Commission backs regional housing authority and names county representatives

Washoe County on June 16 adopted a joint resolution of intent to participate in forming the Truckee Meadows Housing Authority, a regional public housing entity created under Assembly Bill 103, and appointed two county commissioners to serve on the authority’s initial board.

County staff told the commission that the cities of Reno and Sparks had already adopted similar resolutions earlier in June; with the county’s adoption, the jurisdictions move forward to the next step: appointing board members and preparing for transition. Dr. Hillary Lopez, executive director of the former Reno Housing Authority, briefed the board on timing and next steps; she said the new regional board is expected to be seated late summer or early fall, likely by September, after member jurisdictions finish their appointment processes.

The commission voted unanimously to adopt the joint resolution and then to appoint Vice Chair Garcia and Commissioner Hill as Washoe County’s representatives to the new authority. Commissioners agreed on staggered initial terms — one two-year and one three-year appointment — so the board will have staggered terms when the authority becomes operational.

The action implements a state legislative framework while staff continue to negotiate the administrative steps needed to transition housing authority governance and HUD relationships. Commissioners said continuity and experience matter; Vice Chair Garcia has already participated in initial regional coordination and training.

What’s next: Once all jurisdictional appointments are complete, the new Truckee Meadows Housing Authority will begin transition steps and will work with staff to align local HUD-funded operations under the regional entity.