On the Agenda: A City of Reno Podcast

Off the Agenda: Ask Reno "What is the RDA?"

What is redevelopment? How is it funded? What does it mean for Reno residents? In this final installment of Off the Agenda: Ask Reno, we sit down with Assistant City Manager Ashley Turney to break down the Reno Redevelopment Agency and its role in revitalizing specific areas of the city. The conversation explores how redevelopment areas are created, how increases in property tax revenue are reinvested without creating a new tax, and why those funds can only be spent within designated boundaries. Ashley also highlights upcoming investments in the Truckee River path, University Village and Fourth Street, along with programs that help local businesses and property owners improve storefronts, security and underused spaces.

Off the Agenda: Ask Reno "Off the Agenda: Ask Reno "What Does Affordable Housing Actually Mean?" Part 2

Why does it take so long and cost so much to build housing in Reno? In Part 2 of this conversation from last week, we take a closer look at the housing development process with Assistant Director of Development Services Angela Fuss and affordable housing developer Matthew Fleming from Northern Nevada Community Housing. They explain the steps a project must go through before construction can begin and how state requirements, limited developable land, aging infrastructure, labor shortages, interest rates, tariffs and supply-chain delays can affect timelines and costs. The conversation also explores the additional considerations involved in affordable housing, from selecting sites near essential services to securing funding, and how the City of Reno works with developers, dedicated project liaisons and prioritized permit reviews to help move affordable housing projects forward.

Off the Agenda: Ask Reno "What Does Affordable Housing Actually Mean?"

In this episode, we continue the conversation on housing by breaking down how affordability is calculated, what area median income means, how subsidies help keep rents lower and why long-term affordability requirements are an important part of affordable housing projects. Guests Elaine Olson, Housing Administrator for the City of Reno Housing and Neighborhood Development team; Angela Fuss, Assistant Director of Development Services; and Matthew Fleming, Executive Director of Northern Nevada Community Housing, help explain what affordable housing actually means, how these projects are funded, and why the City does not directly build or own affordable housing, but helps make projects possible through funding, incentives and partnerships. The episode also highlights recent and upcoming affordable housing projects, including permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, veteran housing and other developments serving residents across a range of income levels.

Off the Agenda: Ask Reno "Who does what when it comes to homelessness and housing?" Pt. 2

In Part 2 of Off the Agenda: Ask Reno, we continue the conversation on homelessness and housing by focusing on affordable housing, eviction prevention and the programs available to help residents stay housed. Guests from the Reno Housing Authority and the City of Reno Housing and Neighborhood Development team discuss public housing, housing choice vouchers, rental and deposit assistance, housing court, supportive housing projects and how regional partners work together to connect residents with the right resources. The episode also highlights how residents can apply for help, how landlords can participate in housing programs and why preventing homelessness is a critical part of the region’s overall response.

Off the Agenda: Ask Reno "Who does what when it comes to homelessness and housing?" Pt. 1

We're kicking off a special summer series of "On the Agenda" focused on answering common community questions that matter to residents. The series will bring in City, County and regional partners to help explain who does what, how local government works and how different agencies collaborate to serve the community. We're calling it "Off the Agenda: Ask Reno," and the first episode is a 2-parter focused on homelessness, housing services, and the regional response to one of the most complex issues facing the community. From outreach on the street to shelter, supportive housing and long-term stabilization, this episode breaks down how local partners are working together to help some of the region’s most vulnerable residents while also helping the community better understand what each agency is responsible for. Guests include representatives from the Reno Police Department, Washoe County Housing and Homeless Services, the City of Reno Housing and Neighborhood Development team, and the Reno Housing Authority. The conversation begins with a look at the City of Reno’s new HOPE Team, which stands for Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement Team, and how Reno Police are working alongside the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, case managers and the City’s Clean and Safe Team to create a more coordinated regional outreach effort. The team explains how outreach is about more than enforcement. It is about building trust, connecting people to resources and helping individuals move toward safer, more stable options when they are ready. The episode also takes listeners inside the role of case managers, who help individuals navigate everything from identification documents and Social Security cards to housing plans and ongoing support. From there, the discussion shifts to the CARES Campus, where Washoe County provides shelter, intake, diversion services, case management and wraparound support for people experiencing homelessness. Listeners will also hear about the growing needs of the unhoused population, including the number of seniors, veterans, and people with serious physical or behavioral health conditions who rely on these services. The episode highlights why supportive housing, medical respite, on-site services, and long-term case management are critical pieces of the region’s response.