrictive!In this episode of On the Agenda, we are joined by Angela Fuss, Assistant Director of Development Services, to discuss the presentation she gave to the Reno City Council last week and how feedback from residents and businesses is informing potential updates. The goal is to strike the right balance between a vibrant live entertainment scene and livable neighborhoods.

In this episode, Neighborhood Coordinator Roberto Lara stops by to talk about Love Your Block, a resident-led neighborhood improvement program funded through a national grant partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. After a successful first year in Ward 3, the program is expanding to Ward 1, where residents can apply for mini-grants to support projects like cleanups, landscaping, public art, and other neighborhood improvements!

In this episode, we recap recent Council highlights, including a Reno Rodeo Association grant to improve accessibility at the Idlewild Park splash pad, an update on the Reno Arch, and the rebrand of the Reno Redevelopment Agency to RE-UP.Then we are joined by Kerrie Koski, Director of Public Works & Khalil Wilson, Assistant Dir. of Public Works, to hear about the RTC Interlocal Cooperative Agreement. They explain how the agreement allows major transportation projects to move forward in Reno, including pavement rehabilitation on Keystone Avenue and Smithridge Drive, smart traffic signal upgrades, active transportation improvements, and over $90 million in major roadway projects entering design.The best part? These projects are funded through RTC fuel tax revenues, with no additional cost to Reno taxpayers.Plus, a preview of what’s coming up at the next Council meeting.

On the latest episode of On the Agenda, we cover wildfire preparedness as Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran and Fire Inspector Talina Sky join the show to discuss the City’s newly accepted 2026 Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). They explain how the plan identifies wildfire risks, strengthens coordination across agencies, supports grant funding opportunities, and provides a five-year roadmap for building a more wildfire-resilient community. The episode also covers practical steps residents can take—like maintaining defensible space and staying prepared—to help protect neighborhoods, infrastructure, and natural resources.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the future of baseball in Reno following the City Council’s approval of a new stadium agreement between the City of Reno and the Reno Aces.Assistant City Manager Norma Santoyo steps in this week to recap highlights from the January 28 Reno City Council meeting, including the approval of a $25,000 grant to the Reno Police Department from Grace Church.Later in the episode, Assistant City Manager Ashley Turney joins us to talk all things baseball. She breaks down the newly approved agreement and what it means for the future of Reno.We wrap things up with a preview of what’s coming up on the next Reno City Council agenda.

In this episode, we look into childcare with a discussion on Council’s approval of a reimbursement agreement with The Children’s Cabinet. Joining the show are Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Ullyot and Fund Development Manager Landon Miller, who explain how the Sierra Kids program provides before- and after-school care and summer camps for children ages 5–12, and how this partnership helps serve low-income and underserved families across Reno.You’ll also hear how external funding, grants, and community partnerships play a critical role in keeping recreation and childcare programs affordable—and how residents and businesses can get involved in supporting these efforts.We wrap up with a look ahead at what’s coming up on the next Reno City Council agenda.

We're taking a look back at the topics and decisions that shaped the City of Reno in 2025 on a special edition of On the Agenda that we're calling "Off the Agenda." From housing and public safety to infrastructure, childcare, utilities, parks, and City finances, we hear highlights from episodes about the issues residents cared about most and the work tackled throughout the year!

In this episode of On the Agenda, Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance joins us to discuss the City’s newly approved Drone as a First Responder program.The episode begins with highlights from the last Reno City Council meeting of 2025, including investments in park improvements, the next phase of the Storm Drain Master Plan, and acceptance of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.Chief Nance then explains how the Drone as a First Responder program will improve response times, enhance officer safety, and provide real-time situational awareness during emergency calls. She also shares details about the one-year pilot phase, drone capabilities, and how the drones can assist with search and rescue, deliver lifesaving tools like Narcan and EpiPens, and, in some cases, even resolve calls remotely.The conversation also touches on a grant providing security cameras to victims of domestic violence and harassment at no cost to taxpayers, before wrapping up with a preview of what residents can expect at the first City Council meeting of 2026!

In this episode, we take a look at a recent ordinance introduction aimed at improving standards and reducing barriers for childcare providers in Reno. Guest speaker Grace Mackedon, Senior Management Analyst with Development Services, explains why the City brought this ordinance forward, what challenges residents and providers are facing, and how the proposed updates would expand childcare options in our community.Grace breaks down the key changes, such as reducing permitting burdens, clarifying operational standards, and creating more predictable pathways for new providers, and shares what the City heard during public outreach. She also discusses how the ordinance supports Reno’s strategic priorities around economic opportunity, housing, and family stability.We close out the episode with a preview of the next Council agenda, including possible action on Hilltop Park field lighting, a new bridge at Teglia’s Paradise Park, a donation of security cameras for domestic-violence victims, and upcoming Arts & Culture grants.

