SUMMER PELLETT

NAME: Summer Pellett

AGE:  44

PARTY AFFILIATION:  Moderate Conservative

DAY JOB:  

COO of Pellett Construction 

EDUCATION: 

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Journalism (University of Nevada), and a Master of Arts in Political Science (University of Nevada). 

HOW LONG YOU HAVE LIVED IN RENO:

26 years  

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 a background in public service and local government, including experience as a city planner and planning commissioner, where I focused on land use, policy, and community development. As a local small business owner, I also have hands-on experience managing budgets, operations, and personnel, giving me a strong understanding of fiscal responsibility and organizational leadership. Together, these experiences have prepared me to make thoughtful, informed decisions that serve both residents and the broader community. 

WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IF ELECTED?

My top priority is being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and ensuring we live within the budget we have, not the budget we wish we had. That means prioritizing spending on the core services residents rely on, including maintaining infrastructure, improving traffic flow, supporting smart and sustainable growth, investing in our parks, and ensuring strong public safety. 

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

The biggest challenge facing our city is uncontrolled growth and infrastructure not keeping pace. We’re seeing increased strain on our roads, public safety, and essential services because development is happening faster than our ability to support it.

To fix this, we need responsible, well-planned growth. That means ensuring infrastructure like roads, water, schools, and public safety, is funded and in place alongside new development, not after the fact. With smarter planning and accountability, we can support growth while protecting the quality of life that makes our community strong. 

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?

We need to focus on solutions that make our community more affordable while supporting economic growth. My plan starts with increasing the supply of attainable housing through responsible development and cutting unnecessary delays that drive up costs. I will also prioritize investing in infrastructure to reduce congestion and commute times, saving families both time and money. Supporting local businesses and attracting employers that provide good-paying jobs will help raise wages, while maintaining a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and a strong tax base for city services. Finally, we must ensure city spending is responsible and focused on core services so we’re not adding to the financial burden on residents. By focusing on housing, jobs, and smart fiscal management, we can help ease the cost-of-living pressures and create a more affordable future for our community. 

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

AI is already transforming how we live and work, and I believe it is important that we embrace innovation while also being thoughtful about its impacts. AI has the potential to improve efficiency, create new industries, and expand opportunity, but it also raises real questions around workforce displacement, privacy, and demand on critical infrastructure and resources.

Data centers are a unique land use that require thoughtful regulation and responsible planning to mitigate potential impacts. The City Council needs to move forward with clear standards that address legitimate concerns, including water usage, energy consumption, noise, heat, strain on local infrastructure, and compatibility with surrounding land uses. Any new data center development should be required to utilize true closed-loop systems and bring or fund its own power solutions, so the financial burden is not shifted onto current ratepayers.

We can get this right, but it will require urgency, clarity, and strong leadership.

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

I am running because I truly want to make a difference in our community, not for a paycheck or a title, but because my passion for public policy, my ability to work well with others, and my two decades of experience in both the public and private sector will allow me to hit the ground running and help make Reno a better place with a bright future. 

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

Yes