Residents of Reno, Nevada participating in a rewrite of the city’s master plan have spoken out about the myriad of problems afflicting their downtown—it's dirty, dangerous, and deserted.

A common complaint emerged in the recent participant survey carried out as part of the ReImagine Reno project to rewrite the city's master plan: Downtown Reno is in desperate need of help. Mike Higdon of the Reno Gazette-Journal reports that despite the desire by some residents to have the option for a more walkable, urban lifestyle, the current state of downtown leaves many wanting. Residents recognized that the shabby appearance of downtown detracts from the other outstanding opportunities in the city, and doesn’t put the best face on a city seeking to attract tourists.
"(Downtown Reno) dominated people's minds," said Maureen McKissick, assistant to the city manager's office and co-organizer of ReImagine Reno. "It appeared in every single round table, with 29 focus groups and 94 round tables."
Hundreds of written survey respondents said they felt unsafe walking downtown because of vacant buildings and aggressive panhandlers. Many respondents asked the city to consider the effect that feeling has on tourists.
Of the many solutions offered, most agree that developing a vibrant downtown will take time and will require some bigger picture discussions about affordable housing and addressing homelessness in the community.
FULL STORY: Can Reno revive downtown this year?

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.

Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.

German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie