[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6562047,"mediaKeyId","3281340-034d6bd319f3ee894de64587e81d0f31","parentId",3281340,"title","Reno redevelopment board approves GSR tax-increment deal to help build arena for UNR","audioSeconds",560,"startMs",310000,"endMs",870000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281340-034d6bd319f3ee894de64587e81d0f31&start=310&end=870","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281340-034d6bd319f3ee894de64587e81d0f31/thumbnail_310000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6562047/Nevada/Reno-redevelopment-board-approves-GSR-tax-increment-deal-to-help-build-arena-for-UNR","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562047-4de97a5cf436be439ea245f3ee230c4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442724&Signature=OjBxr1JC2T3xLBtKFylpOIxApW6MqcvNaeUOL5hrmaUk0ksVPUWPxzj7f92rmD~ODp23Wz~Qeo0h2w94AtIrbAYQzZae-ne8wSk2chp0qGbvkBwIpysVfxToRGrZ1n3T3Lii8Qgf8cgyPvLZeqCPCsSaSbtj5LPGWlXvB7YrlHQCHifJVQNquyG1931whrZm2-HyFA847S-FFBq-Ipofn35ivJVv0bnV1YxEf~Ev-Bur~b-8SwanzQtqKSjeDIOf5~uy-PRiBhVFajgxU5sQgT-pDNZD5dvXu7K3DlMmBETvjCfLiAc9UD13WS-d8sc5KFoFPOo877ikChoBkcih~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Reno, NV","date","2025-05-08T16:54:25.16Z","article","The Reno Redevelopment Agency voted to approve a tax-increment financing (TIF) participation agreement with Grand Sierra Resort that will redirect a portion of the project’s future property tax growth to reimburse the developer for part of the arena and related infrastructure costs.

The agency approved the deal after a lengthy public hearing and a presentation by the developer and independent consultants; the measure passed on a 6–1 roll call vote by the agency board. The approved term sheet calls for a pay-as-you-go reimbursement tied to property tax increment generated by the built project through the redevelopment area’s current sunset date in 2035.

The agreement is structured so the city and agency assume no upfront debt or general-fund exposure. The developer, which has proposed a phased expansion of Grand Sierra Resort including a 10,000-seat arena, will build the project and pay property taxes as the assessor values the new buildings. The agency will then reimburse the developer a negotiated percentage of the new property tax each year once the tax increment arrives in the agency’s bank account.

Why it matters

Backers say the privately financed arena would raise Reno’s profile, provide a new home for University of Nevada athletics and concerts and generate new local jobs and tax revenue. Local officials and university leaders argued the project could spur tens of millions of dollars in new tax revenue for the city, county and school district over time and create immediate construction work.

Independent consultant Hunden Partners presented the agency with a financial gap analysis that found phase 1 construction costs of roughly $786 million and a gap of approximately $145.8 million between private returns and the developer’s required rate of return. Hunden estimated the property-tax increment that could be captured by the redevelopment area before its 2035 sunset at roughly $68.1 million; staff and Hunden recommended a 90/10 split in which the developer would receive 90 percent of the captured increment, with the agency retaining the remainder for local public investments. The staff-recommended terms in the board packet show a projected reimbursement to the developer of about $61.3 million through 2035 under the proposed structure; additional new taxes generated after 2035 would revert to the taxing jurisdictions under Nevada law.

What the city approved and the vote

- The agency approved a participation agreement reflecting a pay-as-you-go TIF structure. The participation agreement requires the developer to complete the eligible improvements and trigger reimbursement only from actual increment collected by the agency.
- The agency vote was taken after public comment and consultant presentations; the board voted 6–1 in favor (Vice Mayor Taylor voted no; the remaining board members voted yes).
- The participation agreement includes performance protections and a maturity date tied to the redevelopment area sunset; the note that may be used to document the agreement expressly limits repayment to captured increment during the redevelopment area term and provides that any unpaid balance is not an obligation of the city’s general fund.

What proponents said

University of Nevada President Brian Sandoval told the board the arena is “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to expand the university’s visibility, support its athletics program and help retain students and faculty. University athletic director Stephanie Remp said the arena would create premium ticketing and hospitality revenue streams the team needs to compete at a higher level and that the university will not use student fees or university funds to build the facility.

Owner Alex Morello told the board he plans to invest the majority of the capital privately and said he will contribute additional community benefits; during the meeting he announced a voluntary contribution of 5 percent of certain proceeds to local youth-sports and recreation efforts (a separate private commitment described at the meeting).

