08/11/2026
Matt Johnson who was the vote leader in the Ward 2 primary topping the developer favored Summer Pellet and ousted the incumbent backed Vanessa Vaupel is proposing a five-point “cool Reno” initiative for the fastest warming city in the United States.
His suggested push would be for cool roofs, cool walls, trees, plants and shade, cool and permeable pavements and solar energy.
Johnson said these ideas reflect conversations he’s had with Ward 2 residents in the Old Southwest, Lakeridge, and Caughlin Ranch, “where protecting mature trees, preserving neighborhood character, and improving quality of life consistently rank among residents' top priorities,” a statement from today indicates.
"Our neighborhoods weren't designed for weeks of triple-digit temperatures," Johnson is quoted as saying. "Whether it's someone walking to school, enjoying Idlewild Park, biking along the Truckee River, or simply trying to afford their summer power bill, every Reno resident deserves a city that's preparing for the future."
The statement indicated “many of the proposed strategies have already been successfully implemented in cities throughout the western United States and have demonstrated measurable reductions in urban heat while improving public health and reducing long-term infrastructure costs.”
"Preparing for a warmer climate isn't about politics," Johnson is quoted as saying. "It's about common sense. Every tree we plant today, every cooler street we build, and every smarter development decision we make will benefit Reno families for decades. The best time to prepare was twenty years ago. The second-best time is today,” he concluded.
