Reno: New Land of Opportunity

       Well, now, just when you thought everybody was happy in Reno, we find out that it has a housing crisis: as in not enough.   The Carson City cowboys, that doesn't include Punch drunk Harry Reid, former US senator, have enticed businesses to relocate to Nevada by offering generous, long term tax breaks.  Voila, housing crisis. 
       The Tesla factory, soon to be the largest building in the world under a roof, will need lots of housing.  And, to top it off, Google just bought 1200 acres in the nearby industrial park for a future development.   Things are rolling in northern Nevada.  Unemployment is at 4.6%, and yet, more workers are needed.  Employers are scratching their bald pates asking themselves, "where can we find more employees?"
       The housing situation has led to a significant jump in home prices-almost double from 2012-$320,000 from $145,000 according to Reno/Sparks Board of Realtors.  Apartment rents have also jumped to$1066 from $822.  Vacancies are at 2.9%, from 5.6% in 2012.   It was reported by the Western Nevada Development Authority that 30,000 jobs have been created since 2012, and another 30,000 are expected by 2020.
     So, how does Reno respond: by taking 2 1/2 years to get a building permit.  Hmmmmm.   What's going on in these planning/permit departments?   Nothing.  The incompetent boobs probably show up at the office and think today is the same as yesterday.   Political leaders are in the same boat.   How tough can it be to accept change?  Within the last 8 years, Reno was the center of foreclosures for the state and the West.  Folks, we are in a new up cycle.  Wake up, smell the coffee.
      These facts will have an impact locally in Tahoma/Homewood.  All those new residents and employees will be arriving on Highway 89 with plans for a nice visit and a vacation.   They will need places to stay.   Our own housing crisis has not been solved and will continue to get uglier as taxes increase as per Jerry Brown's recent moves indicate.
     Reno: get with it: now's the time to speed up the permitting process.  2 1/2 years for a permit is absurd.  Almost criminal.   Time to break the rules and get things done.