Reno Vice Mayor Kathleen Taylor announced Tuesday her candidacy to become the next mayor of Reno, highlighting a back-to-basics approach and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.
“Having completed a 90-day exploratory bid to gauge community support, and after meeting with countless Reno residents, I have made the decision to run for Mayor of Reno,” Taylor said. “The depth of enthusiasm and encouragement I have received from concerned voters of all ages from all corners of the community inspired me to step up to lead our city.”
Taylor said the city needs leadership focused on managing budgets carefully, rather than increasing spending or fees. “As we begin looking ahead to the next election, our great city needs leadership that is committed to fiscal discipline. As a member of the City Council, I’m proud to have helped our city recover from the pandemic and work through difficult economic conditions. But it’s not enough. Going forward, my message is clear: city government doesn’t need more spending or higher fees to solve its problems – we need more spending discipline. We must make hard decisions now to ensure that the City of Reno’s budget deficit doesn’t evolve into an intractable long-term budget crisis. I’m prepared to offer ‘back-to-basics, no-nonsense leadership’ to the Reno City Council.”
Her campaign priorities include safeguarding taxpayer dollars, supporting mission-critical services, advancing housing policies to increase supply and affordability, and attracting new businesses and innovative jobs. Taylor said she aims to lead a city government that is streamlined, efficient, and results-oriented.
“As someone who has worked extensively in government finance and budgeting, I know how critical it is to have a leader who can manage taxpayer dollars responsibly. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Kathleen Taylor and seeing her dedication to Reno firsthand. She brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership and will never shy away from making the tough, fiscally responsible decisions that will protect our city’s future. Kathleen is exactly the kind of Mayor Reno needs, and I’m proud to support her,” said former Nevada State Senator Heidi Seevers O’Gara.
Taylor has served in local government for years, including seven years on the Reno Planning Commission, where she was chair, before being unanimously appointed to the Reno City Council in September 2022. She was elected in November 2024 to represent the newly created Ward 1. Her experience includes zoning, land use planning, and development, with a focus on responsible growth and affordable housing.
She serves as Chair of the Reno Housing Authority, Vice-Chair of the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning and Governing Board, and holds appointments on several other boards, including the Building Fund Advisory Committee, Community Homeless Advisory Board, Downtown Business Improvement District, and Truckee Meadows Water Authority. She is also on the board of The Eddy House.
A native Nevadan, Taylor is a mother of two grown daughters and a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in public administration. She is a small business owner, which she says gives her insight into fiscal responsibility and supporting the local economy.
