Pilot Overview
ReSecure is a voluntary matching grant pilot offered by the Reno Redevelopment Agency (RDA) to support safety-focused property improvements in Redevelopment Areas 1 and 2.
The pilot initiative provides financial assistance to eligible businesses and property owners investing in physical improvements that enhance visibility, improve environmental design conditions, and support safer commercial corridors.
ReSecure supports improvements aligned with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. These strategies focus on how the built environment can reduce opportunities for crime while strengthening both actual and perceived safety in commercial areas.
The pilot provides dollar-for-dollar matched reimbursement funding of up to $5,000 per eligible business or property.
ReSecure is designed as a pilot initiative intended to support small business investment, improve corridor conditions, and evaluate the effectiveness of safety-oriented environmental improvements within redevelopment areas.
Pilot Goals
The ReSecure pilot is intended to:
- Support safety-focused capital improvements
- Encourage reinvestment in commercial properties
- Improve visibility and access control within business corridors
- Reduce blight and environmental conditions that contribute to crime
- Lower financial barriers for businesses seeking to make safety improvements
- Promote Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies
Funding
The ReSecure pilot operates as a reimbursement-based matching grant pilot initiative. Funding is reimbursement only. Applicants must complete the project and submit documentation before funds are disbursed. Funding for the pilot has been approved in the FY26 Redevelopment Agency budget - Redevelopment Area Funding Allocation Area 1 $50,000; Area 2 $50,000; Total Pilot Funding $100,000.
- Dollar-for-dollar match
- Maximum reimbursement: $5,000 per eligible business or property
- Improvements must be completed within 90 days of award
- Improvements must remain operational for at least two (2) years
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Located within Redevelopment Area 1 or 2
- Hold a valid City of Reno business license and be in good standing
- Retail, service, or commercial property business
- Property owners or tenants may apply
- Obtain written consent from the property owner prior to installation of improvements if the applicant is a tenant
Ineligible Applicants
The Reno Redevelopment Agency reserves the right to determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis. The following businesses or properties are not eligible:
- Single-family residential properties
- Properties with open code cases
Eligible Improvements
All improvements must be exterior-facing or directly related to visibility, access control, or public safety conditions. Eligible expenses include:
Security Camera & Technology Improvements
Camera integration and registration is required and will be coordinated with Reno Police. For more information about compatible equipment, visit ConnectReno.Org
- Compatible exterior security camera systems
- DVR / NVR / VMS upgrades
- Video storage equipment
- Mounting hardware and installation
- Exterior deterrence signage
- Fusus Core hardware
- Public-facing security mirrors
Lighting Improvements
- Exterior building lighting
- Parking lot lighting
- Alley lighting
- Exterior entryway lighting
- Exterior LED security lighting upgrades
- Exterior motion-activated lighting
Access Control & Building Hardening
- Secured vestibules
- Anti-graffiti/etching treatment
- Roll-down security grilles
- Anti-smash window film
- Trash enclosure modifications to reduce concealment
Landscaping & Visibility Improvements
These landscaping and designs must be approved by City or RDA staff as CPTED informed improvements. A CPTED assessment may be required if recommended by staff.
- Trimming or removal of overgrown landscaping
- Reconfiguration of planters blocking sightlines
- Installation of low-height landscaping
- Removal of visual obstructions near entrances
- CPTED-informed façade visibility improvements
- Alley visibility improvements
Ineligible Expenses
RDA staff will determine final eligibility of all proposed improvements. The following expenses are not eligible:
- Rent or lease payments
- Utilities
- Subscription services or monitoring fees
- Furniture or interior fixtures
- Private security personnel
- Equipment purchased prior to funding approval
- Interior improvements
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit a complete application
- Provide before photos of the project area
- Comply with all permitting requirements
- Submit vendor quotes or cost estimates
- Provide a W-9 form
- Provide property owner consent (if tenant)
- Submit proof of project completion
- Provide after photos and invoices
- Be responsible for selecting their own contractors who are licensed and insured. The Reno Redevelopment Agency does not guarantee contractor work.
Project Completion & Reimbursement
After receiving an award:
- Applicant completes the project
- Applicant submits final documentation
- RDA verifies completion
- Reimbursement is issued
Required documentation includes:
- Final invoices and receipts
- Proof of payment
- Before and after photos
- Verification of installation
Projects must be completed within 90 days of award.
Application Review Process
Applications will be reviewed by RDA staff based on:
- Location within redevelopment areas
- Eligibility and completeness
- Alignment with CPTED principles
- Readiness to proceed
- Potential corridor-level impact
- No existing code violations
Privacy & Camera Systems
If security cameras are included as part of the proposed improvements, the applicant is required to participate in the City of Reno’s Connect Reno camera registration and integration program, coordinated with the Reno Police Department. All camera equipment must be compatible with program requirements.
Participation in ReSecure is voluntary. Businesses retain ownership and control of all installed systems. Participation does not grant continuous or unrestricted access to private camera systems. Any potential data sharing with the Reno Police Department would occur only through a separate agreement or lawful request.
