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RDA to expand district activation pilot after downtown success
Summary
Staff proposed expanding a downtown activation pilot to Brewery, Riverwalk and Midtown districts, funded initially with ARPA then RDA budget lines; the program offers mentorship, reduced barriers for promoters, and metrics tracking using tools such as Placer.ai.
Reno redevelopment staff recommended rolling out a district activation pilot to multiple RDA districts after a successful downtown pilot, with the intention of sustaining recurring, low‑cost activations that support small businesses and neighborhood identity.
Rachel McIntyre, RDA placemaking manager, said the 2024 downtown activation pilot produced 12 promoters who obtained city business licenses and created recurring events that continue to operate. She said several activations drew thousands of attendees (examples cited: Reno Antique Fair averaging about 6,500 attendees per event; recurring activations averaging about 3,500 per month for some events).
Staff said the pilot used ARPA funds for initial infrastructure investments and that ARPA funding runs through December 2026. The district activation pilot will be funded from RDA budget lines going forward, with specific allocations tied to the district in which events occur (RDA 1, RDA 2 allocations). McIntyre said the program reduces barriers by offering mentorship on budgeting, permitting and marketing, and by creating an interdepartmental review committee that includes arts and culture staff and district leadership.
Board members asked whether district leaders would control selections; staff said the program is open to any business or promoter and that each district may nominate one representative to participate on selection panels to ensure neighborhood input without restricting applications. Staff also said existing arts and culture grant programs and city sponsorships (room‑tax funded) will continue as options for eligible applicants.
Next steps: staff will issue application materials, nominate review members in each district and begin selecting pilots; staff will track metrics and seek sustained investment models beyond ARPA.
