DIAN VANDERWELL

NAME: Dian VanderWell

AGE:  60

PARTY AFFILIATION:  Non-Partisan

DAY JOB:  

Small Business Owner, Licensed Mortgage Agent for 40 years, Licensed Real Estate Agent for 10 years

EDUCATION: 

TMCC-Business and Finance and University of Nevada Reno-Business and Finance

HOW LONG YOU HAVE LIVED IN SPARKS:  

In 2015 we purchased the home I grew up in from 1979-1989

WRITE A BRIEF (TWO TO THREE SENTENCES) SUMMARY OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD ENABLE YOU TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THIS OFFICE:

I have served as a Sparks City Councilmember since September 2020 and previously spent nearly two decades on the Washoe County, City of Sparks, and Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Commissions. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Opportunity Alliance Nevada (12 years, four as President), which provides the financial literacy programs Bridges out of Poverty and Getting Ahead in a Just gettin’ by World for middle- to lower-income residents.

WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IF ELECTED?

My top priority is infrastructure, because it’s the foundation of a high quality of life for everyone in the City of Sparks. That means safe roads, reliable water and sewer systems, well-maintained parks, and modern public facilities. I will focus on making sure Sparks is not working in isolation, but collaborating with our regional partners to plan smartly and secure the funding we need from state, federal, and private sources to build and maintain the infrastructure that supports our growing community.

IN JUST A FEW SENTENCES: WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM FACING THE CITY, AND HOW WOULD YOU FIX IT?

Traffic & Infrastructure which the City of Sparks can't solve traffic by itself. I have requested a coordinated regional effort with both NDOT and RTC to identify clear solutions and available funding before approving major developments that outpace our roads, safety and families' quality of life.

CONSUMER PRICES, GAS PRICES, AND HOUSING COSTS ARE HISTORICALLY HIGH, WHILE WAGES HAVE NOT KEPT PACE. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO HELP CITIZENS WHO ARE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY?

While local government can’t control prices, I know how hard these costs are hitting families and seniors. In my role on the Reno Housing Authority, I’m working with local developers and nonprofits to add more safe, stable, and affordable housing options especially for seniors and other vulnerable residents so people can stay in their homes and age in place with dignity.

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF AI, AND THE PROLIFERATION OF DATA CENTERS? WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE SPARKS TAKING IN EACH?

I’m not “pro‑development at any cost,” and I’m not anti‑technology. I support responsible, transparent, and community‑driven decisions about AI and data centers. I do not support tax abatements for Data Centers. Any project in Sparks should be judged on a simple test: does it protect our resources, respect our neighborhoods, and provide clear, measurable benefits to the people who live and work here. I requested 9/25/2025 extensive guardrails and protections for Data Center Development. I will not sacrifice clean water, energy and clear air for AI.

IN ONE SENTENCE: WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING VOTERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I ’m an active, on-the-ground councilmember who is accessible to Ward 2 residents and works closely with neighborhoods and regional partners to serve the entire City of Sparks.

YES OR NO: WILL YOU ACCEPT THE RESULTS OF THIS ELECTION, WHETHER YOU WIN OR LOSE?  

Yes