The Reno Redevelopment Agency (RDA) is expanding its successful Activation Pilot Program, building on the momentum of the 2023 ARPA-funded initiative that brought a variety of events to Locomotion, West Street, and City Plazas in downtown Reno.
The newly expanded District Activation Pilot will go beyond the original plazas to additional areas within the Redevelopment District. The pilot aims to continue the RDA’s commitment to placemaking, community-driven programming, and economic growth in the Reno area.
“It’s exciting to see this program expand to different districts within the City and look forward to seeing our public spaces transformed into vibrant hubs of creative energy,” said Ward 1 Councilmember Kathleen Taylor. “We’re not just bringing events to these areas, but creating inviting places for residents and visitors to experience Reno in new, engaging ways.”
Applicants can submit to host activations in the Brewery, Riverwalk, and Midtown Districts now through March 9, 2026 through the RDA’s
District Activation Pilot application page. Activations must happen between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027, and be recurring, free, and accessible to everybody.
Selected recipients may receive between $1,000 and $20,000 per activation, with awards based on scoring criteria and budget approval. This is one-time funding and applicants may apply for up to one season of support.
Funding is provided as a reimbursement grant for eligible event expenses, including:
- Equipment rentals (tents, staging, tables, chairs, sound and lighting)
- Waste services and portable restrooms
- Permits, insurance, and City-required fees
- Staffing and security
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Event Supplies
- Promoter Services
- Artist, performer, and vendor fees
Applicants will be notified by April 12, 2026 on if their activation submission was selected.
Additional eligibility requirements:
- Events must be new (existing events are not eligible)
- Activations must be free and open to the public
- Preference will be given to recurrent or multi-date events (weekly, monthly, or quarterly)
- Demonstrated prior event production experience is required
- Promoters must serve as day-of coordinators, attend planning meetings, coordinate vendors in partnership with the Placemaking Manager, and submit budgets for approval
- Must demonstrate strong marketing capacity, including engaged social media audiences
To ensure accountability and measure program impact, selected promoters will be required to provide event summaries, attendance estimates, final budget documentation, marketing reports, and collaboration feedback following each activation.
For more information or assistance with the submission form, applicants can reach out to the RDA’s events team by emailing macintyrer@reno.gov.
