Reno City Council Supports Grand Sierra Resort Arena Project Boosting Economy and Community

The Reno City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss the proposed Grand Sierra Resort (GSR) Arena project, which has garnered significant community support. The meeting featured a series of public comments emphasizing the project's potential economic and social benefits for Reno and the surrounding areas.

The session began with Eloy Ylahara, the business manager of Laborers Local 169, expressing strong support for the GSR project, highlighting its alignment with "smart growth" principles and the creation of family-supporting jobs. He noted the importance of the project in the context of Reno's ongoing economic expansion, driven by major companies like Tesla and Microsoft.

Elliot Malon, a member of the Ward 3 council, echoed these sentiments, praising GSR's partnership with the University of Nevada and its positive impact on the local Jewish community. He emphasized the need for modern facilities to enhance the university's competitiveness in college athletics.

Dr. Japeth Sanchez, director of the Latino Research Center at UNR, spoke about the project's potential to create over 2,000 jobs, particularly benefiting Latino and Hispanic workers. He underscored that the project would not rely on taxpayer funding but would instead utilize new tax revenue generated by the arena itself.

Ryan Gold from Martin Harris Construction highlighted the anticipated construction jobs, estimating a peak workforce of over 600. He stressed the importance of the project in maintaining positive momentum in the local economy.

Daryl Gardpipe, chairman of the Reno Sparks Indian Colony, acknowledged the potential traffic disruptions but expressed optimism about the project's long-term benefits for the community. He noted the importance of continued collaboration with GSR to address any concerns.

Public comments continued with support from various community members, including educators, business owners, and local leaders, all emphasizing the project's potential to enhance community pride, attract tourism, and provide much-needed infrastructure improvements. Many speakers highlighted the importance of the arena for local sports, particularly for the University of Nevada's basketball program, which has struggled with outdated facilities.

Concerns were raised by representatives of local gaming properties regarding the use of tax increment financing (TIF) for the project, arguing that it could set a precedent for future developments. However, proponents countered that the TIF model would not burden taxpayers and would instead generate new revenue for public services.

The meeting concluded with a strong call for support from various stakeholders, including students and local business owners, who emphasized the transformative potential of the GSR Arena project for Reno's future. The council is expected to deliberate on the proposal in the coming weeks, with many community members hopeful for a positive outcome that would pave the way for significant economic growth and community development.