The City of Reno formally celebrates its history during the month of May. Part of the celebration is recognizing individuals for distinguished service and advocacy in historically related projects.

Since 1997, the Historical Resources Commission has recognized property owners and preservationists through the annual awards program. At today’s Reno City Council meeting, four awards were presented to the following deserving individuals:

Alicia Baldrica, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer – Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual or group that have shown through their work a career in preservation that has resulted in the preservation of structures, education and other related preservation activities.

Ed Bath – Advocate Award
The Advocate Award recognizes an individual or group that has through education, deeds or specific historic restoration(s) increased the public awareness of historic preservation with the community.

Chism Residence – Residential Award
The Residential Award recognizes an outstanding renovation, restoration or preservation of a single family home or multi-family residential building.

Humphrey House – Historical Landmark Award
The Historical Landmark Award recognizes structures, landscapes, objects, etc. that are considered to be of citywide, state or regional significance.

Urging all citizens to join the City of Reno and Nevada in recognizing and observing the importance of historic preservation, Mayor Cashell proclaims May 2010 as National Historic Preservation Month.

Historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth and sustainable development, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride, and maintaining community character while enhancing livability.

“Old is the New Green” is the theme for National Preservation Month 2010 which is co-sponsored by the Historical Resources Commission in Reno and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Historical Resources Commission is the official advisor to the City of Reno on matters relating to the historic preservation of cultural resources and buildings. To learn more visit www.reno.gov, click “Government,” then select “Community Development,” and “Historical Resources.”

Many of us enjoy projects that improve our community but many not realize that these projects would not be possible without the funding by the Community Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

The CDBG Program provides annual direct grants to communities that can be used to expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, to revitalize neighborhoods, and/or to improve community facilities and services, principally for the benefit of low to moderate income individuals.

The City of Reno receives annual CDBG allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sidewalk improvements in the Linden-Grove area, the Oliver-Montello Neighborhood Revitalization, numerous pedestrian ramps within our community, and the West Street Market are just some examples of beneficial projects that were funded with the assistance of the CDBG Program.

The CDBG Program was enacted and signed into law by President Gerald Ford, as the centerpiece of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

To celebrate the importance and necessity of the CDBG Program, Mayor Cashell proclaimed April 4 through April 10, 2010 as Reno Community Development Week.

For more information about Reno’s CDBG Program visit www.reno.gov, select “Government”, then “City Manager’s Office”, and “Community Resources” or www.reno.gov/Index.aspx?page=769.