City Of Reno Poet Laureate 2026-2027 Nomination Guidelines

The City of Reno is now seeking candidates to serve as the City of Reno Poet Laureate for 2026-2027. The mission of this program 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 bestowed 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 works 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 (Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Area), be available to present public activities throughout the year, and curate a literary arts exhibition in the Spring of 2027. The poet may be self-nominated or nominated by another individual.

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. One (1) of these public engagements must be the curation of a literary arts exhibition and presentation of original poetry in celebration of Poetry Month in April 2027. Three (3) additional public engagements are required and determined by the Poet Laureate in collaboration with Arts & Culture staff. Examples of public engagements include a residency in a school, regular office hours at a public location, creation of an original piece in collaboration with the community or Reno City Artist, or 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 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 Advisory Board (ACAB) will provide a $1,500 honorarium, per year, to support activities. The term will be from January 2026 – December 2027.

Selection Process 

The selection process will be facilitated by the Reno Arts and Culture Advisory Board (ACAB). The selection committee will be comprised of one present or former Poet Laureate, if available, and the ACAB, 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 committee is seeking quality, not quantity of writing in their review and recommendation process.  Finalists may be asked for samples or copies of their published work or to present to the ACAB during an interview. 

The Reno City Council will make the final selection based on the recommendation of the ACAB.

Required Application Materials

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. 
• 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. 
• 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. 
• Work Samples: 3 work samples, not to exceed two (2) pages or two (2) minutes per sample. 

Application Deadline 

Submit a completed application via Submittable by 11:00 p.m., Sunday, October 5, 2025

Timeline

September 1, 2025 – Submittable nomination application opens 

October 5, 2025 – Submittable nomination application closes

October 6 to October 15 – Review committee scores applications

October 12, 2025 – Arts and Culture Advisory Board (ACAB) discusses applications and makes a recommendation for the 2026-2027 City of Reno Poet Laureate

November/December 2025 – Reno City Council to review/approve Poet Laureate selection

If you have any questions, please contact Erica Hill, Arts & Culture Public Art Coordinator, at hille@reno.gov.

City Artist Program 

The City of Reno is now seeking a visual artist to serve as the City Artist for 2026. The mission of this program is to promote visual artists living in Reno, to highlight visual art in the community, and to engage with the public through visual art. The City Artist will also have the opportunity to learn about the local government process and engage with constituents about their art. View past City Artists here. 

Requirements of Candidates: 

To be considered for the position of City Artist, an artist must be a Reno resident and be able to complete the duties listed below. This position is open to visual artists. 

Description: 

This is a one-year appointment with a stipend of $3,500. There is an additional opportunity for a potential purchase of a piece of the artist’s work, up to $3,000, to become part of the City of Reno’s Metro Art Collection. Duties would include: 

• Exhibition of the City Artists’ original work in the Metro Gallery
• Curation of an exhibition in the Metro Gallery that is not the City Artists’ work
• Two public talks: A public talk about artist’s art/solo exhibition, a talk about the curated exhibition
• City Council presentation/public comment
• Provide a consultation with the next year’s City Artist

General timeline of appointment:

• Begins 1/2026
• Solo exhibition and public talk in Metro Gallery between 1/2026 - 12/2026
• Curated exhibition and public talk in Metro Gallery between 1/2026 - 12/2026
• Council presentation 1/2026 - 6/2026 

Selection Process:

The selection process will be facilitated by the Reno Arts and Culture Advisory Board (ACAB). The committee will use the criteria of past community engagement, distinguished achievements, quality of work, strength of gallery curation proposal, appropriateness of work for a public space, and ability to present and advance visual art in the public domain. 

Application Process:

Please submit the following items as part of your application packet (documents should be in PDF format and images in JPG format):

• Artistic resume with contact information, exhibitions and relevant experience
• Work samples
• Cover letter explaining interest in the position
• Curated show proposal (cannot be a solo show of artist’s own work nor include work previously shown in Metro Gallery)
• Letter of recommendation (at least one letter is required, but you may submit up to two) 

Deadline:

Please submit a completed application by 11:00 pm PT on October 5, 2025, via Submittable. If you have any questions, please contact Erica Hill, Arts & Culture Public Art Coordinator, at 775-689-8459 or hille@reno.gov 

2026 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 must be within the Reno city limits. All events must be free and open to the public. Events should be designed to attract the maximum number of people, appropriate for the event and site. Funds may be used to support community festivals, special performances, exhibitions, concerts, and other events. The funding is to support a one-time event, including weekend festivals or events that take place over the course of one week. Recurring events over a longer period do not qualify as one-time events.