What opponents said

Public commenters asked the board to scrutinize displacement effects, long‑term costs and whether private benefits outweigh public policy goals. Several commenters questioned whether the capture of future property tax to reimburse a private owner is precedent setting for Reno and whether the city has adequate protections.

Key numeric details (as reported in agency presentation and staff memo)

- Phase 1 cost estimate (arena + parking + ancillary improvements): about $786 million (Hunden Partners).
- Identified private financing “gap” (but‑for gap to meet developer return): about $145.8 million.
- Estimated property‑tax increment available through RDA sunset (2035): about $68.1 million.
- Staff/Hunden suggested split for captured increment: 90% to developer / 10% to agency; staff estimated the developer reimbursement to total roughly $61.3 million through 2035 under those terms.
- RDA vote: 6 yes, 1 no.

Discussion and next steps

The RDA authorized staff to finalize the participation agreement based on the approved deal terms and to have the agency’s executive director (the city manager) execute the final agreement. The agreement is expressly structured to limit repayments to increment actually collected by the agency and to terminate at the redevelopment area sunset unless the Legislature acts to extend or otherwise amend RDA 2. If the redevelopment area is later extended, the participation agreement would require re‑examination and any material change would return to the board for approval.

The developer and the University of Nevada said they will continue community engagement. Hunden Partners has provided the city and board with the consultant analysis underpinning the staff recommendation. The development team said it will pursue final design, permitting and contractor procurement now that the agency has approved the term sheet.

Ending

Board members said the vote was difficult and acknowledged persistent concerns about precedent and displacement, but several said the city lacks tools to attract and enable projects of this scale without private partners. The RDA’s approval creates a conditional pathway for the arena project to move forward; the actual reimbursements will depend on the project’s completion, the assessor’s valuation and the increment that appears in the agency’s accounts.

Topics_primary: redevelopment_finance

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Reno City Council & Redevelopment Agency Board | Captions Available | May 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Reno Redevelopment Agency on May 7 approved a pay‑as‑you‑go tax‑increment financing participation agreement with Grand Sierra Resort that will redirect a portion of the project’s future property‑tax growth to reimburse the developer for part of a privately financed arena and related infrastructure, subject to the redevelopment area’s current sunset date, staff and consultants said.","taxTitle","City Council Meetings , Reno, Washoe County, Nevada","taxId",69270,"location","Nevada","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6562038,"City updates building and safety rules: Reno to adopt 2024 I‑Codes with regional changes",41964,41964000,-1,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281340-034d6bd319f3ee894de64587e81d0f31&start=41964&end=0","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281340-034d6bd319f3ee894de64587e81d0f31/thumbnail_41964000.jpg","/articles/6562038/Nevada/City-updates-building-and-safety-rules-Reno-to-adopt-2024-ICodes-with-regional-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562038-eacc6a77d8f62252b18c29932a2be6c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442724&Signature=D9OuumDvf7CeTEV6K1aZ0Mdtks1Dot37W-nanUGgRmxKB87lyu0AyNj4aDsuK2FH9pIdGhzqh2~1f715hXDVjoE2l-3aizwUnzFvoncq7kN~04ce0qtrlx-4aqCTIhFy2qhJNU-VTVDype7Ym-ADkfvTrBJMiQtDr9NwZKJRzMtxyv8yPDrpDF97mLENI78SIjq025iVoz~tqgjKrPAUohdgrVg~KffP3rY~nReVW9KHYNPv2IxveiJdbsD-V5Cj~4CdqpPQTE~q4Qw2-fML7G8lc6j4VZ62EoPrLOQUIJuK-I6BDWbjY5FF6glIx8dq-qDC~bI2J5hIaYDnaT31KA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Reno’s City Council voted May 7, 2025 to adopt updated construction and safety codes that replace the city’s 2018 code series with the 2024 International Code Council (ICC) family of model codes, together with a set of locally negotiated regional amendments.

The update covers multiple code books — building, residential, mechanical, plumbing, energy, fire‑safety and related standards. The city worked as part of a regional consortium that included nearby jurisdictions and construction industry groups; the region adopted a single, harmonized amendment package so that design and permit standards will be consistent across most of the Truckee Meadows area.

Major changes and the process

- Energy standards: The 2024 energy code contains new measures for commercial and residential construction. The regional package incorporates state and local preferences and provides a phased implementation window so builders can choose whether to submit under the prior code or the new code during a transition period.
- Rockery and retaining walls: The code package includes a comprehensive, rewritten standard for construction and inspection of retaining and rockery walls. Council members and the building department said the stricter standard responds to repeated safety concerns and inconsistent practices in the region and will improve long‑term durability and inspection clarity.
- Process and outreach: City staff briefed trade groups and met with unions, builders, structural engineers and standards committees for 18 months before presenting the final package to the council. Staff said the outreach was designed to reduce surprises for designers and builders and to keep permit review consistent across neighboring jurisdictions.

