Reno City Council Member Faces Ethics Investigation

Reno City Council member Devon Reese is being investigated by the Nevada Commission on Ethics after credible evidence emerged suggesting he violated two state ethics laws.

It follows a September 2022 report, where Reese failed to disclose business ties with employee unions and did not recuse himself from negotiations or votes concerning contracts with those groups. In March 2023, Reese reached a deferral agreement with the commission, agreeing to attend ethics training and avoid further violations for two years.

However, with new ethics complaints surfacing, that agreement may be revoked. On Tuesday, September 17, the panel determined there was “just cause” to pursue the violations.

Reese allegedly breached NRS 281A.400(2), which prohibits using a government position to secure unwarranted privileges, and NRS 281A.400(9), which bars leveraging a subordinate’s influence for personal benefit.

The investigation revealed that Reese used city funds to attend a $21,000 training at Harvard Kennedy School and added days to city-funded trips, incurring extra expenses. While Reese claimed to have repaid the city, no records confirm these payments.

Adding to the controversy, Reese blocked local news outlets last year, sparking further scrutiny. And while the Nevada Secretary of State dismissed the complaint, a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling may revive the issue, as blocking the press or constituents on social media could be deemed unconstitutional censorship under the First Amendment.