On the Agenda: A City of Reno Podcast

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.