Background + Purpose
The City of Reno Arts & Culture Commission (RACC) acknowledges our country’s colonial establishment and its violent impact upon non-dominant communities within the state and the region. RACC values its ongoing commitment to cultural awareness, social responsibility, and measurable actions to support and benefit those who have been historically marginalized, muted, and underserved. The Equity Expansion Grant is RACC's next conscious step in aligning our public service to provide arts well-being thoughtfully and intentionally throughout the Reno community.
Overview
The Equity Expansion Grant is intended to provide programmatic funding to eligible organizations that provide arts, culture, and heritage services. The grant prioritizes organizations historically facing social, financial, and/or geographic barriers. The grant prioritizes projects and activities that are by and for American Indian and Alaska Native, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Hispanic and Latinx, LGBTQIA+, disabled, youth, seniors, and access-challenged communities.
La subvención de expansión de equidad (Equity Expansion Grant) tiene como objetivo proporcionar financiación programática a organizaciones elegibles que brinden servicios de arte, cultura y patrimonio. La subvención prioriza a las organizaciones que históricamente han enfrentado barreras sociales, financieras y/o geográficas. La subvención prioriza proyectos y actividades realizados por y para personas indígenas y nativos de Alaska, árabes y del Medio Oriente, asiáticos e isleños del Pacífico, comunidades con orígenes africanos y afroamericanos, hispanos y latinos, LGBTQIA+, con capacidades especiales, jóvenes, adultos mayores y comunidades con desafíos de acceso. Si desea asistencia o más información en español, comuníquese con el personal al bernerm@reno.gov.
Grant Amount
- Up to $4,000
Applicant Eligibility
- Applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations based in Reno.
- This includes colleges, universities, public schools, libraries, and federally recognized tribes.
- Organizations that do not have 501(c)3 status may use a fiscal sponsor.
- The applicant organization must have at least one year of operating history in Reno.
- Organizations cannot apply for multiple Arts & Culture Grants for the same project. Each application must be distinctly unique. For example, if you are applying for an Arts & Culture Project Grant, your application for an Equity Expansion Grant must be for a different project with no overlap.
- City of Reno map
Funding may be used for:
- Education Programming (including demonstrations, lectures, and workshops)
- Entertainment Programming (including performances, events, festivals, and traditions)
- Public Art Programming (including exhibitions, materials, and artist fees)
Funding may not be used for:
- Hospitality Expenses (including food, beverages)
- Operating Expenses (including staff salary, rent, office equipment, or repairs)
- Competition Expenses (including scholarships, prizes, or grants)
- Activities with implicit religious content
Requirements
- Programming must be advertised, free, and accessible to the public.
- Programming must support and benefit under-served communities.
- Programming must occur within the City of Reno between January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024.
- Applicants will be responsible for securing any appropriate public exhibition space and any permission or permits required regarding their proposal.
Submission
- Applicants must submit applications via Submittable according to the following deadlines:
- Deadline to apply for programming taking place between January 1 - April 30, 2024 is November 30, 2023.
- Deadline to apply for programming taking place between May 1 - August 30, 2024 is March 31, 2024.
- Deadline to apply for programming taking place between September 1 - December 31, 2024 is July 30, 2024.
- Awardees will be required to submit a final report that includes a narrative of activities carried out, attendance/participation numbers, number of artists paid, and images of the activities carried out. The City of Reno also requires audience/participant surveys be completed. Survey questions will be provided by the City upon award of grants.
Questions: Anza Jarschke, Arts + Culture Program Assistant, JarschkeA@reno.gov / 775-689-8459
If you would like assistance in Spanish, please contact staff at bernerm@reno.gov.*
*Si desea asistencia en español, comuníquese con el personal al bernerm@reno.gov.
FY23/24 Special Event Sponsorship
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno Special Event Sponsorships are awarded to permitted events hosted in the City of Reno. The events may be anywhere within the Reno city limits. Sponsorships will be used to off-set City services billed in conjunction with the performance of the special event.
A Special Event is any planned gathering of 75 or more persons which is to assemble or travel in an organized manner on any street, park or other public property; or,
Any planned activity conducted by a person for a common or collective use, purpose or benefit which directly or indirectly involves the use of, and has an impact on, city street(s), park(s), or other public property or facilities which reasonable requires city management, regulation, or resources to protect the health, safety, welfare, or property of the city or its residents, coordinate multiple used of public property, control traffic, or address other substancial governmental interests at or around the activity.
