CULTIVATING RENO'S FUTURE WITH CULTURE IN MIND
Smart Growth lies at the heart of Tom's vision for Reno's future. It is an approach to growth that recognizes the critical importance of economic expansion and land development, while prioritizing the preservation of Reno's unique values, history, and culture in an evolved state. Smart growth fosters culture-driven progress. As we strive for economic prosperity, we must ensure that our growth nurtures the essence of our community. This means prioritizing investments in safety, parks, outdoor recreation, public spaces, public events, festivals, and various human services to ensure the well-being and happiness of our residents. We must empower residents to collectively shape our city's future social identity, fostering a sense of ownership and participation in our shared destiny. We will grow united, recognizing the pivotal role of city government in fostering assimilation, respect, and love for the elements that make Reno distinctive as we welcome newcomers into our unique community. Smart Growth cultivates a culture-driven approach to development—one that reveres Reno's values, culture, and history while seizing opportunities for progress. As we evolve and elevate toward a vibrant and sustainable future, let's cherish our past and carry forward those unique attributes that make us the Biggest Little City in the World.
SMART
GROWTH
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CULTURE- DRIVEN GROWTH
Policy Priorities
Social Mobilization & Community Empowerment Programs
Mobilizing Reno Residents for Change
Problem:
There's a lack of opportunities for residents to actively participate in shaping the future of our city and addressing local challenges, from both the planning/input side, but most importantly the opportunity to actually do the physical work to improve our community. Imagine the transformative impact if each of Reno's 270,000+ residents dedicated just 2 hours per year to improving our city – that's 540,000 hours of community-driven progress! Recognizing that some residents will do much, and most will nothing, the impact of even 10% participation would change our city forever. Tom can see this vision coming to fulfillment and will work to make it happen.
Potential Actions:
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Through input of the community, identify key areas of opportunity wherein the people of Reno, through their own efforts and volunteer hours, could realistically make an impact and develop/manage all aspects, including funding, recruitment, planning, resources of a program to mobilize and empower the community. Example - trail system development, public sign maintenance, public park maintenance.
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Support existing community-led task forces and advisory boards and develop additional groups to ensure holistic and comprehensive input from residents on key issues and PRIORITIZE the input from these groups in the development of Public Empowerment Programs.
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Support grassroots initiatives and volunteer programs that empower residents to take ownership of local projects and initiatives.
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Foster a culture of civic engagement through educational programs and outreach efforts.
Homelessness and Mental Health Resources
Ensuring Dignity and Care for All
Problem:
Homelessness and lack of access to mental health resources are pressing issues facing our community, impacting public safety and quality of life. We need to approach this issue with two key principles in mind. First, we start from a position of compassion, seeking to help our brothers and sisters by offering help, especially in the form of the treatment of mental health disorders. Second, we will recognize that we, the general People of Reno, have a right to live in a clean and safe city, and that our right to that is foundational and therefore public policies regarding living on the streets, leaving debris, and urinating or defecating in public will have ZERO tolerance.
Potential Actions:
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Audit and evaluate our mental health services and develop a plan to significantly expand our offerings via a 5-year strategic plan.
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Increase funding for homeless shelters, supportive housing programs, and mental health services.
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Collaborate with local nonprofits and service providers to offer comprehensive support and outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness.
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Advocate for policies at the state and federal levels to address the root causes of homelessness and provide resources for mental health treatment and prevention.
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Increase funding and expand the scope of work of the Downtown Reno Ambassadors to cover all neighborhoods experiencing a significant impact due to homelessness, including Brewery District, Wells Ave District, Reno Experience District, and others.
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Work with other government organizations to evaluate current laws and ensure that our laws are reflective of our position of zero tolerance for the abuse of our public spaces, regardless of citizen status.
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Support law enforcement and ensure they are positioned properly to execute the laws of the city.
Public Safety and Security
Strengthening Trust and Security
Problem:
We will prioritize our support for our Police Department and Public Safety Organizations. Ensuring public safety is paramount, but there is a need for more resources to address crime and emergencies effectively. We can also do more to improve police-community relations inform the people of the good work done by those that protect us.
Potential Actions:
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Allocate additional resources to enhance crime prevention efforts, including neighborhood patrols, community watch programs, and youth outreach initiatives.
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Improve police training and community policing strategies to build trust and promote transparency and accountability.
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Develop community outreach programs to enhance mutual understanding and trust between law enforcement and residents.
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Invest in technology and infrastructure to support emergency response and improve public safety outcomes.
Garbage and Debris in Public Spaces
Keeping Reno Beautiful Together
Problem:
There has been a significant increase in garbage and debris in public spaces, impacting the city's appearance and residents' quality of life. It affects our community's morale and discourages civic pride. The city leaders need to take responsibility for fixing this major problem.
