The City of Reno, in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, is pleased to announce this year's CommUNITY Mini-Grant recipients. The City received more than 20 applications from residents and community groups, proposing small-scale, high-impact projects to support revitalization efforts and enhance neighborhoods in Ward 1.

The Love Your Block program brings city leaders and residents together to build stronger neighborhoods, one block at a time. The six selected projects reflect a strong commitment to community pride, neighborhood beautification, and civic engagement, aligning with the City's mission of creating a community that people are proud to call home. Several additional proposals have been placed on a waitlist, pending resource availability and approval.

University Village Park

Driven by resident input, this project transforms community-identified needs into a plan for green space, seating, and improved solar lighting. With strong volunteer involvement, it creates a space built by and for the community. It also addresses key challenges like safety, illegal dumping, and limited access to green space while strengthening community connection.

Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows Teen Center Patio Revitalization

This project transforms an underused outdoor patio into a safe, welcoming space for teens. Enhancements include a basketball hoop, shade structure, and a youth-designed mural, promoting recreation, creativity, and a sense of ownership while strengthening youth engagement and well-being.

Gryphon Garden

Located at a public charter school, this project expands an existing garden into a hands-on learning environment where students build gardening skills and connect with nature. Improvements will enhance accessibility, sustainability, and plant protection while building on strong community support.

5th Street Nevada Themed Community Art Mural & Bike Rack Installation

This project will transform a downtown streetscape wall and sliding doors into a highly visible Nevada-themed mural, designed by a local tattoo artist with opportunities for community participation. The project will also include installation of two, five-loop bike racks, enhancing accessibility and supporting a more vibrant, bike-friendly downtown while helping deter graffiti and vandalism.

3rd Street Community Art Mural

This project transforms an underused exterior wall into a vibrant, community-inspired mural that enhances the neighborhood and promotes public art. Designed by a local artist with opportunities for resident participation, it builds community pride while helping deter graffiti and vandalism. The highly visible mural will be accessible to all and creates a lasting, low-cost improvement to the neighborhood environment.

Village on Sage Shade Structure Project

This project enhances a shared outdoor space by adding shade, greenery, and raised garden beds. It creates a more livable, resident-driven environment while expanding access to outdoor space and volunteer opportunities.

"I'd like to congratulate the awardees of the CommUNITY Mini-Grant program. I'm excited to see these resident-led projects come to life across Ward 1," said Ward 1 Councilmember Kathleen Taylor. "This program puts resources directly into the hands of our community members, empowering them to enhance the neighborhoods and public spaces they experience every day."

To learn more about the Love Your Block program, including volunteer opportunities, visit the City's Love Your Block page.