With the Reno mayoral election just five weeks away, the race between former Nevada State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor Kate Marshall and City Councilmember Kathleen Taylor has entered its final, ad‑heavy stretch. After a recent reality‑check of Taylor’s attack ad, Marshall’s campaign released a new spot titled “Shortfall,” aimed at correcting what it says are misleading statements about data‑center approvals, regulatory efforts, and the city’s finances.
Claim 1: Accusations of Lying
The ad opens by asking, “Why is Kathleen Taylor lying about Kate Marshall?” The fact‑check team found the claim to be largely true, noting that Taylor’s previous ad contained only one accurate statement out of five, with the rest either false or misleading.
Claim 2: Data‑Center Approvals
Marshall’s ad asserts that Taylor voted to allow multiple data centers in Reno. City records confirm this is true. In a 2024 council vote, Taylor voted to deny an appeal of the Webb Data Center approval and later voted to reverse a denial of the Oppidan data‑center project, effectively approving it.
Claim 3: Opposition to Regulation
The ad suggests Taylor voted against regulating data centers. This is misleading. In February 2025, council members debated a text amendment that would have added stricter restrictions. The amendment failed to pass, tying 3‑3, with Taylor casting a ‘no’ vote. While the amendment did not become law, the council already has a conditional‑use permit process that regulates land‑use issues such as parking, noise, and lighting. Water and electrical service remain outside the city’s regulatory authority, as confirmed by Angela Fuss, Assistant Director of Development Services. In April 2026, the council revisited the text amendment, and Taylor again voted ‘no,’ distinguishing her vote for additional regulations from a vote for a moratorium.
Claim 4: Budget Shortfall
Marshall’s ad blames Taylor’s “reckless spending” for a $24 million shortfall. The claim is false. Taylor holds a single vote on the seven‑member council, and the city’s budget shortfall is attributed by City Manager Jackie Bryant to reduced revenues and higher service costs, not to any one councilmember’s spending decisions. Taylor herself noted that Nevada’s property‑tax and C‑Tax structures create revenue challenges for local governments.
Claim 5: State‑Treasury Savings
The ad credits Marshall, as former State Treasurer, with saving Nevada millions by rooting out waste. This is true. Early in her tenure, Marshall discovered that over $6 million had been deposited into the state treasury without proper reporting. After notifying the legislature, a legislative audit confirmed the missing funds.
Claim 6: Recovering $50 Million from Lehman Brothers
Marshall’s campaign also highlights her successful lawsuit against Lehman Brothers, which recovered 99.6 percent of a $50 million investment made by a state‑contracted lending agent before the firm’s bankruptcy. The lawsuit took seven years but ultimately returned the vast majority of the funds to Nevada.
What This Means for Voters
As Reno’s residents head to the polls, the ads underscore the importance of scrutinizing candidates’ records on economic development, regulatory oversight, and fiscal responsibility. While data‑center projects promise jobs and tax revenue, they also raise concerns about water and power usage—issues the city continues to address through case‑by‑case permits. Marshall’s track record as State Treasurer offers a narrative of fiscal vigilance, whereas Taylor’s council votes reflect a nuanced stance on regulation versus moratoriums.
Voters are encouraged to review the full council minutes, budget reports, and the candidates’ platforms to make an informed decision on who will best lead Reno forward.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
