The ‘biggest little city’ plans to hire consultants to develop a plan for a more vibrant, more walkable downtown strip.

The Reno City Council will consider hiring a consultant to create a redesign for the city’s downtown, reports Bob Conrad in This is Reno.
“City officials are focusing on changes to Virginia Street, while a Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) study about downtown is still ongoing and survey results have yet to be reported,” Conrad explains.
“Phase one ideas include a ‘streetscape furnishing zone’ and ‘facade improvements,’ wherein the city will pay 50% to applicants for changes to building exteriors and up to $50,000 for interior improvements.” One city councilmember expressed concern about adding more public seating, much of which was removed in 2016 to prevent unhoused people from using it.
“Ky Plaskon with the Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance said the city should emphasize public safety first before implementing these changes,” calling on the city to improve its bike infrastructure.
FULL STORY: Council preview: Downtown makeover plans up for consideration

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.

Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.

Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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