On the Agenda: A City of Reno Podcast

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!