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, 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.

This is a reimbursement grant. Grant funds are not dispersed until final reporting is complete.

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:

• The event engages participants through a variety of means.
• Event times, locations, facilities, and technology are accessible to the public.
• The organization understands the community it serves (geographical, cultural, economic, racial, educational relevance, etc.).
• The organization collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve community-focused programming.
• The event demonstrates social, educational, cultural, and/or economic relevance for the community.
• The event 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 grant depending on the 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.
• Non-profit organizations and public institutions must have their official business address located in Reno or a surrounding neighbor community such as Sparks, Incline Village, or Truckee.
• Applicants must be able to show that they have been in operation with active programming for at least one year.
• The event must be free and open to the public. 
• The event must take place in the City of Reno boundaries.
• The event is a unique one-time event over a single day, weekend, or week.  
• A 10% cash match of requested funds must be reflected in the event grant budget.
   

Event Grant applications will be evaluated based on the following:
1.The Event: All answers in this section address artistic and cultural merit of the event.

• The organization clearly describes the unique artistic components, genres, and/or creative elements of the project (event/project is clear).
• The organization clearly describes goals & outcomes of the project.
• The organization engages artists and program leaders who have applicable experience and cultural knowledge.
• The project/program aligns with the organization’s overall mission.

2. The Community: Questions in this section describe the organization’s ability to identify and engage the target audience or community.

• The organization understands the community it serves (geographical, cultural, economic, racial, educational relevance, etc.) and demonstrates a plan for recruiting participants from target audience and historically underserved groups.
• The organization innovatively addresses an artistic/cultural need.
• The organization collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve community-focused programming.

3. 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.

• The proposal demonstrates social, educational cultural and/or economic relevance for the community.
• The organization demonstrates an effort to understand and eliminate barriers to participation, and to increase access for historically underserved communities.
• The organization has a plan to meet the physical accessibility requirement.
• The organization has a plan to meet the programmatic accessibility requirement.

4. Budget: This section will address the specific and total budget for the event or project, which includes matching and other funds outside of this grant.

• The financial plan is appropriate for the size and scope of the project or programs.
• The budget reflects realistic costs and evidence of artists being paid.
• The budget shows a 10% cash match by the organization. 

 FUNDING:        
         $7,000 maximum (10% cash match)
 

TIMELINE: Event grants must take place from January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.

DEADLINE: APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED by 11:00 p.m. PT on Monday, September 30, 2025. 

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 surveys. This survey gathers important data for the City of Reno to ensure equitable funding and assess and identify areas for improvement. The questions provided by the City of Reno must be used, however, organizations can add them to any other survey questions or data they collect. If this component is not met, funding will not be released. Final reports are due 45 days after the event has been completed.

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE: Please reach out to Erica Hill at HillE@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.

2026 Arts & Culture Project Grants
 

SUMMARY:
City of Reno Arts & Culture Project Grants challenge arts and culture nonprofits to serve Reno's historically underserved populations with arts and culture programming and to seek innovative partnerships. The grant application asks organizations to demonstrate social impact beyond a traditional audience experience as well as a plan to reach diverse and historically underserved 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.

Awards support projects that engage at least one of Reno's historically underserved populations in creative programming or artmaking. Historically underserved populations may include one or more of the following: seniors, ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab and Native American), people with disabilities, new Americans, low-income, veterans, youth, and LGBTQIA+. Projects seeking grant funding 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, art consultants, guest teaching artist fees, materials, and supplies, and facilities rentals outside of arts organizations main offices. Applicants can receive up to fifty percent of eligible program costs, not to exceed $7,000. Requires a 1:1 cash match. 

This is a reimbursement grant. Grant funds are not dispersed until final reporting is complete. 