In this episode, we dig into one of the most talked-about topics in Reno lately: noise. Assistant City Manager Ashley Turney fills in this week to recap highlights from the 11/19 Reno City Council Meeting, including a $100,000 state grant for new Rapid Flashing Beacons, public safety presentations from RPD, and updates on negotiations with the Reno Aces.Then, Assistant Director of Development Services Angela Fuss walks us through how Reno’s ordinance differs from other cities, like Atlanta, Orlando, Austin, Tampa, and San Francisco, and why there’s no universal “best practice” when it comes to managing sound. We also discuss enforcement challenges, from zoning limitations to multiple overlapping noise sources, and the new tools staff are using to collect more accurate data. We also peek at what's on the agenda for the 12/3 Reno City Council Meeting, including a potential new TIF!

In this episode, we recap a few items from the latest Reno City Council meeting, including a new historic preservation grant, two ordinance introductions, and the appointment of Ward 3 Councilmember Miguel Martinez as Reno’s new Vice Mayor.Then we’re joined by Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran for a closer look at the Reno Fire Department’s regional partnerships, including a Cooperative Agreement with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, mutual and automatic aid systems, airport fire service, and why cross-jurisdiction collaboration is essential for fast, efficient emergency response.Listen in to learn how regional teamwork is shaping public safety across the Biggest Little City!

In this episode, we recap recent City Council actions, including new safety bollards at the Reno Event Center, tree-planting grants, and updates on housing and downtown operations.We also sit down with April Wolfe, our Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, to talk about more than $40,000 in new grants supporting adaptive recreation programs for veterans. April shares how programs like Fit But Not Forgotten, Military to the Mountains, and the Military Sports Camp help veterans stay active, build confidence, and connect through adaptive sports such as sled hockey, cycling, and wheelchair football.We discuss how community partnerships make these programs possible and hear inspiring stories of veterans who’ve gone on to compete at national and international events.

In the latest episode of On the Agenda, we’re joined by Development Services’ Grace Mackedon to talk about what the new ordinance means for residents, how it supports housing affordability, and what steps to take if you’re interested in adding an ADU to your property.Reno City Manager Jackie Bryant also recaps highlights from the most recent Reno City Council meeting, including new public safety grants, community program updates, and what’s coming up on the next agenda.

In the past 5 years, the City of Reno has assisted in adding more than 2,200 new affordable housing units, including the new Eddy House Transitional Living Community, the Carville Park Senior Apartments, the Marvel Way Long-term affordable sober living complex, Dick Scott Manor, and more.In this episode of On the Agenda, we learn how fee waivers are helping bring more affordable housing to our community with Housing Manager Elaine Wiseman. She also shares details about Arrowleaf on Harvard, a 168-unit affordable housing project supported by City Council’s approval of reduced development fees. We also hear from Director of Maintenance and Operations Travis Truhill, who explains how the new North Valleys Corporation Yard will improve city services by reducing travel time, cutting costs, and delivering quicker maintenance response to residents in the area.Plus, we preview upcoming agenda items ranging from community survey results to public safety investments.

In this episode of On the Agenda, we dive into a big topic: Nevada’s unique property tax system.First, we cover highlights from the latest Council meeting, including acceptance of key public safety grants, updates on the Reno Police Department’s Mobile Outreach Safety Team, the annual economic outlook, and the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. Council also approved a new ordinance on Accessory Dwelling Units and made a decision regarding the Stonegate Development.Then, Finance Director Vicki Van Buren and Urban Economist Jason Gortari return to explain how property taxes work in Nevada and why it’s unlike anywhere else! From depreciation on both residential and commercial properties, to tax caps and the lack of resets on resale, we unpack how these rules impact homeowners, renters, and the City’s ability to fund essential services like police, fire, and road maintenance.

In this episode of On the Agenda, Reno Fire Chief David Cochran, Fire Inspector Sean O’Brien, and Boston the Arson Dog join us to explain the 2024 International Fire Code and the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. They share what these updates mean for our community, why regional collaboration is so important, and how Reno is preparing for new challenges like lithium-ion battery storage and wildfire risks.City Manager Jackie Bryant also gives a look ahead to the September 10 Council meeting, highlighting housing initiatives, an economic update, and a closer look at accessory dwelling units.Stay informed and join us “On the Agenda.”

Did you know that if you spend $100 and pay sales tax of $8.27, only $0.69 makes its way back to the Biggest Little City through C-Tax? In Episode 11 of On the Agenda, we examine Consolidated Tax (C-Tax), a vital revenue source that funds nearly one-third of Reno’s General Fund. We're joined by Director of Finance Vicki Van Buren and Urban Economist Jason Gortari to hear how it works, why it matters, and what it could mean for the future of community services.

Similar to how preventative maintenance on your vehicle could prevent major damage down the road, maintaining sewer pipes today can prevent costly repairs tomorrow!To understand more about the sewer utility system, we are joined by Trina Magoon, Director of Utility Services, and John Flansberg, Regional Infrastructure Administrator. They explain how our underground wastewater system works, why maintaining it is essential to public health, and the critical challenges the City is facing with aging infrastructure and treatment capacity.Jackie also previews what’s coming up at the next Council meeting on August 13, including updates on emergency dispatch systems, affordable housing projects, and a deep dive into how Reno’s largest revenue source, consolidated taxes, works.

