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.

Reno Parks, Recreation & Community Services is hiring for seasonal staff in the administration office, and at Rosewood Lakes Golf Course, area pools, summer camps and teen centers.  These part-time jobs are the best jobs in the City – ones that provide experiences and memories that last a lifetime.  Check them out!

The City of Reno and Windspire Energy™ (formerly Mariah Power), developer of the Windspire® wind turbine, released an RFP to paint the City of Reno’s Windspire wind turbine during a live Artown event on July 8th at the West Street Market. The event is a celebration of the City’s commitment to both art and renewable energy.

To read more about this exciting partnership and event with the City of Reno, Windspire Energy, and Artown click here.

The City of Reno Public Works will proudly participate in the 6th annual Building Women Exploration Fair on Friday.

The Building Women Exploration Fair is a unique ‘women only’ event exposing women to non-traditional employment roles in the construction trades plus allows participants to have a “hands on” opportunity at varying trades. Welding, painting, plastering, plumbing, and heavy equipment operation are some of the trades that are highlighted at the fair. Attendees will also be able to learn how to apply and qualify for free building trade apprenticeship programs.

The Building Women Exploration Fair is presented by the Western Apprenticeship Coordinators Association (WACA) in partnership with the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, Job Opportunities in Nevada (JOIN), Inc., Truckee Meadows Community College, and Western Nevada Supply.

The City of Reno is dedicated to a diversified workforce representative of the community. For more information about the event visit www.buildingtradejobs.org.

What: Building Women Exploration Fair

When: Friday, April 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: TMCC/IGT Applied Technology Center at 475 Edison Way, Reno, Nevada

Reno Council Members Sharon Zadra and Jessica Sferrazza began the Spring series of their informal outreach “Fresh Air, New Ideas” at Dragonfies Cafe and Gift Shop. A number of residents talked about ideas for improving Reno’s economy. The Council women held the gathering at the Cafe to acquaint residents with the business and its goals. Dragonflies is a non-profit that helps families, mostly single women get jobs and a stable lifestyle. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MH3EvSzbUg]