Examples of special events include, but are not limited to:
- Parades;
- Street fairs and festivals;
- Live commercial music events;
- Athletic or sporting events (e.g. races, runs);
- Circuses or carnivals;
- Community celebrations and observances;
- Commercial shows, trade shows, and business promotions;
- Commercial promotional or fund-raising activities.
A competitive application will demonstrate economic, social, or cultural impact as well as a plan to reach in the following ways:
- Engages participants through a variety of means
- Event times, locations, facilities, and technology are accessible to the public
- Collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve future special events
- Demonstrates social, educational, cultural, and/or economic relevance for the community
- Contributes to vibrant, creative neighborhoods
ELIGIBILITY:
- Event permitted July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024
- Timely permit application (90 days prior to event), payment for Special Event fees charged by the City
- Held within City limits
Special Event Sponsorship applications will be evaluated based on the following:
1. The Event: All answers in this section address overall merit including overall benefit to the Community including tourism, open space activation, and cultural impact.
2. The Community: Questions in this section describe the organization’s ability to engage the community effectively. Answers should include evidence that the organization understands the economic impact or community engagement.
3. Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations: These questions will seek to learn your target audience, communication plans, and what resources will be dedicated to marketing and promoting your event.
4. Financial: This section will address the specific budget for the event or project. Show realistic numbers for costs related to the event.
FUNDING:
Committee discretion for allocation of up to $200,000 for events permitted in Reno. Limits per event will be set and determined by the Sponsorship Committee.
Sponsorship funds will not be dispersed until final billing for Special Events fees charged by the City is complete.
TIMELINE:
Sponsorship is eligible for events occurring between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis.
DEADLINE:
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED AT LEAST 90 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR EVENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
If you need assistance, please reach out to the Events team at events@reno.gov if you have any questions.
*If you would like assistance in Spanish, please contact staff at Arie Zamorano - (775) 348-6907, zamoranoa@reno.gov or Luci Ramos - (775) 348-6904, ramosl@reno.gov.
*Si desea asistencia en español o para asistir a un taller de becas en español, comuníquese con el personal al Arie Zamorano - (775) 348-6907, zamoranoa@reno.gov o Luci Ramos - (775) 348-6904, ramosl@reno.gov.
City of Reno Poet Laureate 2024-2025
NOMINATION GUIDELINES
The City of Reno is now seeking candidates to serve as the honorary City of Reno Poet Laureate, the mission of which is to promote poetry as both an art form and a means of inspirational public commentary.
Background
Established by the Reno City Council in 2014, the City of Reno Poet Laureate is a distinguished position conferred upon a local poet who has a record of achievements in poetry and ability to advance poetry in the public domain. The Poet Laureate participates in public gatherings or educational settings and work with the Arts and Culture division of the City Manager's Office to share works of poetry or commentary on Reno life.
Requirements of Nominees
To be considered, a poet must be a resident of the Truckee Meadows and be available to present public activities throughout the year. A poet may be self or other nominated.
Selection Process
The selection process will be facilitated by the Reno Arts and Culture Commission (RACC). The selection committee will be comprised of one present or former poet laureate, if available, and the RACC, facilitated by a staff liaison. The committee will use the criteria of distinguished achievements, quality of work, and ability to advance poetry in the public domain. The Reno City Council will make the final selection based on the recommendation of the RACC.
Requirements of the Position
The Poet Laureate will meet with Arts & Culture Staff to outline their preference of activities during the two-year term. A minimum of four (4) public engagements each year by the Poet Laureate on behalf of the City as well as a community engagement component are required. Examples include a residency in a school, regular office hours at a public location, creation of an original piece in collaboration with the community, regular appearances on local radio. As the mission of the position is to present and advance poetry in the public domain, the Poet Laureate must be able and willing to participate in various public gatherings and educational settings throughout their term. The poet laureate will work directly with the staff liaison from the Arts & Culture office.
Length of Term
The term of City of Reno Poet Laureate is two years. Funding from the Reno Arts and Culture Commission will provide a $1,500 honorarium, per year, to support activities. The term will be from January 2024 – December 2025.
To Apply
Please submit the following in PDF format via Submittable:
· Publication or Performance Credits
Anthologies – include title, publisher, editor, date of publication and poem titles
Chapbooks/Books – include title, publisher and date of publication
Journals/Magazines – include title, volume and number, date of publication and poem titles
Performances – proof of participation in performances with local or national poetry organizations. Include a copy of program from event or web page.
