Regulation of Short-Term Rentals
The Board will discuss potential policy updates regarding short-term rental properties, including Airbnb and Vrbo listings, to address community concerns about zoning, licensing, and neighborhood impacts.
Recently, local municipalities such as South Lake Tahoe, metropolitan cities like New York City, and even entire countries such as Spain have created regulations to limit short-term rentals. During COVID, it became apparent around the world that a significant number of rental properties had been converted into short-term rentals for services like airbnb, negatively impacting housing availability.
Locally, hundreds of units between Reno, Truckee and South Lake Tahoe suddenly came back onto the market after COVID shut downs impacted the tourism industry. However, still today there are approximately 540 airbnb units operating in Reno and approximately 516 operating in Douglas County. In Carson City, that number is far lower, at approximately 52 units listed.
According to city staff, the discussion will focus on balancing the economic benefits of short-term rentals with the need to maintain community integrity and housing availability.
Grant Programs Under Review
Supervisors will review Carson City’s Community Support Services Grants (CSSG), the HUD Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and the Redevelopment Authority’s Arts & Culture Grants.
According to city staff, CSSG provide funding to local nonprofits that offer essential services such as mental health care, substance abuse support, and senior citizen assistance.
The funding priorities are:
- Disabled citizens services
- Domestic abuse services
- Health/Dental services
- Mental health services
- Senior citizen services
- Substance abuse services
- Youth services
CSSG has two categories: Non-Competitive and Competitive
The Non-Competitive category is open to Carson City nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations providing critical, non-duplicative services. Carson City publicly announces the application period once every five years. The next application period will be in fall/winter 2026 for FY2027 through FY2031.
Competitive Youth and Adult Awards are given annually. To ensure a balanced allocation between the youth and adult programs, the ARWG considers the non-competitive and competitive awards by looking at Carson City’s current population, according to the agenda.
Previous projects funded include Meals on Wheels, Advocates to End Domestic Violence, breast cancer screenings, housing assistance, substance abuse prevention, and more.
The funding cap is set at 0.4% of general fund expenditures from the most recent audited fiscal year, which totals $368,425 for Fiscal Year 2026.
The CDBG is a federal program which provides annual funding to address economic development, affordable housing, and infrastructure needs for low- and moderate-income residents, according to the agenda.
Carson City’s 2025 CDBG allocation is projected at $393,248, with previous funding used for projects such as ADA sidewalk compliance, affordable housing initiatives, public facility renovations, eviction prevention, veterans services, Night of the Streets, and more.
The city’s Strategic Plan identifies six pillars and tactics, five of which correspond with the CDBG objectives set by HUD:
- Economic Development: Construct infrastructure, parking lot, and sidewalk improvements to improve access to businesses.
- Efficient Government: Collaborate with local resources (small business/employment opportunities, Ron Wood Center/education opportunities and assistance with housing) to encourage client cooperation, motivation to change and promote successful outcomes.
- Quality of Life and Community: Provide transitional housing and ancillary services for Specialty Court Programs and Human Services including opportunities to obtain units through City-partnered affordable housing projects.
- Safety: Enforce building codes and nuisance laws.
- Safety: Utilize evidence-based rehabilitative services to reduce recidivism.
The Arts & Culture Grants support projects that enhance Carson City’s cultural and historic identity.
Previous funding has been allocated to public art installations, venue improvements, and other community-driven artistic initiatives.
Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (2026-2030)
Supervisors will review the proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 during the upcoming work session.
The CIP is meant to outline the city’s strategy for addressing critical infrastructure needs, enhancing public services, and promoting sustainable growth over the next five years.
While the 2026-2030 CIP document was not available within the agenda, CIP projects planned through 2028 are available online.
Key Projects and Allocations through 2028 include roadway maintenance and rehabilitation, sidewalk and pathway enhancements, roofing, HVAC system replacement, elevator upgrades, stormwater improvements, well rehabilitation, sewer improvements, and more.
In total, the average amount spent or will be spent per year is around $30.6 million through 2028.
The last CIP was approved in 2023.
Special Event Permits for Outdoor Sales
Supervisors will discuss policies regarding temporary special event permits for businesses holding outside sales events such as recreational vehicle sales.
No other information was provided on what these policies might look like or what might be discussed.
The full agenda can be viewed here.
