Truckee River Vision Plan Hero

Truckee River Vision Plan

How can a river corridor plan combine priorities for recreation, mobility, sustainability and open space?

Creating a strategic guide for investment to position recreation, ecological restoration, and future development

The Truckee River Vision Plan is a comprehensive framework designed to revitalize and enhance the 17-mile Truckee River corridor, spanning from the California State Line through Reno to Sparks. The corridor holds immense ecological, cultural, and recreational significance. Adopted by the City of Reno in September 2024, this plan represents a collaborative and visionary effort to balance environmental stewardship, community priorities, and urban connectivity.

The planning process was rooted in robust analysis and extensive public engagement. Using tools such as Social Pinpoint, the project team gathered input from diverse stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and advocacy groups, to identify key opportunities and challenges. A thorough analysis of the river’s ecological health, infrastructure, and recreational assets informed strategies to address flood resilience, habitat restoration, and connectivity.

The Vision Plan prioritizes ecology, safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Key recommendations include establishing a Special Parks District to create a cohesive management and funding organization for the corridor. The plan also proposes enhanced pedestrian and bicycle pathways, improved access points, and spaces for cultural and recreational activities, ensuring the river corridor serves as a welcoming destination for all.

Ecology is central to the Vision Plan, with strategies to maintain a clean and safe river corridor, improve water quality, enhance native habitats, and mitigate river safety concerns. These efforts not only support biodiversity but also strengthen the river’s resilience to climate change impacts. 

The Truckee River Vision Plan exemplifies how thoughtful analysis and planning can translate a community’s vision into actionable strategies. The plan concludes with an Implementation Matrix, providing clear guidance for utilizing the plan and implementing its recommendations. This transformative project sets a precedent for integrating urban planning, ecological restoration, and community engagement into a cohesive vision that inspires and uplifts.

See vision plan here.

  • Location

    Reno and Washoe County, NV

  • Client

    City of Reno Public Works

  • Awards

    2025 ASLA NV - Project of the Year;

    2025 ASLA AZ Honor Award - Analysis & Planning Category;

    2025 ASLA CO WY Merit Award - Analysis & Planning

  • Collaborators

    S2O/Calibre Engineering, BerryDunn, NINE dot ARTS

  • Size

    17 miles

  • Region

    Northwest

  • Project Type

    Planning

Truckee River Vision Plan plan-