NOTE: Do not include: prose writing, vanity press publication or any self-published work, non-print (on-line) publication, and works appearing in publications for which you served as editor. We are seeking quality, not quantity of writing.
· List of accomplishments and contributions to poetry at large (2 page maximum) (This could include related professional or volunteer work, awards and honors)
· 2-3 letters of recommendation
· One Page Artist Statement/Vision of the Role of Reno Poet Laureate and how the nominee would fulfill this role.
· NOTE: Finalists may be asked for samples or copies of their published work or to present to the RACC during an interview.
Deadline
Please submit a completed application via Submittable by 11:00 p.m., Sunday, October 8, 2023
Timeline
October 8, 2023 – Nomination/application process closes
Week of October 9 – Committee reviews and scores applications
October 16, 2023 – RACC makes recommendation on next Poet Laureate
November 2023- City Council to review/approve Poet Laureate selection
If you have any questions, please contact Arts & Culture Manager, Megan Berner, at bernerm@reno.gov.
2024 Arts & Culture Event Grants
SUMMARY:
The City of Reno Arts & Culture Event Grants are awarded to nonprofit arts and culture and non-arts organizations for one-time arts & culture events. The events may be anywhere within the Reno city limits. All events must be free and open to the general public. Events should be designed to attract the maximum number of people, as appropriate for the event and site. Funds may be used to support community festivals, special performances, exhibitions, concerts and other events. (One-time events include weekend festivals or events that take place over the course of one week. Recurring events over a longer period do not qualify as a one-time event).
Allowable event costs include: personnel, artistic and production fees, space rental, travel, marketing and advertising, and other event-related expenses. Event Grants may NOT be used for the following: capital improvements or acquisition of equipment or property, projects which further the aims of religious organizations, fundraising, prizes, projects which involve touring outside of Reno, indirect costs, general operating costs, and scholarships or research stipends.
A competitive application will demonstrate social impact beyond a traditional audience experience, as well as a plan to reach diverse and underserved populations in the following ways:
- Engages participants through a variety of means
- Project times, locations, facilities, and technology are accessible to the public
- Understands the community it services (geographical, cultural, economic, racial, educational relevance, etc.)
- Collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve community-focused programming
- Demonstrates social, educational, cultural, and/or economic relevance for the community
- Contributes to vibrant, creative neighborhoods
ELIGIBILITY:
- Non-profit organizations or public institutions under chapter 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or qualified educational institutions. Grants will not be awarded to individuals.
- Applicants may apply for a City of Reno Project Grant as well but may only be considered for one depending on amount of funding requests. Project Grant programming must be different than a grant request for an Event Grant.
- Non-profit organizations or public institutions can only apply for one Event Grant.
- 10% cash match of requested funds.
Event Grant applications will be evaluated based on the following:
1. Organization Profile: This section is provides an overview of the nonprofit that includes its mission, background, recent accomplishments, program descriptions, governance, senior leadership, and financial history. This section asks questions about the organization’s overall health as a nonprofit. Areas that influence the overall health of a nonprofit are the size and make-up of the governing board of directors, qualifications and abilities of staff, leadership demographics in relation to the population being served, regular organizational assessment, and short and long-term goal setting. Note: No scoring will be put on the organizational profile part of this grant however the questions are on this grant so organizations know what to expect for future grant processes.
2. The Event: All answers in this section address artistic and cultural merit. Components discussed here should include the artistic genres that will be used in programming, qualifications of the lead artist(s), how standards will be defined, and what artistic goals/outcomes the program will produce.
3. The Community: Questions in this section describe the organization’s ability to engage the community effectively. Answers should include evidence that the organization understands the community it is trying to serve, program offerings are something that fills an artistic/cultural need, and the program has been developed with a focus on arts access.
4. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA): This section seeks to understand how your organization works to identify and address issues related to IDEA through your proposed event. Answers should explain how your event demonstrates social, education, cultural and/or economic relevance for the community, how you plan to identify and connect with underserved communities, what strategies you will put in place to overcome barriers to audience participation, and how you plan to meet physical and programmatic accessibility requirements.
5. Budget: This section will address the specific budget for the event or project. Show realistic numbers for costs related to the event or project and show that artists and personnel are being paid fair wages.
Download our Grant Writing Tips.
Download the Grant Review Guidelines.
FUNDING:
$7,000 maximum (10% cash match)
TIMELINE:
Event grants must take place from January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.
