Regional Planning Governing Board Meeting - April 9, 2026
Regional Planning Governing Board Meeting - April 9, 2026
The Regional Planning Governing Board (RPGB) of the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency met on April 9, 2026, at 10:15 AM. The meeting began with roll call, approval of the agenda, and approval of the minutes from February 12, 2026. No public comments were received during either of the two public comment periods. The board unanimously approved two regional plan amendments and received reports from members and staff.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public requested to speak during either public comment period.
Consent Calendar
- Unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from February 12, 2026.
Discussion Items
A. Regional Plan Amendment RPA 26-001 (River Bend Power Line Relocation)
- Staff presented a proposal to establish a regional utility corridor to relocate a portion of an existing 120 kV transmission line on a 14-acre site south of Highway 40 West. The amendment updates Map 3 (Regional Utility Corridors and Sites) to reflect the new alignment. Staff recommended conformance with the 2024 Truckee Meadows Regional Plan. Following a question from a member about the location, the board unanimously approved the amendment (RPGB Resolution 2602).
B. Regional Plan Amendment RPA 26-002 (Sun Valley 48 LLC)
- Staff presented a proposal to change the land designation of an 18.4-acre site in Sun Valley from Tier 3 to Tier 2, consistent with a Washoe County Master Plan amendment that changes the land use from suburban residential to urban residential and open space. The change would allow a maximum of 196 dwelling units (a 68-unit increase over current allowance). A conceptual traffic analysis estimated 1,132 average daily trips with no required roadway improvements. Washoe County sponsored the amendment. Trustee Smith from the Washoe County School Board expressed support, noting that nearby schools (Allen Elementary, Desert Skies Middle, Hug High) have sufficient capacity. The board unanimously approved the amendment (RPGB Resolution 26-02).
Reports
- Trustee Smith (Washoe County School Board) reported on upcoming school projects: ribbon cutting for the Ghetto Transportation area, groundbreaking at Echo Loder Elementary (May 14), opening of the new Vaughn School, and potential farewell events for closing schools (Stead, Vaughn, Pine Middle). He reiterated support for the Sun Valley project and noted ongoing modernization at Allen Elementary.
- Director Smith (TMRPA) updated the board on three initiatives:
- High Energy Users and Data Centers Research: Engaging consultant Right Brain Left Brain Communications to conduct stakeholder interviews (25+ groups) and public engagement, with a report and prioritized recommendations expected by late summer. Stakeholders will include tribal governments, Sierra Club, PUC, NV Energy, DRI, local jurisdictions, and economic development authorities.
- Truckee Meadows Trails Regional Coordinator: Position funded by donations from Frankie Delopapa and the Nelson Family Trust, with Councilmember Dewar's assistance. Dylan Oslinger (from Truckee) has been hired; he will focus on trails planning and grant funding.
- Regional Coordination Subcommittee: The RPC approved staff recommendations including enhanced education/training, a GIS case dashboard, quarterly regional plan working group meetings, and use of the subcommittee for stakeholder presentations. Director Smith will provide meeting notices to board members.
- Legal Counsel Jessica Pratty noted she will send a written update on pending items.
Board Comments & Future Agenda Items
- A board member inquired about the data center research process, asking if legislative feedback had been received. Director Smith confirmed he briefed legislative committees and that water use will be a key topic. He assured the board they would be kept informed of meetings. The member confirmed no additional agenda items were needed at this time.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimously approved Resolution 2602 for RPA 26-001.
- Unanimously approved Resolution 26-02 for RPA 26-002.
- Next meeting scheduled for June 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the same room.
Meeting Transcript
You guys ready? Tyler. Great. Okay. I'm going to call to order the regional planning governing board for Thursday, April 9th, 2026. And we'll start with a roll call, please. All righty. Diane Vanderwell. Here. Kathleen Taylor. Brandy Anderson. Here. Clara Andreola. Present. Mike Clark. Naomi Dewar. Here. Jeannie Herman. Ed Lawson. Devin Reese. Joe Rodriguez. Here. And Beth Smith. Present. Great. Thank you. Now we'll do uh if Beth, if you don't mind doing the pledge for us. I plan to make it. Which is saying it's undervisible. Great. Thank you. Next we'll move along to approval of the agenda. So if there are no changes, I will entertain a motion. Move to approve. Second. Okay. So first was Commissioner Andriola. And second was Commissioner Anderson. Any further discussion? Seeing none, please vote. Aye. Aye. Next move on to approval of the minutes for February 12th, 2026. If there are no changes or any other actions, can I please have a motion? Move to approve. Okay, so I have a first and a second. Any further discussion? Okay, seeing none, please vote. Aye. Aye.
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