Washoe Life

Behind the Ballot Scenes with Registrar of Voters Andrew McDonald

What does it really take to run an election? In this episode of Washoe Life, Registrar of Voters Andrew McDonald takes us behind the scenes of Washoe County’s 2026 election. We break down what’s changing this year, from how vote centers are chosen and made accessible, to new locations, curbside ADA voting, and updated ballot marking devices that blend technology with paper ballots. The conversation wraps up with a thoughtful look at election trust and how the system works to ensure every vote counts.

Planning, Development, and the Future of the Truckee Meadows

Growth can be a complicated, and often emotional, topic. In this episode of Washoe Life, we dig into how development really happens in Washoe County and across the Truckee Meadows, and why planning is about much more than approving or denying projects.  Joined by Assistant County Manager Dave Solaro and Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency Director Jeremy Smith, we explore how regional planning, infrastructure, natural resources, and economic forces all shape the communities we live in. From population forecasts and regional plans to zoning, property rights, and the realities of “Not In My Back Yard” sentiment, this conversation helps clarify how decisions are made and how residents can stay informed and get involved early.  Whether you’re curious about future growth, concerned about a project near you, or just want to better understand how our region plans for what’s next, this episode offers insight, context, and practical takeaways.

America 250/Nevada: The Evolution of Nevada Gaming w/ Ferenc Szony

As we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the industries and people that helped shape our communities. In this episode, Ferenc Szony, a longtime gaming executive whose career spans some of northern Nevada’s most iconic casinos and a period of tremendous change in the industry, shares about Reno’s golden era, the evolution of gaming in Nevada, and what those changes reveal about our shared American story.

America250/Nevada: Marketing and Mentorship with Stephanie Kruse

In this episode of Washoe Life, we sit down with Stephanie Kruse, a longtime community leader and marketing trailblazer, to talk about her journey to Reno and the career that made her a familiar name across northern Nevada. Stephanie reflects on founding KPS3 in 1991, navigating decades of rapid change in the marketing industry, and mentoring the next generation of professionals, especially women entering the field. She also shares insights into her extensive community and healthcare leadership, her love of animals, and what life looks like now as she consults, travels, and continues to serve the community.

A Conversation with Washoe County Manager Kate Thomas

Washoe County Manager Kate Thomas joins Washoe Life for a conversation about leadership, public service and supporting the more than 3,000 employees who serve our community every day.  Thomas is not new to Washoe County, she joined the organization in 2017 as assistant county manager, overseeing departments that deliver some of the county’s most critical services, including human services, courts and elections.  In this episode, she reflects on her path in public service, her leadership philosophy of empowering employees and maintaining work-life balance and why supporting the people who deliver services is key to serving the community.