City Of Reno: City Of Reno Looking For Feedback On State And Local Fiscal Relief Funds

Press release from the City of Reno:

09/23/2021 2:15 PM

The City of Reno is looking for public input on the use of State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds. The City of Reno will receive more than $51 million as part of the next round of pandemic relief funds, also known as the American Rescue Plan. This community engagement effort is meant to ensure that the public has a voice in the process, and a say in how the funds are ultimately used.

In a continued effort to boost community engagement related to the use of State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds, the City of Reno is collaborating with state partners to host a community event on September 25, 2021, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the McKinley Arts & Culture Center.

“I am proud that the City of Reno is undertaking a robust process to take in ideas directly from residents for how best to spend funds from the American Rescue Plan,” Governor Steve Sisolak said. “By working collaboratively with our local communities, we can work to build a more resilient State for the next generation of Nevadans.”

“I’d like to thank Governor Sisolak and Treasurer Conine for their collaboration on this important effort to engage our citizens during this critical time,” Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said. “The pandemic has taken a toll on so many families and businesses in our city and region, and that’s why it’s important that we all have a voice at the table. We are working together to ensure we are spending our funds efficiently and in a way that best supports our region. We want to hear from you, Reno.”

The September 25 event will include an opportunity for community members to learn more about the process, provide direct feedback on areas that matter to them, and learn how to submit ideas and project proposals to the City for consideration.

The event will also include outdoor games, live music, and an opportunity to meet Boston the arson dog. In addition, the Reno Fire Department (RFD) will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic open to anyone 18 and older (Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines will be available).

This event is just one way to provide feedback and share ideas. The City has launched additional opportunities to share ideas, submit proposals, and provide feedback to ensure everyone has a voice:

• Attend a Neighborhood Advisory Board (NAB) in October.
• Submit a project proposal online at Reno.gov/Recovery.
• Email ideas to FiscalRelief@Reno.gov.

The City also encourages residents to fill out the statewide survey at NevadaRecovers.com.

Background

On August 25, 2021, the Reno City Council approved a plan that included a process to seek public input on the use of State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds (SLFRF) awarded to the City as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

This plan included collaboration with the State of Nevada through their listening tour events and the development of additional Reno-specific opportunities for the community to provide feedback and ideas on how allocated funds can aid in mitigation and recovery from the pandemic.

“The State is currently engaged in a 75-day listening tour to get feedback from the community on how we can spend the $6.7 billion that Nevada has received from the American Rescue Plan,” State Treasurer Zach Conine said. “The City of Reno has been a tremendous partner in these efforts, and I encourage as many residents as possible to participate in this process and make their voices heard.”

Staff has attended and participated in multiple State events, including community meetings dedicated to specific populations identified as the hardest hit and most affected by the pandemic, as well as other industry-focused groups. Staff will continue to attend State-sponsored events in the City and gather feedback important to our community.

Events will wrap up in October and require a period dedicated to compiling the information gathered through in-person discussions, online forms, and submissions. The State will share data from the local area with the City to utilize in developing the total allocation plan.

This press release was produced by the City of Reno. The views expressed here are the author’s own.