The Fernley City Council approved a five-year agreement last Wednesday, committing $25,000 a year toward the improvement of the city’s downtown area, in the hope that the city’s financial obligation under the agreement will leverage private funds toward the city’s downtown improvement goals.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and financial commitment between the city and the Fernley Downtown Corridor Association, doing business as Main Street Fernley, will enhance funding opportunities because a government entity must be on board in order to receive the majority of the funding available from the private sector, through the parent organization, Main Street USA, according to Councilman Albert Torres.
“If you want to see a very successful Main Street project, go to Gardnerville. The city down there has done an amazing job” with a similar public-private partnership project, Torres said.
The targeted improvement area extends along Main Street from the Union Pacific Railroad underpass on the west, to the Main Street roundabout in the east, and a portion of Highway U.S. 95A from the roundabout, north to the I-80 freeway.
Main Street Fernley was recognized this month as a 2025 affiliate program for meeting the performance standards set by Main Street America and Nevada Main Street last year. In November 2024, Main Street Fernley received a $25,000 grant from Nevada Main Street to construct a high visibility crosswalk this summer at Silver Lace Boulevard to connect with the Main Street Art Park.
It is anticipated the MOU will enhance facade improvements, grant programs, community events and other programs created by Main Street Fernley, according to a city staff report.
The recently approved MOU and funding commitment continues the city’s relationship with Main Street Fernley that began in the 2022/2023 budget year when the city agreed to commit $25,000 annually to the organization for downtown improvement, the staff report indicated.
According to the terms of the MOU, Main Street Fernley will provide the city council with quarterly program updates and an annual report that will provide program data such as sources of funding, expenses and program participation.
In addition, the MOU requires Main Street Fernley to update its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies document every five years. The MOU may be extended upon mutual written agreement and will be reviewed annually to ensure it is fulfilling its purpose.
Either organization may terminate the agreement with 90 days written notice, without any penalties or liabilities.
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