With many motels being demolished in the downtown corridor, new development plans in place and few other affordable housing options, those living in motels as a last resort in Reno wonder what their futures hold.
Current motel residents will share their stories and perspectives during "Who Does the City Belong To?" this Thursday, Nov. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Desert Rose Inn on 655 West 4th Street. This Our Town Reno #LocaloreLive event will include in-person storytelling and a showing of audiograms and mini-documentaries related to the theme of motels in Reno.
"We look forward to giving the mic and a platform to motel residents who are often not heard in media," Reynolds School of Journalism professor and event organizer, Nico Colombant, said. "This event will allow people to experience stories first-hand from those most affected by motels being bulldozed away, and motel residents will also explain why they currently live there amid a dire lack of accessible housing."
This free event will occur as an amended ordinance for inspecting long-term motel rooms is scheduled to go into effect, which could increase prices for motel residents. It will also come just days before new elections for mayor and city council seats, with issues surrounding homelessness, blight and motels at the forefront of many debates.
Attendees will enjoy live music from People with Bodies and an art display by Erik Holland and students from the enCompass Academy in Reno. The event is held in partnership with Association of Independents in Radio, KUNR Public Radio, VOICE Voices of Inspiration, Courage, and Empowerment and the Reynolds School of Journalism.
For more information about "Who Does the City Belong To?", visit the .