 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:

• The project engages participants through a variety of means.
• Project times, locations, facilities, and technology are accessible to the public.
• The organization understands the community it serves (geographical, cultural, economic, racial, educational relevance, etc.).
• The organization utilizes partnerships to effectively serve specific communities
• The organization collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve community-focused programming.
• The project demonstrates social, educational, cultural, and/or economic relevance for the community.
• The project 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 grant depending on the amount of funding requests. Event Grant programming must be different from a grant request for a Project Grant. 
• Non-profit organizations or public institutions can only apply for one Project Grant.
• Non-profit organizations and public institutions must have their official business address located in Reno or a surrounding neighbor community such as Sparks, Incline Village, or Truckee. 
• Applicants must be able to show that they have been in operation with active programming for at least one year. 
• The project must take place within the City of Reno city boundaries. 
• A 1:1 cash match of requested funds must be reflected in the project grant budget. 

Project grant applications will be evaluated based on the following:

1. The Project: All answers in this section address artistic and cultural merit of the project.

• The organization clearly describes the unique artistic components, genres, and/or creative elements of the project (event/project is clear).
• The organization clearly describes goals & outcomes of the project.
• The organization engages artists and program leaders who have applicable experience and cultural knowledge.
• The project/program aligns with the organization’s overall mission.

2. The Community: Questions in this section describe the organization’s ability to identify and engage the target audience or community.

• The organization understands the community it serves (geographical, cultural, economic, racial, educational relevance, etc.) and demonstrates a plan for recruiting participants from target audience and historically underserved groups.
• The organization innovatively addresses an artistic/cultural need.
• The organization collects participant feedback and uses the results to improve community-focused programming.

3. 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. 

• The proposal demonstrates social, educational cultural and/or economic relevance for the community.
• The organization demonstrates an effort to understand and eliminate barriers to participation, and to increase access for historically underserved communities.
• The organization has a plan to meet the physical accessibility requirement.
• The organization has a plan to meet the programmatic accessibility requirement.
   

4. Budget: This section will address the specific and total budget for the event or project, which includes matching and other funds outside of this grant. 

• The financial plan is appropriate for the size and scope of the project or programs. 
• The budget reflects realistic costs and evidence of artists being paid.
• The budget shows a 1:1 cash match by the organization.
   

FUNDING:        
       $7,000 maximum (1:1 cash match)
 

TIMELINE:        
       Project grants must take place from January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.

DEADLINE:
    APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED by 11:00 p.m. PT on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

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 surveys. This survey gathers important data for the City of Reno to ensure equitable funding and assess and identify areas for improvement. The questions provided by the City of Reno must be used, however, organizations can add them to any other survey questions or data they collect. If this component is not met, funding will not be released. Final reports are due 45 days after the project has been completed.

    QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE: Please reach out to Erica Hill at HillE@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 Overview:

The ReStore Facade and Tenant Improvement Program, funded through the Reno Redevelopment Agency (RDA), is designed to stimulate economic development and revitalize downtown and surrounding districts within designated Redevelopment Areas 1 and 2 (Area Map). This matching reimbursement program supports eligible property owners and tenants in improving and activating vacant or underutilized commercial storefronts, restoring historically significant facades, and launching or expanding public-facing businesses that contribute to a diverse and thriving downtown and neighboring districts.

To encourage investment and improvements to vacant and underutilized storefronts, the Reno Redevelopment Agency will reimburse applicants 50% of the eligible costs up to a maximum award of $50,000 for exterior façade improvements, and up to $50,000 for interior tenant improvement projects. Matching funds for façade and tenant improvements can be combined up to a total of no more than $99,999 in reimbursement per storefront. Projects that are on the National Register of Historic Places or the Nevada State Register of Historic Places are eligible for a $25,000 bonus. 

This program supports the goals of the Reno Redevelopment Agency, including: 

• Attracting and retaining a mix of neighborhood-serving and destination retail and services
• Enhancing walkability and improving the visual character of priority corridors
• Activating vacant storefronts to reduce blight and encouraging pedestrian activity
• Promoting adaptive reuse and historic preservation
• Reducing barriers to entry for emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses

A. Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify, properties must be located within the official boundaries of Redevelopment Area 1 or Area 2 (Area 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)

Ineligible properties and uses include:

• New development or newly constructed ground up spaces (grey shell or white box) are ineligible. However, a tenant may apply for improvements that go beyond the standard landlord delivered finishes
• Businesses selling primarily tobacco or marijuana, packaged alcohol, firearms, or adult-themed content

Eligible improvements include:

