Reno Plans Downtown Makeover

The ‘biggest little city’ plans to hire consultants to develop a plan for a more vibrant, more walkable downtown strip.

1 minute read

July 26, 2023, 10:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Neon "RENO: Biggest little city in the world" arch sign in downtown Reno, Nevada

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The Reno City Council will consider hiring a consultant to create a redesign for the city’s downtown, reports Bob Conrad in This is Reno.

“City officials are focusing on changes to Virginia Street, while a Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) study about downtown is still ongoing and survey results have yet to be reported,” Conrad explains.

“Phase one ideas include a ‘streetscape furnishing zone’ and ‘facade improvements,’ wherein the city will pay 50% to applicants for changes to building exteriors and up to $50,000 for interior improvements.” One city councilmember expressed concern about adding more public seating, much of which was removed in 2016 to prevent unhoused people from using it.

“Ky Plaskon with the Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance said the city should emphasize public safety first before implementing these changes,” calling on the city to improve its bike infrastructure.

Monday, July 24, 2023 in This is Reno

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