Back from my first Next City Vanguard conference, I can report that Reno is truly a “Next City” in America.
During our visit to the “biggest little city in the world” last week, we saw the challenges and opportunities that make Reno a very special place to live, work and play. More importantly, Next City’s staff and our 2015 Vanguards felt the spirit that will undoubtedly continue to drive innovation, creativity and, ultimately, success.
From the Depot, a modern distillery in a renovated brick building that was an early-20th-century railway office, to the Nevada Museum of Art, a creative community leader in a state that’s seen big cuts to arts education, Reno has good bones. Its historic character is embodied in the former USPS post office that’s in the midst of a makeover mixing historic preservation, entrepreneurial energy and placemaking retail. The city has seen many transitions and is preparing for a growing population and workforce that appreciate modern amenities (such as Aces Ballpark, home to a minor-league baseball team) with old-style charm.
Our tour along 4th Street took us through an industrial area that’s home to hidden gems like a metal design factory and a bicycle shop, juxtaposed with a transit hub, a social services facility, a brew pub and the Morris Burner Hotel. An award goes to artist studio Cuddleworks for best moniker.
The 2015 Vanguard class did a lot of walking in what many consider an auto-dominated town. Inspired by speaker Matt Tomasulo’s vision of “Walk [Your City],” the 55 urban leaders from throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico experienced the excitement of Innovation Row, the glorious nature at Riverwalk, and the culinary delights of food trucks, the Hub’s coffee and Dorinda’s chocolates. Not to be outdone, chef Mark Estee’s chocolate-covered bacon and a tour of his butchery at Reno Provisions reminded us that it really is all about how the sausage is made.
Vanguards had a chance to share expertise with members of the Nevada chapter of the American Planning Association. Also, during panel discussions, Vanguards representing the public, private, nonprofit and academic sectors explored the future of transportation, the public impact of the arts, and how short-term tactics can lead to long-term change.
Yes, there are plenty of stories about casino winnings (and losings), but Reno was the perfect place to explore what makes cities tick, and for the 2015 Vanguards and alumni, how tactical urbanism can make a difference. With three days of immersion and the “Big Idea Challenge” that made them rock stars among the locals, the Vanguards shared ideas for improving the daily experience for residents, employers, workers and visitors. (More to come on the Challenge soon.)
Our EDAWN hosts showered us with Reno hospitality — they even coordinated the annual Sculpture Fest and River Festival to occur during our stay; and the Whitney Peak Hotel and its intimidating rock wall dared us to go beyond our comfort zone. Our Vanguards gave back, setting up websites and hashtags, and even planting a roof garden. The energy throughout Vanguard 2015 was palpable, but the passion and commitment to help Reno succeed was even more profound.
I thank Reno and our hosts for a truly memorable event, and I hope that our time spent was impactful. We look forward to returning soon to see many of the Big Ideas implemented, thanks to the commitment of local leaders and the financial support of the Nightingale Family Foundation, Dermody Properties and United Construction.
Check out the great photos from Next City’s 2015 Vanguard, by Chris Holloman, in the gallery below. And if you get the chance to visit Reno, go for it!
Gallery: Next City’s 2015 Vanguard
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The 2015 Vanguards kicked off the conference in Reno with a breakfast at Aces Ballpark. (Photos by Chris Holloman)
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After breakfast and introductions at Aces Ballpark, the Vanguards started brainstorming the Big Ideas Challenge.
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Lee Gibson, executive director of Washoe County’s Regional Transportation Commission, talked to Vanguards about the RTC’s complete streets planning.
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The 2015 Vanguards and alumni walked Reno — visiting many businesses and organizations critical to the fabric of the city. Above, Vanguards hear about the Community Assistance Center, a shelter and services facility for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
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The Reno Bike Project, which aims to make cycling affordable for all, was co-founded by one of the Reno-based 2015 Vanguards, Noah Silverman.
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Cuddleworks is home to a bike messenger service and studio space for local artists.
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The Morris Burner Hotel provides accommodations for people involved in Burning Man, the festival held each year about 100 miles outside of Reno.
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Vanguards got a sampling of beer at the Under the Rose brewery.
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Did we mention we really walked Reno?
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At Nevada Museum of Art, Vanguards mingled with the state chapter of the American Planning Association, before a panel on public impact of the arts.
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The “Art for Public Impact” panel at the Nevada Museum of Art included locals and Vanguards. From left to right, Colin Robertson (the museum’s curator of education); Bryan Lee Jr. (2015 Vanguard); Maria Partridge (an artist who works on public art installations in Reno and Burning Man); David France (2015 Vanguard); and Sasha Ahuja (2015 Vanguard).
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The “Short-Term Tactics for Long-Term Change” panel at the Washoe County Library included locals and Vanguards — and people who were both. From left to right, Karen Kubey (2015 Vanguard); Oscar Delgado (2015 Vanguard, and Reno vice mayor and councilman); Tom Dallessio (Next City executive director); Theresa Hwang (2015 Vanguard); Noah Silverman (2015 Vanguard); and Andy Durling (2015 Vanguard and Reno-based principal planner at Wood Rodgers).
Tom was president, CEO and publisher of Next City from May 2015 until April 2018. Before joining Next City, he directed the Center for Resilient Design at the College of Architecture and Design at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Prior to that, he ran the Regional Plan Association’s New Jersey office, and served as a senior adviser on land use for two New Jersey governors. Tom is a licensed professional planner, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, as well as an adjunct professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he teaches land use planning and infrastructure planning.
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