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

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

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