Timing and implementation

The council approved a July 1, 2025 adoption date and a soft roll‑out period through Jan. 1, 2026. During that interval, building permit applicants may choose to submit under either the 2018 or 2024 codes to allow projects under active design to proceed without unexpected rework.

Why it matters

Building‑code updates affect everyday construction costs, energy performance and safety. The new energy rules may require additional features in new homes and commercial buildings; code officials said the rockery/retaining‑wall rewrite will reduce ambiguity for both builders and inspectors.

Council action

Council members approved the ordinance adopting the building‑code updates without recorded dissent. City staff will publish the amended code language and begin the transition process described in the council motion.

Ending

The update was described by staff as an incremental but important step in aligning Reno with contemporary construction, energy performance and public‑safety standards and to harmonize permitting across the Truckee Meadows region.","Reno’s City Council adopted the 2024 editions of the International model building codes, with regionally negotiated amendments, on May 7, 2025; the update includes stricter technical standards for rockery/retaining walls and new energy measures, and it provides a transition window for permits.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6562043,"Ranchera homeowners win reduced-density compromise after weeks of debate over equestrian parcel",6540,23460000,30000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281340-034d6bd319f3ee894de64587e81d0f31&start=23460&end=30000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281340-034d6bd319f3ee894de64587e81d0f31/thumbnail_23460000.jpg","/articles/6562043/Nevada/Ranchera-homeowners-win-reduced-density-compromise-after-weeks-of-debate-over-equestrian-parcel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562043-e6ddabeae6f8b2b81994378daa1de74c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442724&Signature=mISNaKCRKcVBY8g1omg8XDcEKOA2BToi1cxmhUUQfR2JB4Q7hSXfwAT9XJHw0bmBY1reqDyFn1-JVoKVdoqPpoc6NPjlul-9BOmshhdIuOxdZ6F6UuvPYE9xeMwvGK2Ny84zF0kSyF7HxtgCf8v~xV1Q3NjNQyy5iZPUxPohWfg4dadXzB8Pw9hTrwV9H3gnbksUS0TRNbRhlAnKlu0IvPmA5hjHhXcFPPEsl0VIMxw6n~kASWEB0wG38H5lO5NaexrSBq1MQshTeZdYoquUtvW-JQWjWlEyddJOgPgdB5r5bHT21RO03lCvbNA1MGc0Xk7sGVZ4XmPCfAzC2LLiHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Reno’s City Council approved revisions to the Ranchera planned‑unit development (PUD) on May 7, 2025 after weeks of public comment and a contentious hearing in council chambers.

The council adopted a master‑plan amendment that changes the land‑use designation of the former Ranchera equestrian center from “parks/greenways/open space” to “single‑family residential.” On a subsequent vote the council amended the Ranchera handbook (the PUD zoning document) to permit a limited single‑family redevelopment of the equestrian site under new design standards adopted at the hearing.

The vote followed hours of public testimony from homeowners who said they bought into Ranchera based on earlier marketing and PUD commitments — including preserved equestrian uses, large lots and open space — and who described a “bait‑and‑switch” when those features were removed. Developers and their supporters argued the site is no longer economically viable as an events stable and must be redesignated to allow a sale and redevelopment that will generate tax revenue and support local construction jobs.

What the council approved

- Master plan amendment: The council unanimously approved a change in the city master plan that redesignates roughly 7.2 acres of the former equestrian center from Parks/Greenways/Open Space to single‑family residential.
- PUD/handbook amendment (zoning): After motions, debate and an earlier failed proposal the council approved updated handbook zoning standards that lower the overall Ranchera unit total to 469 (down from the previously authorized 722), and modify design standards for the equestrian parcel (Village 8) and other handbook updates. The final handbook amendment adopted by the council sets a limit of units on Village 8 consistent with the new lot‑size standard adopted at the hearing and preserves a 50‑foot open‑space buffer and a one‑story height restriction for lots adjacent to that trail buffer.

Why it mattered

Many homeowners told the council they bought based on promises of a low‑density, horse‑oriented development and feared a loss of property value and neighborhood character. They urged the council to preserve the sales pavilion and other garden‑style open spaces. The developer said the equestrian business was no longer viable and that removal of the commercial use and redevelopment as single‑family housing is the most realistic option to move the property forward.

Key votes and procedural notes

- An early motion to adopt a resident‑proposed compromise failed 4–3 at the dais after extended debate.
- The council later approved the master‑plan amendment (land‑use change) by unanimous vote.
- The handbook (PUD zoning) amendment was approved 5–2; that vote adopted revised handbook text and explicit limits that will govern lot size, required buffers and one‑story requirements adjacent to the trail buffer.