DEADLINE:
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED before 11:00 pm on Saturday, September 30 2023.
FINAL REPORTING:
Grant funds will not be dispersed until final reporting is complete. Organizations must submit a final budget for the project to show total expenses and revenues and demonstrate that the match was met. They must also fill out a final report that includes whether the project/event met the anticipated goals, outline the total number of personnel that worked on the project/event, the total number of volunteers on the project/event, an example from the project/event that strengthens the case for increased funding in the arts, and three photographs from the project. There is an audience survey component that is required. Forms will be supplied to organizations for audience survey. This survey gathers important data for the City to ensure equitable funding and assess and identify areas for improvement. If this component is not met, funding will not be released.
Please reach out to Anza Jarschke at jarschkea@reno.gov if you have any questions.
*If you would like assistance in Spanish, please contact staff at (775) 326-6333.
*Si desea asistencia en español o para asistir a un taller de becas en español, comuníquese con el personal al (775) 326-6333.
2024 Arts & Culture Project Grants
SUMMARY:
RACC Arts & Culture Project Grants challenge arts and culture nonprofits to serve Reno's traditionally under-invested populations and youth programming and to seek innovative partnerships. The grant applications ask organizations to demonstrate social impact beyond a traditional audience experience as well as a plan to reach diverse and under-served populations.
Project Grants may NOT be used for the following: capital improvements or acquisition of equipment or property, projects which further the aims of religious organizations, fundraising, prizes, projects which involve touring outside of Reno, indirect costs, general operating costs, and scholarships or research stipends.
Arts Access Project
This category is open to arts and non-arts nonprofit organizations. Awards support projects that engage at least one of Reno's traditionally under-invested populations in unique, creative activities or artmaking. Under-invested populations may include one or more of the following: seniors, ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab and Native American), people with disabilties, new Americans, low-income, veterans and LGBTQ. Projects funded in this category will encourage participation in the visual arts, craft, media, music, theater, dance, folk, history or literary arts through events, performances, exhibits, classes/workshops and other arts programs. Expenses that qualify for funding include artist fees, public performance and exhibition costs, project-related promotion and marketing, arts consultants, guest teaching artist fees, materials, supplies, etc. Applicants can receive up to fifty percent of eligible program costs, not to exceed $7,000. Requires a 1:1 cash match.
Youth Arts Project
This category is open to arts and non-arts nonprofit organizations that provide programming for youth under the ages of 18 years old. Projects funded in this category will encourage participation in the visual arts, craft, media, music, theater, dance, folk, or literary arts though events, performances, exhibits, classes/workshops and other arts programs. Projects must be lead by an artist(s) who has experience working with youth and be guided by an approach or process for teaching and/or presenting art. Expenses that qualify funding include artist fees, public performance and exhibition costs, project-related promotion and marketing, arts consultants, guest teaching artist fees, materials, supplies, etc. Applicants can receive up to fifty percent of eligible program costs, not to exceed $7,000. Requires a 1:1 cash match.
A competitive application will demonstrate social impact beyond a traditional audience experience as well as a plan to reach diverse and underserved populations in the following ways:
- Engages participants through a variety of means
- Project times, locations, facilities, and technology are accessible to the public
- Understands the community it services (geographical, cultural, economic, racial, educational relevance, etc.)
- Utilizes partnerships to effectively serve specific communities
- Collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve community-focused programming
- Demonstrates social, educational, cultural, and/or economic relevance for the community
- Contributes to vibrant, creative neighborhoods
ELIGIBILITY:
- Non-profit organizations or public institutions under chapter 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or qualified educational institutions. Grants will not be awarded to individuals.
- Applicants may apply for a City of Reno Event Grant as well but may only be considered for one depending on amount of funding requests. Event Grant programming must be different than a grant request for a Project Grant.
- Non-profit organizations or public institutions can only apply for one Project Grant.
- 1:1 cash match of requested funds.
Project Grant applications will be evaluated based on the following:
1. Organization Profile: This section provides an overview of the nonprofit that includes its mission, background, recent accomplishments, program descriptions, governance, senior leadership, and financial history. This section asks questions about the organization’s overall health as a nonprofit. Areas that influence the overall health of a nonprofit are the size and make-up of the governing board of directors, qualifications and abilities of staff, leadership demographics in relation to the population being served, regular organizational assessment, and short and long-term goal setting. Note: No scoring will be put on the organizational profile part of this grant however the questions are on this grant so organizations know what to expect for future grant processes.
