Reno, Nevada, has one of the most severe affordable housing shortages in the nation. A ProPublica investigation found that local policies and federal tax breaks have accelerated demolition of motels and other housing for extremely low-income residents to make way for a promised entertainment district.

Only 326 subsidized housing units have been built in Reno during the last six years, an amount that failed to keep pace with growth. Unlike some cities, Reno has no policy to deter demolition of affordable housing, nor requirements to replace lost units. Once such housing is gone, it often stays gone.

At this event, ProPublica reporter Anjeanette Damon moderates a discussion with key local stakeholders. This event happened on December 11, 2021 at the Reno Downtown Library.

Panelists include:

• Christine Hess, Executive Director, Nevada Housing Coalition

• Dane C. Hillyard, Principal, Co-Founder, Greenstreet Development

• Devon T. Reese, At-Large Reno City Council member

• Lilith Baran, Program Assistant, ACLU of Nevada

• Wendy Wiglesworth, Outreach Director, Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equality (RISE)

This event was produced by ProPublica in partnership with Reno Gazette Journal and Nevada Humanities.