territorial expansion. The city has approved development plans covering 25,000 acres across three areas: 6,000 acres in the north, 11,000 acres in the southwest, and 8,000 acres in the southeast. Marchant describes the scope: “Our next phase after the preliminary plan is to do an infrastructure plan. Where are the main roads going to go? How are we going to plan the infrastructure for not only water and sewer, but natural gas, communications, and electricity?”This comprehensive approach parallels successful industrial developments like the nearby Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, which houses Tesla’s Gigafactory, that employs over 18,000 people. HOUSING THE WORKFORCE Housing development in rapidly growing communities requires balancing supply with affordability, a challenge intensified when major technology companies establish operations nearby. Fernley’s housing strategy addresses immediate needs and long-term demographic shifts as the city transitions from a bedroom community to an integrated residential and commercial center. Current development activity indicates strong market confidence. Mayor McIntyre reports substantial approved construction: “I believe we have over 4,000 single family permits, approved by council, that need to be built. So right now, we have town homes going in, we have apartments going in, and we have six different subdivisions that are building houses.” The housing market dynamics reveal Fernley’s competitive positioning within the regional economy. 123 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 FERNLEY, NV
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