• Exterior signage and awnings
• Exterior façade painting
• Architectural enhancements and materials
• Windows and doors
• Lighting improvements for safety and ambiance
• Landscaping enhancements within the façade area
• Outdoor seating and dining areas
• Accessibility upgrades to comply with ADA requirements
• Preservation and restoration of historical façade elements
• Other improvements that enhance the visual appeal and contribute to the vitality of the area
• Architectural and design services (Not to exceed 10% of project costs)
• Interior design and space planning (Not to exceed 10% of project costs)
• Structural modifications including walls, ceilings and flooring
• Hazardous Material Removal and Remediation
• Plumbing, electrical and HVAC upgrades
• Sewer, grease interceptor and backflow preventer upgrades
• Bathroom installation and expansion
• Lighting improvements for energy efficiency and ambiance
• Installation of permanent fixtures, cabinetry and shelving
• Soundproofing and insulation
• Safety and security enhancements
• Other improvements that contribute to functionality, aesthetics and customer experience

Ineligible improvements include: 

• White shell or grey box level of completion of commercial spaces in new developments or new construction
• Deferred general maintenance or addressing code violations
• Rent and common area maintenance (CAM) costs
• Non-fixed equipment and inventory
• Interior decorations
• Security, audio/visual, and point of sale equipment 
• Kitchen equipment
• Roof repair and replacement
• Broader building improvements above and beyond the storefront area (2nd floor and above) 

B. Program Funding Structure:

The ReStore Program offers 50% matching reimbursement grants for eligible projects:

• Up to $50,000 for facade improvements
• Up to $50,000 for tenant interior improvements
• Total potential award: $99,999 per storefront space
• Projects that are on the National Register of Historic Places or the Nevada State Register of Historic Places are eligible for a $25,000 bonus match
• A single building, parcel, or owner with multiple storefronts may not exceed $200,000 in cumulative awards across all projects

Please Note: This is a reimbursement-based grant. All project costs must be incurred and paid upfront by the applicant. Funds will be reimbursed upon verified project completion and certificate of occupancy (where applicable).

Funding is based on budget availability and applications will be considered on a “first come, first served basis.” Applying does not guarantee funding. Projects will be reviewed on a competitive basis, taking into consideration the quality of the proposed improvements, exceptional design, impact on the streetscape, and potential economic benefits. 

All work must be permitted per City of Reno building codes. A building permit shall be submitted within 90 days of the approved program agreement. Work shall be completed 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 Reno Redevelopment Agency Executive Director. 

Failure to complete the project within the time required will result in the agreement being terminated and reimbursement funding will not be provided. 

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. 

Applicants must agree to maintain the improvements for a minimum of 5 years from the date of completion. Storefronts shall be actively marketed for lease at reasonable lease rates for 5 years following completion if the space becomes vacant.

C. Application Process:

All applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting with the Reno Redevelopment Agency staff to review project concepts, eligibility, and design considerations before submitting a full application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis while funds remain available. Applications will be reviewed for completeness and compliance with the program criteria. A three-week grace period will be offered to return missing or requested documentation if the application is under consideration. 

Applications must include:

• Completed application form
• Photos of the current façade and interior
• Detailed project description, scope of improvements, and current condition
• Renderings or sketches of the finished façade and interior space (if available) 
• Summary of the business activities or a business plan detailing the total operating budget and financial      capacity to complete improvements, support operations, and market the business
• Lease terms, rent per square foot, TI allowances, and duration
• Construction documents, architectural drawings, and itemized budget
• At least three (3) contractor estimates for any project over $10,000 (The redevelopment agency executive      director reserves the right to allow for two qualified bids)
• Signed letter by both owner and tenant outlining costs, responsibilities, and grant reimbursement
• Optional – Support letters from neighboring businesses, property owners, and district leadership

D. Evaluation Criteria:

Applications will be reviewed and scored based on a combination of need, impact, readiness, and alignment with program goals. Specific scoring criteria include:

• Impact on the surrounding neighborhood
• Location in high-priority or high-traffic area
• Level of vacancy, blight or disrepair being addressed
• Quality design and comprehensiveness of the proposed improvements
• Reasonable costs and contractor bids
• Diversity of business offerings and contribution to neighborhood vibrancy
• Historic preservation or restoration elements (bonus points)

E. Award Terms and Conditions:

Approved applicants will enter into a Grant Agreement with the City of Reno Redevelopment Agency. The following terms apply:

• Projects must obtain required permits within 90 days of agreement execution
• Projects must be completed within 180 days of permit issuance. If a Certificate of Occupancy is required for      a business, it must be obtained before reimbursement. 
• Any substantial deviation from the approved scope may result in revocation of the award
• Work must be properly permitted and compliant with all applicable codes
• Businesses must not have active complaints, code violations, or unresolved licensing issues

F. Reimbursement & Completion Requirements:

Upon completion of the improvements, applicants must submit a formal Notice of Completion along with the following to receive reimbursement:

1. Photographs of completed work
2. Invoices, receipts, and proof of payment (bank statements, cleared checks)
3. Statement of work performed, and total cost incurred
4. Final invoice to City for reimbursement (50% of approved cost, not to exceed award)
5. Visual inspection by Reno Redevelopment Agency staff
6. Certificate of Occupancy 

Reimbursements will only be issued after successful review and verification of all completion materials.

G. Reno Redevelopment Agency Information:

The Reno Redevelopment Agency was established in 1983 in response to urban decline and shifting economic patterns. As Reno’s population grew in the late 20th century, suburban expansion led to the deterioration of key projects, land parcels, and buildings in the downtown core. To counter this, the City of Reno created the Agency and established Redevelopment Area 1 (RDA 1), supporting major projects such as the National Bowling Stadium, the Truckee Riverwalk, and Greater Nevada Field. In 2005, Redevelopment Area 2 (RDA 2) was established. 

The Great Recession led to a decline in property values and tax revenues, causing the Agency to go dormant. In recent years, economic recovery and population growth have driven private investment in the urban core, leading to new developments and increased property values. With tax revenues now surpassing the thresholds set at the inception of RDA 1 and RDA 2, the Agency is once again positioned to drive economic progress and foster optimal land use in downtown and surrounding urban areas.

Together, we are restoring Reno—one storefront at a time.

Additional information on the City of Reno Redevelopment Agency and the ReStore Façade and Tenant Improvement Program can be found at https://www.reno.gov/government/departments/economic-development-redevelopment-agency 

Or contact:
    Bryan McArdle, Revitalization Manager
    City of Reno Redevelopment Agency
mcardleb@reno.gov | 775-447-3206

H. Frequently Asked Questions: 

1.  I’m a new or emerging business. Where can I go for help preparing my application or business plan?

The Nevada Small Business Development Center (NevadaSBDC.org) provides free one-on-one business advising and planning support. New entrepreneurs and established businesses are strongly encouraged to connect with Nevada SBDC advisors who can assist with business plan development, financial readiness, market analysis, and overall project preparation. Interested applicants can request support directly using this referral link: https://nsbdc.ecenterdirect.com//signup?centerid=0&reffrom=CR

2. 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 signed by both the applicant and property owner. The property owner's consent is necessary to ensure that both parties are aligned on the improvements being made to the property and the distribution of reimbursement funds.

3. 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.

4. I only want to replace my signage or install new lighting. Can I still apply?

Yes. While all eligible projects are evaluated on their merits, smaller award requests may increase your chances of being selected, especially when funding is limited. We welcome small-scale, high-impact improvements like signage, lighting, landscaping, and exterior paint. These types of projects are often more feasible, quicker to implement, and can significantly enhance the look and feel of a business. Small, tactical upgrades that improve the pedestrian experience are highly encouraged.
 

5. How much reporting am I required to do?

The reporting requirements for the program are designed to be straightforward. While specific details will be outlined in the award agreement, participants are generally expected to provide project updates, documentation of expenses, and completion reports. The Reno Redevelopment Agency aims to streamline the reporting process to minimize administrative burden.

6. 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.

7. Are the improvements required to meet prevailing wage?

No, the improvements under this program are not required to meet prevailing wage requirements unless the award exceeds $100,000. However, participants are encouraged to adhere to fair labor practices and work with reputable contractors.

8. 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 and funding allocated to the program. It's recommended to submit your application promptly to secure your place in the program.

9. I have multiple storefronts. How many projects can I apply for?

Property owners with multiple storefronts are eligible to apply as a separate project for each storefront. Each project will be evaluated independently, and approval will be based on the merits of each application. However, a single building, parcel, or owner with multiple storefronts may not exceed $200,000 in cumulative awards across all projects

10. Will there be a legal agreement with the application?

Yes, if your project is selected for funding, an award agreement will be established between the Reno Redevelopment Agency and the award recipient. This agreement will outline the terms, conditions, and responsibilities related to the funding, project implementation, reporting, and maintenance of improvements.