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Sparks council approves application to explore Nevada Main Street designation for downtown
Summary
City staff won unanimous council approval to seek an "exploring downtown" designation in the Nevada Main Street program for Downtown Sparks, a step that could unlock future state grant funding and formal strategic planning.
The Sparks City Council voted unanimously July 28 to authorize staff to apply for an "exploring downtown" designation in the Nevada Main Street program, which the city says could fund strategic planning, beautification and historic-preservation projects for Downtown Sparks.
"The Main Street program is a national program that's been around since 1980," Scott Carey, the city's development services manager, told the council. He said the Nevada program is administered by the Governor's Office of Economic Development and has supported downtown revitalization across the state.
Carey said the exploring-downtown designation is the first of three levels and that GoED staff will review the short application and typically render a decision within 14 days. He said the designation would enable the state to convene stakeholders, help define geographic boundaries and develop a strategic plan that would allow the city to pursue grant funding for downtown projects.
Councilmember Diane Vanderwell said she had advocated for the program for several years and praised staff for moving the application forward. "I've been advocating for this for a few years," Vanderwell said. "It's exciting to see that this is finally coming to the city of Sparks." Councilmember Rabbit suggested the program consider the entire Victorian Avenue corridor from McCarran to the Reno border to create a continuous revitalization strategy.
Carey and councilmembers discussed models in other Nevada communities, including Gardnerville and Downtown Reno, where outside nonprofit entities or business-improvement districts administer projects and grants with city support. Carey said staff envisions a similar outside entity to administer programming while the city supports coordination.
Councilmember Christopher Anderson asked about administrative burden; Carey said the city would absorb initial planning work within existing programs and that future grant cycles and an outside nonprofit could carry program administration.
Councilmember Rabbit moved to approve Resolution No. 3472 supporting inclusion of Downtown Sparks in the Nevada Main Street program and authorizing staff to submit the application; Vanderwell seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
