The City of Reno has hired a revitalization manager to help create a better business environment downtown.
Bill Dunne will officially begin next week. He comes from Troy, New York, where he served as director of economic development and planning.
Assistant City Manager Kate Thomas says the position is a new one.
"As we recover from the downturn, we need someone to take a lead role in our planning, business expansion and economic development efforts," she says.
This includes reducing blight and compelling more business owners to fix deteriorating properties both in downtown and in neighborhoods throughout Reno.
"We're looking at, there's a facade program, as an example, is what some other cities do — things that help revitalize the city or attract new businesses or retail," she says.
The announcement comes amid some reshuffling at City Hall. Last fall, Reno hired a new sustainability manager, moving the position from Public Works to the City Manager's office.
It also brought on a new arts and culture manager Alexis Hill, who formerly led the special events department. Hill will also now report to the city manager.
*This version has been changed from the original to add Hill's former position as special events manager.