There’s a lot of talk about our region and, more specifically, what’s happening in Sparks. Starting in December, we will be undertaking an aggressive public outreach program to engage with residents as we develop our comprehensive plan. The plan replaces our current master plan and will pave the way for our city’s future. None of it will be possible without your involvement and feedback. We need to hear from you. We want to know from you our strengths, challenges and what you’d like our city to be known for. We all have the opportunity to weigh in as the city develops the plan that will establish the policies designed to take Sparks to the next level.
 

Karen Melby, Senior Planner, City of Sparks, Ronele Dotson, RAD Strategies and Karen Craig, Creative Cities will provide an overview of the Ignite Sparks campaign.

 

 

Karen Melby: Karen Lapidakis Melby has over 35 years of experience as a professional planner; the last 14 years have been with her current employer, the City of Sparks, Nevada. After receiving her Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Pittsburgh, she worked as a planner in Pennsylvania, Arizona,  California; and in Nevada: Douglas County, Carson City, and Reno. Prior to working for the City of Sparks, she worked as a planning consultant for 15 years on projects in Nevada, Arizona and California. Her experience includes master planning, population studies, environmental assessments for federal agencies, zoning code writing and project manager for the U.S. EPA Brownfield Grant.

 

Ronele Dotson: Ronele M. Dotson is a Sparks native, born and raised. With more than holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno and received her certification as an Accredited Public Relations Professional in 2002 from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). With more than 24 years of communications experience, founded her own highly successful firm in 2002. Currently Ronele serves on the National Public Relations Society of America Board of Directors and is newly elected to the Nevada Women’s Fund Board. 

 

Karen Craig: Karen Craig has been honored as the Civic Leader of the Year by the Reno/Sparks Chamber of Commerce, featured in the New Yorker’s “Talk of the Town,” and been called one of Nevada’s 20 Most Influential Leaders to Watch in the 21st Century. Craig’s leadership in economic development is evidenced across the country from Brooklyn/NY, to Telluride/Colorado, and Reno/Nevada.