Numbers and clarifying details

- Original Ranchera PUD (1995) allowed an earlier configuration; 2015 amendments expanded allowable units to 722 at full buildout.","City Council members adopted master‑plan and PUD handbook changes May 7 that allow a reduced‑density residential redevelopment of the Ranchera equestrian parcel while setting new buffering and design standards after heated public testimony.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6562033,"Girl Scouts pitch “Reno Rainbow Bridge” for pet‑bereavement spot; council members pledge support",0,2280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3281340-034d6bd319f3ee894de64587e81d0f31&start=2280&end=2280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3281340-034d6bd319f3ee894de64587e81d0f31/thumbnail_2280000.jpg","/articles/6562033/Nevada/Girl-Scouts-pitch-Reno-Rainbow-Bridge-for-petbereavement-spot-council-members-pledge-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562033-f6c1afba6c4496267bc1640118bc3d6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442724&Signature=fN~FbSDgbYDiTaM1MiLl2P138P9UetINVbQqMv6pFHPghHPr-CX7RT3E1CWKFMI-6f1hMUKZMlnxnBIX3QdR~VZJaSrNQC6BP38gGwVsO6dgPHLgCcMCpNFt~ZDVNBYdRsKZwP57apgxToLx4MHmU-uTLNOrU-E5-yLoFnjaQ6Fq8TBleOwoRTDjWn8nyJHDOSU0BwLdw~lP5JFDWNkt5DVPhZ3OE0Te48EDluzHCRzdh4Lh2xIHqwZCs25CXu7SRLJGAtM0uAK9t-MZpwNVOTuZjZdVccEcUMTCPl7r8luwdr3sOuxNb2gf0p~llbSBRY37jSuRony51dGrsNF1bA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A troop of junior Girl Scouts asked the Reno City Council on May 7 to help establish a community memorial — “Reno’s Rainbow Bridge” — where families could commemorate and mourn deceased pets.

The troop leaders described the project as the girls’ Junior Bronze Award community initiative and asked the council to help identify a site, provide minor infrastructure assistance and allow a modest public display such as a small placard with the Rainbow Bridge poem and a bench. The scouts also proposed a simple, locally maintained brochure or QR code with pet‑bereavement resources.

What the scouts presented

Troop 508 at Our Lady of the Snows told the council they surveyed 230 students at a local school and reported: 82.5% said they had been significantly affected by pet loss; 73.2% rated the impact at 5 or higher on a 1–10 scale; and 66.8% said it would help to have a special place to go and mourn. The scouts proposed an adopt‑a‑bridge approach, painting an existing park bridge with rainbow colors, adding a sign or plaque with the Rainbow Bridge poem and a bench — and letting people leave pet collars if desired.

Council response and follow up

Multiple council members and the mayor praised the girls’ civic engagement. Council members Naomi Duer and Devin Reese each spoke in support and offered personal donations to the troop’s fundraising. Council members and Parks & Recreation staff agreed to work with the troop to identify potential bridges and locations in city parks and to review logistical issues such as railings, weatherproof signage and litter control.

Why it matters

Council members said the topic cut across concerns of mental health, youth civic engagement and quality‑of‑life programming in parks. Several members noted that pet loss can be a meaningful grief experience for young people and seniors alike.

Next steps

Council staff and Parks and Recreation said they would help staff a short feasibility review and scout potential sites; the troop said it would continue fundraising for materials. Any physical modification to a city bridge or park will require a standard Parks and Recreation review and city permitting; council members pledged in‑chamber support and some offered private contributions to help the troop meet its Bronze Award requirements.

Ending

Council members praised the Girl Scouts’ research and presentation skills and encouraged residents to support the project. \"You knocked my socks off,\" Mayor Hillary Schieve told the troop during the meeting.

Topics_primary: community_programs

","A Girl Scout troop from Our Lady of the Snows presented a proposal May 7, 2025 asking the Reno City Council to help them create a memorial “Rainbow Bridge” — a small park or painted bridge where residents could mourn pets. Scouts said a school survey of 230 students found 82.5% had been significantly affected by pet loss and 66.8%","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Reno redevelopment board approves GSR tax-increment deal to help build arena for UNR

City updates building and safety rules: Reno to adopt 2024 I‑Codes with regional changes

Ranchera homeowners win reduced-density compromise after weeks of debate over equestrian parcel

Girl Scouts pitch “Reno Rainbow Bridge” for pet‑bereavement spot; council members pledge support