2. The Project: All answers in this section address artistic and cultural merit. Components discussed here should include the artistic genres that will be used in programming, qualifications of the lead artist(s), how standards will be defined, and what artistic goals/outcomes the program will produce.
3. The Community: Questions in this section describe the organization’s ability to engage the community effectively. Answers should include evidence that the organization understands the community it is trying to serve, program offerings are something that fills an artistic/cultural need, and the program has been developed with a focus on arts access.
4. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA): This section seeks to understand how your organization works to identify and address issues related to IDEA through your proposed event. Answers should demonstrate how your project demonstrates social, education, cultural and/or economic relevance for the community, how you plan to identify and connect with underserved communities, what strategies you will put in place to overcome barriers to audience participation, and how you plan to meet physical and programmatic accessibility requirements.
5. Budget: This section will address the specific budget for the event or project. Show realistic numbers for costs related to the event or project and show that artists and personnel are being paid fair wages.
Download our Grant Writing Tips.
Download the Grant Review Guidelines.
FUNDING:
$7,000 maximum (1:1 cash match)
TIMELINE:
Project grants must take place from January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.
DEADLINE:
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED before 11:00 pm on Saturay, September 30, 2023.
FINAL REPORTING:
Grant funds will not be dispersed until final reporting is complete. Organizations must submit a final budget for the project to show total expenses and revenues and demonstrate that the match was met. They must also fill out a final report that includes whether the project/event met the anticipated goals, outline the total number of personnel that worked on the project/event, the total number of volunteers on the project/event, an example from the project/event that strengthens the case for increased funding in the arts, and three photographs from the project. There is an audience survey component that is required. Forms will be supplied to organizations for audience survey. This survey gathers important data for the City to ensure equitable funding and assess and identify areas for improvement. If this component is not met, funding will not be released.
Please reach out to Anza Jarschke at jarschkea@reno.gov if you have any questions.
*If you would like assistance in Spanish, please contact staff at (775) 326-6333.
*Si desea asistencia en español o para asistir a un taller de becas en español, comuníquese con el personal al (775) 326-6333.
Program Description:
The ReStore Facade and Tenant Improvement Program is designed to enhance the visual appeal, economic vitality, and overall livability of commercial areas of downtown. The program provides matching grants to both property owners and business tenants for facade improvements and interior upgrades.
Funding Limits:
The City of Reno will reimburse applicants for 50% of eligible costs up to maximum grant total of $50,000 for exterior facade improvement projects, and up to $50,000 for interior tenant improvement projects. Matching grants for facade and tenant improvements can be combined at select locations for up to $100,000 in reimbursement.
Funding Guidelines:
1. The City will provide a matching grant of up to 50% of the total project costs, capped at $50,000, to be reimbursed after the completion of the improvements.
2. Applicants must secure the remaining project funding from their own resources or other sources.
3. Grants will be awarded while funding is available on a first-come, first-served and competitive basis, taking into consideration the quality of the proposed improvements, exceptional design, impact on the streetscape, and potential economic benefits.
4. Applicants must agree to maintain the improvements for a minimum of five years from the date of completion.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Property owners and business tenants located in commercial and mixed use districts and neighborhoods.
2. The property must be used for commercial use.
3. Applications must demonstrate a commitment to long-term occupancy and maintenance of the improved property.
4. First floor retail units must be usable for retail or restaurant uses at the completion of the project and shall be actively marketed for lease at reasonable lease rates for 5 years following the grant award.
5. With the exception of eligible architectural or design fees accrued during the application process, any work performed or materials purchased prior to approval of the agreement will not be eligible for reimbursement under the program.
6. A building permit shall be submitted within 90 days of the approved program agreement. Work shall be complete within 180 days of an approved building permit, unless an alternative completion deadline is approved and incorporated into the final agreement. Extensions may be granted based on the discretion of the City.
7. Any work intruding within the public right-of-way, such as awnings, signage and building facades, will also require approval and additional permitting through the Public Works Department.
8. Failure to complete the project within the time required will result in the agreement being terminated and reimbursement funding will not be provided.
Application and Selection Process:
1. The City will announce a call for applications through its official website, local media, and community outreach channels.
2. Interested property owners or business tenants must submit a completed application form, including project details, proposed budget, timeline, and any supporting documentation (e.g., sketches, renderings, historical preservation plans).
