The Truckee Meadows continues to experience a sharp rise in unsheltered individuals. The 2020 Point in Time (PIT) data revealed a substantial increase in the unsheltered population. Concurrently, the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the safe operating capacity of existing shelter facilities. As a result, regional shelters are currently at or over capacity. In response to social distancing regulations and existing shelter capacity issues, an emergency interim shelter was erected on East Fourth Street. 

The region needs to move quickly to secure an alternative location for a new emergency homeless shelter site. Local government staff have identified the Governor’s Bowl Park as the preferred location. This site is ideally located, offers the space to accommodate adequate shelter capacity, and a shelter can be located on the site subject to approval of special use permit by the City of Reno. Developing a regional shelter site at the location would benefit the greater Truckee Meadows. 

The Community Homelessness Advisory Board (CHAB) previously expressed interest in acquiring the Governor’s Bowl Park and on September 9, 2019 voted unanimously to request that local government staff formerly initiate acquisition discussions via a letter of interest to the Nevada Department of Transportation, which owns the property. Negotiations are currently underway. This resolution provides a formal expression of City of Sparks support for acquiring the property for an emergency homeless shelter site. Similar resolutions were approved by the CHAB and the Reno City Council, and will also be presented to the Washoe County Commission to formalize regional support for the project. 

1. City Council could adopt the resolution as presented.
2. City Council could reject the resolution and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move to adopt Resolution No. 3367 supporting the acquisition of the Governor’s Bowl Park in Reno, Nevada for an emergency homeless shelter site.