We posted on Facebook earlier this month that Nevada made Forbes’ recent list of “Best States for Business” in two categories; #7 for business costs and #6 for growth prospects.

Some residents pointed out that it should not be overlooked that Nevada also ranked #50 in economic climate and #49 in quality of life.

We applaud those individuals for engaging in these important issues facing our entire state. This opens up conversation on a well-known discussion here within City of Reno management.

From my perspective as Reno’s (relatively new) Finance Director, a strong Reno starts with strong fiscal management. I can tell you that this view is adamantly supported by our City Manager and the rest of our team. Without this foundation, we will be unable to deliver quality services to our citizens.

Reno is at a financial crossroad

The costs of pensions, health care, labor and general operations keep rising, and revenues from taxes and fees are either declining or not keeping pace with cost increases.  We are also limited on the ability to ask citizens to pay more in taxes and fees.

We need to operate with more efficiency and less expense. Instead of relying on across-the-board cuts or tax increases and account transfers, our plan is to pursue a more strategic approach.

Reno’s strategy for financial stability

The City of Reno is at a point where easy answers and one-time fixes are no longer enough to create financial stability. So we have a plan for where we intend to go.

•  It doesn’t make sense to continue to address simply year-to-year structural shortfalls. So we’re developing a multi-year model for funding and budgeting.

•  We want citizens to be able to see all of our monetary transactions in a simple online interface. It’s your money – you have every reason to see where it’s going.

•  We’re developing a Strategic Plan that outlines our Mission, Vision & Values. This will help staff plan their individual goals and objectives. We have so many people here who care, really care, about our City and what they do for it. To make this work, we all need to move in the same direction. Big ideas don’t mean much by themselves, so the plan will include timeframes for action items and performance measures to ensure accountability.

•  Bonds are a big issue! A complete review of the bonding program of the City is underway. It’s important that we:

– Meet financial obligations
– Implement a revised bonding policy
– Minimize interest costs
– Reduce the overall debt ratio

•  We’re continuing ongoing review of government operations to find improvements, and we’re reviewing our revenue streams to ensure the maximum (and appropriate) revenue is being received.

•  Reno isn’t the only one in this boat. We’ll work with other local and state governments for opportunities for regional solutions and intergovernmental cooperation.

•  We’re looking at ‘managed competition’ to identify areas that may offer efficiencies or savings by utilizing private vendors, and we’re reviewing our non-critical assets to see if there’s anything that makes sense to sell.

We only get so many people coming to our City Council meetings, or stopping by City Hall and sharing their ideas. I’d like to invite you to connect with us in any way you can. Through your participation online and with events like the Recharge Nevada Summit, you can help us get a better understanding of your ideas and concerns that matter to you.

Please feel free to comment below, and share this post to invite others in on the conversation.

“West Street Sundays” is a brand new feature at the West Street Market. It starts this Sunday, June 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will be held on every Sunday through September 26.

What is “West Street Sundays?” It features a Farmer’s Market where you can buy the freshest locally grown produce and much more. You can have brunch, listen to live music, have drinks, snacks and even take in a wonderful array of fresh produce.

The West Street Market is a Reno Redevelopment project that created new opportunities for small local businesses, local farmers and local programs as well as a number of local artisans and performers. The urban market has an eco-friendly theme that serves as a community gathering and the Market is still growing.

The Redevelopment project vastly improved the area restoring two dilapidated, vacant historic buildings transforming the block from an undesirable area into one where families, students, senior citizens and downtown residents can grab a bite, enjoy a cup of coffee glass or glass of wine, or sit outside and listen to live music or watch a performance.

The Market is open seven days a week and is located on West Street between First and Second Streets. For more information about the Market or upcoming events visit  www.RenoWestStreetMarket.com.

***Free validated parking is available at the Parking Gallery on First Street 7 days a week.

Council Member Dan Gustin talks about the Reno Aces and the new Freight House District.
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTrbEODkiBQ]

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.

The City of Reno and the Reno Redevelopment Agency are striving to help local businesses experiencing challenges during the economic downturn. One way they are doing this is by helping small business owners secure financing. 

Last Wednesday, the City Council approved a contract with Nevada Microenterprise Initiative (NMI), a private non-profit agency, to administer the Greater Reno Opportunities for Business (GROBusiness) Program. It is funded entirely by the City’s Community Development Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The GROBusiness Program is offered to qualifying new or expanding businesses in the City of Reno. Additional services through NMI include counseling and guidance to assist with maintaining a viable business, technical assistance, ongoing training, networking, and oversight. For more information about the GROBusiness Program contact the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative at 775-324-1812.

 To learn more about programs and services available visit www.reno.gov, click on Newsroom, then Current Issues, and Recovery & Reinvestment or www.reno.gov/Index.aspx?page=2037.