The Reno City Council approved the Drone as First Responder program for the Reno Police Department on Wednesday, introducing four drones with real-time video and thermal imaging to improve response times and officer safety, in collaboration with the Real Time Information Center. The council also awarded a $2.1 million contract to West Coast Paving, Inc. for the 2026 Permanent Patch Program to restore streets and manage long-term maintenance costs, according to the City of Reno.
The council approved upgrades to Hilltop Park's ballfield lights, with Summit Line Construction, Inc. receiving a $224,225 contract and Musco Sports Lighting LLC supplying equipment for $162,398 from Residential Construction Tax funds. They also allocated $126,200 to replace an ADA non-compliant pedestrian bridge at Teglia’s Paradise Park, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, as reported by the City of Reno.
Reno awarded nearly $180,000 in grants for 2026 to support arts and culture, including the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Arts for All Nevada, and the Reno Jazz Orchestra, with a focus on reaching diverse audiences. The city council confirmed Vice Mayor Miguel Martinez to the Regional Fire Study Board and reappointed Daren McDonald to the Financial Advisory Board. The meeting also recognized donations from the Reno Aces Foundation to the Reno Swims Program and from Martinez to Friends of Wells, which supports minority-owned businesses, as stated by the City of Reno.
