Reno: The Biggest Little 'Livable' City in the World

Concerned about becoming a "western Detroit," the city of Reno, built around the gambling industry, seeks to shake off that trademark with new investments in other industries and amenities.

2 minute read

June 21, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Andrew Gorden


Like other cities built largely around a single industry, Reno has struggled to regain its footing during the United States' shaky recovery. As gambling-based tourism declined during the recession, so have Reno's fortunes. Many, like Bret Simmons of the University of Nevada, Reno, see gambling as unsustainable. "Those days are gone," he states. "Gaming is not the industry that's going to take us to the future." Now, as Micheline Maynard of the The Atlantic Cities writes, the "biggest little city in the world" is looking to change its debauched image to realign itself along more 'livable' principles.

With an unemployment rate of nearly 12%, Reno has began to embrace new sectors of the economy, ones that cater to both the many residents of Reno as well as the continuing flow of tourists to the Lake Tahoe region, in hopes of stimulating new economic growth. One such sector is that of the restaurant and entertainment trade, with the development of restaurants and bars showcasing local flavors and culture.

Additionally, like many other cities, Reno has also chosen to focus increasing attention on its university. Universities not only bring more people, and their money, into a community, but, more importantly, can also generate the high-quality research and technology-based jobs sought after by most cities.

Perhaps Reno resident and local chef Mark Estee speaks of the city's new vision best, stating, "It's a partnership of the whole city coming together. We want people to understand that Reno is more than just gaming."

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 in The Atlantic Cities

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business