3. A selection committee will evaluate the applications based on criteria such as architectural compatibility, design quality, historical preservation, impact on the surrounding area, and potential economic benefits. All improvements must be in compliance with all zoning and building code requirements.
4. Selected projects will enter into a grant agreement with the City, outlining the terms and conditions of the funding.
5. Selected projects will have up to 90 days to submit for a building permit and another 180 days to complete the work upon approval of a building permit.
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 current facade and interior (respective to each grant program).
- Design drawings produced by a licensed architect or design professional showing complete renovation.
- Three bids or cost estimates (The City will only fund a project using the most reasonable qualified bid/quote).
Facade Improvement Program (FIP):
Program Objectives:
1. Enhance the visual quality and aesthetics of commercial properties in Reno.
2. Revitalize downtown as a unique cultural and retail hub.
3. Reduce vacancies in downtown.
4. Promote economic development and attract visitors and residents to downtown.
5. Preserve and restore historical features, where applicable.
Eligible Expenses:
1. Exterior facade painting and repairs.
2. Signage installation and upgrades.
3. Architectural enhancements, such as awnings, canopies, or decorative elements.
4. Windows and doors replacement or restoration.
5. Lighting improvements for safety and ambiance.
6. Landscaping enhancements within the facade area.
7. Accessibility upgrades to comply with ADA requirements.
8. Preservation and restoration of historical facade elements.
9. Other facade improvements that enhance the visual appeal and contribute to the vitality of the commercial area.
10. Architectural/design services and design. Not to exceed 10% of project costs.
Tenant Improvement Program (TIP):
Program Objectives:
- To encourage activation of storefronts throughout the urban core with new businesses.
- To incentivize private investment into the commercial units and expand the offerings of existing businesses.
- Support business growth and economic vitality by providing financial assistance for interior improvements.
- Enhance the functionality, accessibility, and overall customer experience of commercial spaces.
Eligible Expenses:
1. Interior design and space planning.
2. Structural modifications, including walls, ceilings, and flooring.
3. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC upgrades.
4. Lighting improvements for energy efficiency and ambiance.
5. Installation of fixtures, cabinetry, shelving, and displays.
6. Accessibility upgrades to comply with ADA requirements.
7. Soundproofing and insulation.
8. Safety and security enhancements.
9. Other interior improvements that contribute to the functionality, aesthetics, and customer experience.
** The City of Reno currently has a Brownfields Grant program that can be combined with the RE-Store program to cover the cost of Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments and Hazardous Material Assessments for adaptive reuse projects within downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. I am a tenant. Do I need the property owner's approval to apply for the program?
Yes, if you are a tenant applying for the program, you will need to provide a letter of approval from the property owner. The property owner's consent is necessary to ensure that both parties are aligned on the improvements being made to the property.
2. I am a property owner. Do I need to work with my tenant?
Yes, property owners are required to collaborate with their tenants and obtain their consent for the proposed improvements. This program encourages cooperation between property owners and tenants to enhance the storefronts and overall commercial spaces. Mutual agreement is an essential part of the application process.
3. This is ARPA funding. How much reporting and grant management am I required to do?
The reporting and grant management requirements for the program are designed to be straightforward. While specific details will be outlined in the grant agreement, participants are generally expected to provide project updates, documentation of expenses, and completion reports. The City of Reno aims to streamline the reporting process to minimize administrative burden.
4. Do I get to choose my design consultant and the contractor for construction?
Yes, you have the flexibility to choose your design consultant and contractor for the project. It's important to work with professionals who are experienced and capable of delivering the desired improvements. The design and contractor selection should align with the project's goals and meet all necessary permitting and code requirements.
5. Are the improvements required to meet prevailing wage?
No, the improvements under this program are not required to meet prevailing wage requirements. However, participants are encouraged to adhere to fair labor practices and work with reputable contractors.
6. How long will funds be available?
Funds for the ReStore Facade and Tenant Improvement Program will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. It's recommended to submit your application promptly to secure your place in the program.
7. I have multiple storefronts. How many projects can I apply for?
Property owners with multiple storefronts are eligible to apply for a separate project for each storefront. Each project will be evaluated independently, and approval will be based on the merits of each application.
8. Will there be a legal agreement with the application?
Yes, if your project is selected for funding, a grant agreement will be established between the City of Reno and the grant recipient. This agreement will outline the terms, conditions, and responsibilities related to the funding, project implementation, reporting, and maintenance of improvements.
For any further questions or clarifications, please contact Bryan McArdle, Revitalization Manager, at mcardleb@reno.gov