In Episode 9 of On the Agenda, we discuss a challenging but necessary topic: staff reductions in response to a projected $25 million shortfall for Fiscal Year 2027. City Manager Jackie Bryant is joined by two guests: Director of Finance Vicki Van Buren, who breaks down the factors behind this decision, including slow revenue growth and economic uncertainty, and Chief Examiner for the Civil Service Commission Barbara Ackerman, who outlines the process and safeguards in place for workforce reductions. The conversation also touches on broader strategies the City is pursuing to minimize impacts on essential services and ensure long-term financial stability. Tune in for a transparent discussion about tough decisions and the City’s commitment to maintaining critical public services.

There were over 1,200 bills introduced at the State Legislature this session, with 500 of them directly affecting Reno. Nic Ciccone, Government Affairs Manager, joins us to discuss some of these bills, including one that secured $5.25 million in rental assistance, ADUs, and cocktails to go! We also take a look at what happened at last week's council meeting, including sponsorship of 35 events, a presentation on nonprofit organization registration, and more! Take a look at the agenda: https://reno.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=7227

While it may seem counterintuitive, utilizing overtime can actually be cost-effective! During the Reno City Council Meeting on June 4th, a presentation was given on the usage of overtime in public safety. It was explained that in the long run, overtime can actually cost less than hiring a new full-time employee and that these expenses are often reimbursed through grants or special events.With recent budget challenges, it’s more important than ever to understand how we’re managing resources, especially when it comes to essential services like police and fire. In this episode, we speak with Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance and Reno Fire Chief David Cochran to understand how overtime is utilized within these departments!

In the latest episode, we delve into the recent Reno City Council Meeting, where an important topic was discussed: Community Engagement. The City is embarking on an initiative to assess and propose methods to improve engagement locally with our community. Cynthia Esparza, the Director of Community Engagement and Services, joins us to shed light on this endeavor. Tune in as we explore current ways to engage, including newsletters, social media, Reno Direct, and more! We also review items “On the Agenda” for the June 4th Reno City Council Meeting, including the City Manager’s annual performance evaluation, a presentation providing an overview of the Reno Fire Department and Reno Police Department's overtime use, a presentation and potential direction to staff on a short-term rental regulation, and more!

You've probably heard of Tax Increment Financing (or TIF), but what exactly is it, and how does it work? On the latest episode of "On The Agenda," Reno City Manager Jackie Bryant talks with Bryan McArdle, Revitalization Manager at the City of Reno, about a Tax Increment Financing Plan approved at the recent Reno City Council | Redevelopment Agency Board meeting and what that means for the Biggest Little City. We also review a few approved agenda items, including a Maintenance and Operations Corp Yard in the North Valleys for quicker response times, a sewer capacity project, a grant acceptance from the Nevada Office of the Attorney General to provide services to victims of domestic violence, and other items. Read highlights at Reno.Gov/News We also look at what's on the agenda for the May 21 Reno City Council Meeting, including an update on community engagement efforts, a master plan amendment for the StoneGate Heinz Ranch, a final budget presentation for adoption, and other items!

In Episode 4, we dive into the topic of Parks funding with Nathan Ullyot, the Director of Parks and Recreation! We will discuss the actions taken during the April 23 Council Meeting, including next steps for ADUs, adjustments to agendas to reduce confusion for the public and media, as well as several grants for Parks and Recreation programs, which include adaptive mountain biking, the River Ranger initiative, and CPR training units. Nathan also covers the planned improvements for the Mira Loma Park Tennis Court Replacement project!

At the April 9, 2025, Council Meeting, the Reno City Council discussed a budget augmentation. But what exactly is a budget augmentation, and how does the City fund its budget? In the third episode of "On the Agenda," we welcome Vicki Van Buren, Director of Finance, to discuss budget augmentations and simplify city funding!Additionally, we preview a few topics on the agenda for the upcoming Reno City Council Meeting on April 23, 2025 at 10a. These include an initial review of a draft Reno Municipal Code concerning Accessory Dwelling Units, a hearing regarding an office park on Arlington Avenue, a Zone Change for Wooster High School from Single Family to Public Facility, and a hearing on an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to grant the conditional use permit for the Plumas Redevelopment Project.

In the second episode of "On the Agenda," we look at three agenda items approved at the March 26 Reno City Council meeting that resulted in almost $8 million allocated toward street rehabilitation and preventative maintenance projects. Reno City Manager Jackie Bryant is joined by Kerrie Koski, Director of Public Works, to discuss what this means for the Biggest Little City!We also briefly touched on a few items on the agenda for the April 9 Reno City Council meeting, including a budget augmentation discussion, hearings on J Resort Festival Grounds, and a Conditional Use Permit for live entertainment.

In this episode, we explore the essential elements of agendas and council meetings to keep you updated on the issues impacting your city.