by Rebecca Venis

Though Reno is the smallest city to host NLC?s annual conference, the Congress of Cities and Exposition, it is the center of commerce and culture in northern Nevada. At the conference, to be held Dec. 5-9, Mobile Workshops will offer delegates the chance to see some of northern Nevada?s innovative projects and programs.

? Discover It ... Downtown Reno!
Downtown Reno is in the midst of an urban renaissance. The Discover It ... Downtown Reno! workshop will give delegates a glimpse into the projects that are rebuilding the face of downtown Reno and an opportunity to see how ?The Biggest Little City? is working to diversify its economy.

? Reno Transportation Rail Access Corridor (ReTRAC)
For 60 years, the City of Reno had looked at lowering the railroad tracks through its downtown. In 2005, the project was completed within budget. While visiting the project, delegates will have an opportunity to learn about design build procurement, environmental mitigation planning and implementation, partnering, and public/private financing of this transportation project.

? Reno?s Homeless Services Campus
After more than 20 years of debate, the city moved forward with the establishment of a homeless ?campus? in 2005 with the construction of three new buildings that provide services and/or shelter to the homeless. During the workshop delegates will visit the campus, learn what services are provided and hear ideas on how to bring the concept home to their own communities.

? History of Nevada Gaming
During this workshop, delegates will learn interesting facts about the history of gaming, how the state of Nevada established regulations for gaming and how technology has played a significant role in the evolution of the industry. Participants will enjoy a tour of International Game Technology, one of the largest gaming manufacturers in the world that is located in Reno.

? Lake Tahoe Preservation ? A Multi Agency Approach
Lake Tahoe is internationally known as a recreation destination.

As this location grows in popularity, environmental protection of this alpine lake becomes a top priority. With this workshop, delegates will learn how two states have utilized regional collaboration to protect the ?Jewel of the Sierras.?

? The Living River: Recreational, Economic and Environmental Resources of the Truckee River
All across the nation, cities are rediscovering natural resources that had been ignored or misused for years. In Reno, the Truckee River runs through the heart of downtown, but for years it was not used to its potential. During this workshop, delegates will learn about the various projects that are bringing the Truckee River into the heart of redevelopment and how the city is working to keep this resource environmentally sound.

? Virginia City: Marketing Your Destination on a Shoestring
With just one full-time and two part-time staff, the Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority (VCCTA), located in Virginia City, Nev., has created a new marketing campaign to better organize the individual businesses and attractions in America?s largest historic district.

Delegates will be able to visit this historic town and learn how members of the VCCTA have implemented this new marketing strategy

? Regional Public Safety Training Center
Reno?s police and fire departments have joined the Sparks, Nev., police and fire departments; the Washoe County, Nev., sheriff?s office; the Nevada Division of Forestry, and Truckee Meadows Community College as partnering agencies in the Regional Public Safety Training Center.

Delegates participating in this workshop will learn how a regional approach to training has centralized resources, reduced duplication of effort and cut costs.

During the tour of the training facility, participants will see the multi-agency dispatch center, various training programs and a demonstration of the capabilities of the TASER product.

? Sparks Marina Park
During the flood of 1997, this former gravel pit flooded with more than one billion gallons of water. During this workshop, delegates will experience how the City of Sparks transformed an old rock quarry into a park that hosts two beaches, a two-mile walking path, fishing, boat docks and burgeoning commercial activity.

During the visit to the marina, participants will see how residential and retail areas have developed around this attraction.

Mobile workshops are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Dec. 6 and continue through Friday, Dec. 8. Delegates interested in taking part in these workshops will need to register no later than Nov. 3 to ensure workshop availability and space.

Details: For more information on the Congress of Cities and Exposition and to register for the conference or Mobile Workshops, visit www.nlc.org. or www.renonlc.com.

Rebecca Venis is the public relations manager for the Bauserman Group, a Reno-based public relations firm.