Author: Michael Leonard

Michael Leonard is a dedicated advocate residing in the historic Dickerson neighborhood of Reno. Holding a degree in Economics, coupled with extensive experience in commercial real estate lending and the tech sector, Michael possesses a deep understanding of development dynamics and job growth. After relocating from the Bay Area to Reno in 2019, he retired in 2023, turning his attention towards civic engagement. Passionately committed to the betterment of his community, Michael is actively involved in raising awareness and spearheading initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life in Reno.

OPINION: Reno Mayor’s Secret Deals and Bitcoin Blunders – Is This Her Path to Governor?

February 14, 2025 8:00 amFebruary 17, 2025 6:16 am

The Legacy of Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve When I first moved to Reno in 2019 I saw Mayor Hillary Schieve on the news where she was touted as a business woman and took credit for bringing business to Reno. I have since learned much more about her, and her political...

OPINION: Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve: Promises, Claims, but Missing Facts

February 13, 2025 8:00 amFebruary 14, 2025 7:45 am

What have the accomplishments of Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve been? The Mayor’s most visible supporter Richard Jay periodically posts a long list of the alleged accomplishments of Mayor Schieve on social media in response to negative posts or comments from detractors. Richard challenges doubters to “deny any of this with...

OPINION: Reno is Giving Away Tax Money

February 12, 2025 8:00 amFebruary 13, 2025 6:41 am

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) using STAR Bonds (Sales Tax Anticipated Revenue) is a mechanism where future increases in property and sales tax revenue from development are used to finance upfront infrastructure and development costs. In 2007, the City of Reno established a Tax Increment District (TID) to support the development...

OPINION: Reno’s Unfulfilled Transformation

February 11, 2025 8:00 amFebruary 12, 2025 8:14 am

Reno has a long and tumultuous history with mega-projects promising to redefine downtown, filled with ambitious visions from charismatic developers. Unfortunately, these grandiose ventures rarely fulfill their lofty promises, often leaving taxpayers burdened and the cityscape dotted with unfinished dreams. The Neon District, the latest in a long line of...

OPINION: The Neon Line: Promises Unfulfilled

February 10, 2025 8:00 amFebruary 11, 2025 4:04 am

Jacobs Entertainment (JEI) is leading Reno into a real estate and financial disaster of epic proportions. They have not delivered on their promises and they want the city to help finance their ill-conceived vision of a “Neon Line” west of downtown Reno. A Buying Spree in West Reno JEI began...