Pilot Administration
The Reno Redevelopment Agency retains full authority to:
- Determine applicant eligibility
- Approve or deny applications
- Determine eligible expenses
- Modify or terminate the pilot initiative
Participation in the pilot does not guarantee funding. Decisions of the Redevelopment Agency are final.
Pilot Contact:
Jenica Finnegan
775-399-0571
FinneganJ@Reno.Gov
Small Walls
Program Overview
Small Walls is a program that partners local artists with businesses and property owners to paint murals or create artwork on private property that is public facing. The current initiative is a partnership between the City of Reno Arts & Culture Division and the Reno Redevelopment Agency (RDA).This program is funded by the RDA and is designed to enliven downtown and surrounding districts within Redevelopment Areas 1 and 2. Spaces for murals and facade artwork should be approximately 750 to 1000 square feet (75 ft x 10 ft, for example). Larger scale murals or facade artwork may be considered, however, due to budget constraints and goals of the program, smaller walls are ideal.
Businesses are eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in matching funds. Businesses are required to work with a local artist from a prequalified list supplied by the City. If you are awarded a grant, we will work with you to find an artist on the list that matches the scale and medium of the project application. Projects funded through this program must remain in place and be maintained for a minimum of two years.
This program supports the goals of the Reno Redevelopment Agency and the new Public Art Master Plan, including:
- Enhancing walkability and improving the visual character of priority corridors
- Activating storefronts to reduce blight and encourage pedestrian activity
- Reducing barriers to entry for emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Supporting local artists and providing next-level opportunities
- Bringing creative placemaking to priority areas of the city
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, properties must be located within the official boundaries of Redevelopment Area 1 or Area 2 (Map). The applicant may be either a property owner or a tenant with a valid lease or intent to lease, provided both parties submit written acknowledgement and consent.
Eligible commercial uses include:
- Retail shops
- Food and beverage establishments (cafes, restaurants, and bars)
- Personal and professional services (barber shops, salons, studios)
- Fitness and wellness facilities
- Experiential concepts and creative spaces (art, coworking, games)
- Residential and office spaces
Ineligible properties and uses include:
- Businesses selling primarily tobacco or marijuana, packaged alcohol, firearms, or adult-themed content
Eligible projects include:
- Murals
- Sculptural artwork attached to a facade (metal cut-outs, screening, etc.)
- Window treatments (vinyl wraps, etc.)
Program Funding Structure
Small Walls offers 50% matching reimbursement grants for awarded projects, up to $10,000.
Please note that this is a reimbursement-based grant. All project costs must be incurred and paid upfront by the awardee. Funds will be reimbursed upon verified project completion and proof of payment.
Funding is based on budget availability. Projects will be reviewed on a competitive basis. Applying does not guarantee funding. Only one application per business allowed.
Sculptural work must be permitted per City of Reno building codes. Sculptural work may require engineering and structural support (footings, etc.). Artwork cannot function as signage and cannot include any logos or imagery related to the business, otherwise, it will be considered a sign and not eligible for funding.
One mural/project per building per funding round.
Application Process
The City will announce a call for applications through its official website, local media, and community outreach channels.
Interested property owners or business tenants must submit a completed application form through the City’s Submittable portal. The application must include project location and proposed space, proposed budget, timeline, and general proposal for artwork (it is not necessary to have a design prepared as business owners will work with an artist to finalize artwork).
Applications are being accepted on a rolling deadline. Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis and accepted until funds are expended.
Application Materials
- Complete application form.
- Proof of parcel ownership and/or applicant (tenant) lease agreement.
- Signed letter acknowledging both property owner(s) and tenant agree to improvements.
- Photos of proposed project space.
- Short project proposal, not including artwork design.
- Project total cost—including match and grant request for matching funds.
Evaluation Criteria
A selection committee will evaluate the applications based on the criteria below:
Public Visibility & Placemaking Impact (25 pts)
- Visibility from public right-of-way (pedestrian + vehicular)
- Contribution to street vibrancy, safety, and identity
- Proximity to gateways, plazas, transit, or key corridors
Location & Context (25 pts)
- Street-level activation (primary frontage gets priority)
- Relationship to surrounding uses (retail, plazas, river, housing)
- Contribution to underserved or transitioning areas
Feasibility & Readiness (25 pts)
- Property owner consent and wall condition verified
- Realistic budget and match secured
- Permitting and access plan identified
Community Alignment & Longevity (25 pts)
- Durability and maintenance plan (2+ year expectation)
- Compatibility with adopted plan, branding, or district identity
- Cultural relevance or local storytelling
Reimbursement Requirements
Selected projects will enter into a grant agreement with the City, outlining the terms and conditions of the funding.
All projects must be in compliance with all zoning and building code requirements.
Mural must start within 60 days of award.
Must be completed within 180 days.
Proof of payment to artist required for reimbursement.
Acknowledgement to the City of Reno Arts and Culture Division and the Reno Redevelopment Agency in any media and marketing opportunities.