The following are highlights from today’s Washoe County Board of County Commissioners meeting:
1. Board approves funding and contract for Washoe Children’s Behavioral Health Center: Commissioners approved a budget augmentation of $17 million for the Washoe Children’s Behavioral Health Center project, which involves the comprehensive renovation and improvements of an existing 47,000 square foot building to provide a range of behavioral health services, with a specialized focus on children and adolescents. The augmentation serves as a “bridge gap” tool due to the timing of the project and anticipated funding sources. The bridge gap allows the county to essentially borrow future funding to pay for immediate costs.
In a separate but related vote, the Board approved a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) construction agreement with Plenium Builders, Inc., not to exceed $20,325,158, and to authorize approximately $5.3 million for Washoe County to support and deliver the project to include items such as furniture, fixtures and equipment, security equipment and systems, and other components. The Washoe Children’s Behavioral Health Center will feature key services such as psychiatric residential treatment, crisis stabilization, and specialized training for staff to serve Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) victims, alongside outpatient support and dedicated workforce training spaces.
Residents were invited to view renderings of the new center in the lobby during the meeting.
2. Board approves agreement with Community Foundation for amphitheater at Rancho San Rafael: As part of the San Rafael Regional Plan 2024 Master Plan, Washoe County plans to build a new 2,000-person amphitheater with a covered pavilion and a new picnic area to provide a stage and space for performances and educational programs, as well as parking for large-scale events at the new amphitheater.
The Board approved $1 million in ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in 2024 for engineering, design and site preparation. Construction costs are expected to range from $10 million to $15 million in public-private funding through community donations.
The Board voted today to approve a fund agreement with the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada (CFNN) so that funds may be accepted into the Rancho San Rafael Amphitheater Fund.
3. Board nominates two members for the Carson Truckee Water Conservancy District: The Board unanimously nominated Keith A. Hayes and Robert Lissner as candidates to serve on the Carson Truckee Water Conservancy District (CTWCD) to represent Washoe County for a partial four-year term, effective upon appointment by the Governor and ending on December 31, 2028.
4. Board accepts donations: Donations to Washoe County must be approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Today they approved the following donations:
Over $13,000 in cash donations from various donors to support multiple parks;
30 split-rail posts from Home Depot, valued at $450;
150 Jeffrey Pine trees and soil and fertilizer from Moana Nursery to support the revegetation of Davis Creek Regional Park, valued at $7,522;
Just over $45,000 in general support from the May Arboretum Foundation;
Just over $20,000 from the Washoe County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association to purchase tire deflation devices;
$25,000 from the Sun Valley General Improvement District to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to remove abandoned vehicles.
5. District 3 Special Fund allocations approved: The Board approved the following allocations from the District 3 Special Fund:
$20,500 to the Sun Valley General Improvement District to host food truck events to promote economic growth and community engagement in the Sun Valley area;
$5,000 to Indigenous People’s Council on Biocolonialism (IPCB) to cover the expenses for artist Autumn Harry to paint a mural at the Sparks Library.
6. Board hears update on the Downtown Reno Partnership: Neoma Jardon, executive director of the Downtown Reno Partnership, presented an overview of the nonprofit that serves as the business improvement district for Downtown Reno. The DRP formed in 2018 to beautify downtown Reno and make it feel safer, cleaner, and more inviting to residents and visitors. The Downtown Ambassadors program has 40 individuals patrolling and interfacing with the unhoused population to get them into services. Ten security guards patrol 24/7 on foot and in vehicles.
In 2025, DRP removed more than 234 tons of trash and nearly 1,000 pieces of graffiti. The organization conducts weekly walks with city leadership and law enforcement to address issues in real-time. On the beautification front, DRP has installed dig-proof trash cans and added 100 planters brimming with plants and flowers.
Jardon noted the new “Blue Carpet Treatment” program to highlight and celebrate new businesses, expansions, and milestones in Downtown Reno.
“I go downtown a lot, walk with my family and our dog, and I can see a marked difference with the cleanliness, so thank you so much for your commitment,” Commissioner Alexis Hill said. The redevelopment work you’re partnering with the City (of Reno) on is incredible, and I wish you had more resources to do it because there’s so much potential with our downtown.”
7. Board recognizes Grace Church of Reno for donations: The Board of County Commissioner presented a special recognition of Grace Church Reno for its ongoing support of the vulnerable populations of Washoe County. The congregation has donated more than $3 million in property, in-kind, and financial support, much of which has benefitted the CrossRoads recovery programs. Graduates and members of CrossRoads spoke during public comment to thank the church and offer personal accounts of how the funding has changed their lives.
“It is said it takes a village. With Grace Church, we are proof of that,” said Marci, a participant in Women’s CrossRoads. “They have been a significant member of this village and what helps set CrossRoads apart from any other program available to women and mothers in this community. From all of us in this village, we thank Grace Church for being a continuous blessing to our recovery.”
The Board of County Commissioners, Grace Church leaders, and member of CrossRoads.