“We’re pretty unique in our location due to the major roads as well as the rail,” explains Mayor Neal E. McIntyre, who has witnessed the community’s transformation from 500 residents to its current population of 25,000.“Right now, we’re in the process of having lands conveyed to the city of Fernley for economic development and Reno and Sparks right now are pretty much built out, so the next place is Fernley.” The mayor’s optimism comes from broader regional momentum. Lyon County, where Fernley is located, has experienced 8.5% population growth since 2020, making it one of Nevada’s fastest-growing counties. Federal recognition arrived in 2023 when the region was designated as one of 31 national Tech Hubs, bringing $21 million in funding to develop Nevada’s “Lithium Loop”, a complete lifecycle from mineral extraction to battery recycling that utilizes the state’s position as America’s only domestic source of lithium processing. REVITALIZING MAIN STREET AND COMMUNITY IDENTITY Downtown revitalization efforts often struggle to balance growth with character preservation, but Fernley’s approach centers on community-driven artistic expression. The city has partnered with the Fernley Main Street Association to install benches, planter boxes, art installations, and landscaping throughout the downtown corridor. This month marks a significant milestone as these beautification projects come to fruition. “The city of Fernley has been around since 1906 when the Truckee and Carson Irrigation Canal was created to reclaim the west and encourage agriculture,” notes City Manager Benjamin Marchant.“Five or six years ago, the city entered into some planning efforts for economic development and what can be done to improve the economy, develop Main Street and encourage more homegrown businesses to establish in Fernley.” The centerpiece of this cultural renaissance is Art Week, featuring the city’s signature “Music, Murals and Margaritas” festival. Marchant explains that “we have at least 15 murals being painted around town this week, and it really adds a pop of color 119 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 FERNLEY, NV
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