Reno and Sparks To Buy Foreclosed Homes
January 26, 2009
The Cities of Reno and Sparks, in a joint effort, are planning to buy foreclosed homes under the Government sponsored “Dollar Homes Program”.
Once the homes are purchased, Reno and Sparks (under the Reno Housing Authority) will rent the homes to low and moderate income families. The goal is to reduce the standing inventory of foreclosed homes and to stem the blight of unoccupied homes in Reno and Sparks neighborhoods.
David Morton of the Reno Housing Authority has assured council members that the housing authority will impose high standards for the tenants of homes purchased under the program. The goal is to have these renters care for the homes as if they owned them. Mr. Morton stated that the housing authority will conduct more inspections on these homes to ensure that “the homes are being maintained in an exceptional manner”.
The “Dollar Homes Program” was set up in 2000 by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Under the program, certain foreclosed homes which have been on the market for more than six months (without an offer) would be made available for purchase by participating cities for $1.00.
Make Your Voice Heard – Join A CAB
January 19, 2009
You can make your voice heard in Reno and you can make a difference in your community. The Washoe County encourages all residents to participate in their community through Citizens Advisory Boards.
There are over 50 Citizen Advisory Boards (CAB) in Washoe County The boards focus on various aspects in our community. Whatever your particular interest or concern, there is an advisory board to address it. Wildlife management issues, air pollution concerns, senior services, debt management, 911 emergency response and neighborhoods projects, there is a board for each of these as well as others.
The neighborhood Citizens Advisory Boards allow you to learn about projects and issues in your neighborhood before they are presented to the Reno City Council and Planning Commission. Involvement in your community and the Citizen Advisory Board(s) of your choice allow you to play an active roll in your neighborhood and local government.
There is nothing quite like active involvement and attending meetings. However, if you are unable to attend a meeting, check out the Washoe Channel (cable channel 17). Many of the CAB meetings are televised. You can make you voice heard at by attending meetings or by sending an e-mail.
Become a part of making Nevada , Washoe County , Reno and your neighborhood better than ever by participating in a Citizens Advisory Board. Make your voice heard.
For a listing of programming times, check out the Washoe Channel page.
To learn about the various boards and the scheduled agendas: Washoe County Citizens Advisory Boards
Reno-Tahoe A Great Place For Business
January 12, 2009
The Economic Development Agency of Western Nevada (EDAWN) has announced some encouraging news for the Greater Reno-Tahoe area in regards to its economy.
According to EDAWN’s business report for it’s second quarter (October to December), a combination of six companies have moved to the Greater Reno-Tahoe area or have their expanded operations. This resulted in the creation of 95 new jobs and $20 million dollars injected into the area’s economy.
EDAWN also reported that another 82 companies have requested information regarding opening business operations in the Greater Reno-Tahoe area. Despite present economic conditions, President/CEO of EDAWN stated that “Companies are continuing to move forward with their business plans and invest in the region, creating much needed jobs”.
The Greater Reno-Tahoe ranked high in 2008 as a place to do business and as one of the best places to live on several “best lists”. It appears that we will continue to be named on “best lists” again in 2009. Two reports have just been released naming Nevada as one of the top states in the nation for small business start-ups.
The Small Business Survival Report, released December 2008, ranked Nevada as the second best state for the Friendliest Policy Environment for Entrepreneurs. The US News and World Report published an article on January 6,2009 which ranked our state as the fifth best place to start a business.
It is notable that Nevada ranked high in both reports as the data for the Small Business Survival Index and the US News and World report garner their data from different sources, use different criteria and different methods of assessment to determine how states ranked on their lists.
Read or Download The Reports:
The 7 Best States to Start a Business
Small Business Survival Index 2008
Learn More About EDAWN: Economic Development Agency Western Nevada
Reno’s New Year Resolution is to Recycle Electronics
January 5, 2009
Electronic Donation and Recycle - New2uComputers-photo
New Year’s Day is the time many of us make resolutions about our lifestyles. The Greater Reno Area has made a resolution to help you clean out the old, go green and recycle.
The new year is a great time to clean out the garage and get rid of household items that are no longer wanted. Electronic waste seems to be the most difficult for residents to dispose of in a “green” manner. However, this year, the City of Reno, Washoe County, Sparks, the University of Nevada and several local businesses have joined forces to make the job a little easier.
A free electronic recycling event is scheduled for January 31 in the Community Building at the Reno Livestock Event Center. Event hours are from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The recycling event is open to residents in the area as well as businesses.
Home office and electronic entertainment equipment is the focus for this particular recycling event. The types of electronic items being accepted for recycling are: cell phones, televisions, computers (desktop and laptop), computer accessories (keyboards, cables, power supplies, etc.), VCR’s and DVD players. Ink and toner supplies will also be accepted. Household appliances, such as coffee makers, microwaves and the like, are not being accepted at this recycling event.
Not only will you be able to dispose of these items in a safe and green manner, but all items accepted are considered a donation. Therefore, a receipt for your donation will be available.
For more information, please contact or visit one of the websites listed below:
City of Reno Environmental Service Administrator, Jason Geddes at 334-3311
New2 ucomputers at 329-1126
Event Website Information:
City of Reno: www.cityofreno.com
Washoe County: www.washoecounty.us
New 2u Computers: www.new2ucomputers.com
Recycling Event PDF file: http://www.cityofreno.com/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=15374
