Vision

Here are the big things that I want to focus on as mayor, the goals to keep in mind as we deal with the day to day decisions of running a city. Each issue has my vision, as well as what I’ve been working on as a councilman towards these goals, and improving Reno generally.

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The Biggest Little River City

Vision: Improve downtown, improve access for people to use, live by, and have small businesses along the river by creating a protected park along the river, with a walk/bike path along it, and housing and small businesses along the outside of the park. Some of Reno is like that already –  Riverside Drive is a good example of that, though I’d want the protected park to be larger. It’s good for protecting our lifeblood (water, of course), while also being able to enjoy it, and build infill housing and small business opportunities. There is no reason that we should keep a dump on the banks of the river, and every reason we should try to move it. Similarly, seeing what we can do to move other manufacturing and warehousing businesses off the river. We don’t need or want that kind of runoff into a water source, and we would all be better off if Reno’s riverwalk grew larger.

Progress so far

  • Got the existing river path reclassified as a type of road, which qualifies it for additional funding (state, federal, and regional) to improve and maintain it (as a “micromodal transportation corridor)
  • Changed city ordinances to classify the river and its banks as a park which heightens the level of protections in land use and law
  • Changed code to allow for formation of “parks districts” (and made the river area one) which makes it eligible for funding sources which could be the mechanism for paying for the improvements we want along the river.
  • Served on the water authority (TMWA) for 7 years, where I spearheaded additional protections for the river, including prohibitions against camping or living on it to protect our drinking water
  • Created a position called a “River Ranger” with 6 people whose job is to patrol the river park
  • Have begun conversations about moving the dump (“transfer station”), as well as the city vehicle storage and maintenance facility, for starters.
  • Pushed to have Arlington Bridge rebuilt to prevent future flooding
  • Rebuilt part of the new police station building to move it off of the river because of potential contamination.

This idea comes from the success of areas like Riverside Drive, and from going to Columbus, Ohio to study their river district. It is lovely. And, it was the same just a few years ago as ours is today - some nice spots, lots needing love. Now, Columbus’ riverwalk is coffee shops and small businesses, housing, and recreation. It redefined the area. Doing that along our river would improve so much for us.

Public Safety

I want to see community police stations spread across the city, to provide better service and to continue our move toward a community public safety model of neighborhood policing.

We have been pushing for expanded mutual aid and possible consolidation of fire departments. I am a big believer in not duplicating efforts, especially when it means more bureaucracy and less money for public safety. I’m proud to have been endorsed by Firefighters Local 731 and the Reno Police Protective Association in all my campaigns for city council, and look forward to their endorsement process and hopefully earning their support for mayor.

Progress so far

  • New public safety center
  • Successfully updated police training and recruitment to focus on community public safety model
  • Regional Dispatch: Outdated systems meant REMSA, 911, and Fire and Police were having these issues communicating. We’ve been working on it, and will soon have a regional dispatch. 
  • Traffic safety improvements have been a priority of mine.
  • Real-Time Information Center to improve prevention and response to crime.

Cost of Living, Housing, and Homelessness

I know how much families are struggling with the cost of living right now – the rent really is too damn high. We need to continue to do everything in our power to help make it so that housing, childcare, and everything else is actually affordable. We also must do what we can to make sure people don’t fall through the cracks and into homelessness, and try to help them out of it when we do. I will continue to focus on bringing more housing into the city, and providing more subsidized housing for seniors, veterans, and everyone else that we can.

Childcare is a big pain point for families, and I will continue to work to bring the costs down (see below for work done so far!).

Progress so far

  • 1,710 affordable housing units built, including for seniors and veterans, and more on the way
  • 1,192 affordable units preserved through rehabilitation
  • Helped stand up the critical shelter and transitional housing at the Cares Campus, Village on Sage Street, and Highway 40 Motel for seniors
  • $71 million in Volume Cap (tax-exempt bond financing authority that helps fund affordable housing and unlock federal tax credits)
  • Over $11 million in sewer connection fee waivers and $735,000+ in building permit fee reductions to support affordable housing
  • $428 million in Letters of Support issued to help affordable housing projects secure critical funding
  • Over $17.4 million in rental and deposit assistance provided to 6,458 households since FY 2020 to ensure people get into housing and stay there
  • Pushed for Carville Park project
  • Fast tracked “attainable” housing
  • Supported Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

We’ve also put bold policy tools to work:

  • Expedited permit review for affordable housing
  • Reduced parking requirements
  • Density bonuses for affordability
  • Protection for mobile and manufactured home parks
  • Support for hotel/motel conversions into permanent housing
  • Launched the 1,000 Homes in 120 Days initiative
  • Required affordability contributions in large developments

Affordable Childcare:

  • Cut red tape to open more childcare centers (made code and text amendments to make it easier to get licensed to operate);
  • Expanded childcare opportunities through Parks and Recreation department (Sierra Kids - the largest childcare provider in the region - is operated by the City of Reno).

 

Parks, Fields, Recreation, and Conservation

This is what life is about – recreation. We desperately need more flat fields, and improvements to all our parks, pools, and everywhere we have fun. We need more ways to get around without cars, and more safely. Dedicated and protected bike lanes, traffic calming, public transportation, this is my focus for improving quality of life for us all.

Conservation: We protect our quality of life by conserving and protecting our natural resources. We need “all of the above” solutions from regulations for data centers to planting more trees, from water recycling to energy efficiency and renewables, and, last in this list but first in my priorities, protecting the river.

Progress so far

Schools

While not a “normal” duty of the Reno City Council, I have gone out of my way to be appointed to WCSD’s oversight board (where the city of Reno has a seat) to help improve, expedite, and assist with the school revitalization efforts. I’m proud to have supported projects across the city that have meant over $1 billion in investments like the newly-opened Debbie Smith Career and Technical Education High School.

Four neighbors talking outside a house including Devon Reese

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