Potential Actions:
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Enforce existing anti-littering laws.
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Implement comprehensive waste management strategies, including increased trash collection and the development of a comprehensive, city-managed program to mobilize and empower volunteers in Reno to remove garbage and debris from ALL public spaces.
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Collaborate with community organizations and volunteers to organize neighborhood clean-up events.
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Advocate for policies to address the root causes of littering and homelessness, including access to mental health services and affordable housing.
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Develop and execute public education campaigns targeted toward residents to instill a sense of responsibility for keeping public spaces clean.
Cultural Engagement and Social Connectivity:
Celebrating Diversity, Building Community
Problem:
While Reno has a rich cultural scene, there is a need for more support and investment in community events and spaces to foster social connectivity and pride.
Potential Actions:
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The city will develop a community-based (by neighborhood/region) cultural development plan that includes planning/management/execution of seasonal events that bring the people together and celebrate BOTH the uniqueness of our various neighborhoods and our collective identity and a city.
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Leverage technology-based solutions, such as community forums and social media platforms, to facilitate communication and participation in cultural events and community initiatives.
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Develop and support initiatives that preserve and promote Reno's cultural heritage.
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Increase funding for cultural initiatives and community events that celebrate Reno's diversity and heritage.
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Invest in the maintenance and enhancement of public spaces, parks, and recreational facilities.
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Partner with local organizations and businesses to promote community engagement and social cohesion.
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Expand the support for local artists and cultural organizations to further enrich Reno’s cultural landscape.
Enhanced Recreational Spaces
Active Living, Vibrant Communities
Problem:
Access to recreational resources and public spaces is essential for residents' physical and mental well-being, but there is a need for more investment and maintenance.
Potential Actions:
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Improve and expand parks, trails, and recreational facilities to meet the needs of a growing population.
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Partner with and support various land managers to develop resources on land not managed by the City of Reno (BLM, NFS, Washoe County).
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Enhance accessibility to public spaces for all residents, including those with disabilities and underserved communities.
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Partner with private and nonprofit organizations (BLTS for example) to develop innovative recreational programs and amenities, like bike parks, outdoor fitness stations, natural play areas, adventure courses, dog parks, adaptive recreation programs, and nature trails.
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Recognize that the people of Reno benefit from rec resources outside of the City Limits and expand support to broader initiatives that add value to the people of Reno, like the Truckee Dirt Union or the work of Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship on "the Maze" on the backside of Peavine.
Affordable / Diverse Housing Development:
Ensuring Housing Options for Everyone
Problem:
Reno faces an affordable housing crisis, with rising rents and property prices outpacing income growth and displacing long-time residents.
Potential Actions:
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Implement policies to increase affordable housing supply through zoning changes, incentives for developers, and inclusionary housing requirements.
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Promote and encourage diverse housing development, including condominiums, ADUs, mixed use developments, and small homes.
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Explore innovative housing solutions, such as tiny homes, co-housing, and accessory dwelling units, to increase housing affordability and diversity.
Economic Development and Diversification
Thriving Beyond Tourism
Problem:
Reno's economy heavily relies on tourism, leading to vulnerability during economic downturns and limited job opportunities outside of the hospitality industry.
Potential Actions:
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Support initiatives to diversify the economy, including attracting new industries and fostering entrepreneurship.
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Revitalize downtown and the neon line district through targeted investments in infrastructure, small business development, and cultural amenities.
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Partner with local universities and colleges to promote workforce development and innovation in emerging sectors.
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Foster partnerships with local businesses to support workforce development and job creation initiatives.
Public Road Maintenance and Public Transportation
Connecting Reno's Neighborhoods Safely
Problem:
With population growth comes increased strain on infrastructure and transportation systems, leading to congestion, road deterioration, and limited public transit options.
Potential Actions:
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Prioritize infrastructure maintenance and repair projects to address road conditions and improve safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
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Expand public transportation services and infrastructure to provide accessible, affordable, and sustainable mobility options for all residents.
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Invest in smart transportation solutions, such as traffic management systems and bike lanes, to reduce congestion and enhance connectivity within the city.
Environmental Stewardship
Sustaining Reno's Natural Beauty
Problem:
Reno residents value environmental sustainability, but there is a need for more action to protect our natural resources with the influx of people and businesses prompting housing and commercial/industrial development.
Potential Actions:
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Promote renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency programs.
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Implement policies to reduce waste and promote recycling and composting.
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Protect and preserve natural habitats through land conservation efforts and sustainable development practices.
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Incentivize green building practices and sustainable urban design to reduce the environmental footprint of new developments.
