The GSR Deal, the Donations, and the Politics of Development and Tax Give Aways
The GSR arena has evolved into one of the most politically charged issues in the Reno’s recent history. At stake is a $61 million TIF deal, and political alignment, and public trust.
Feb 24, 2026
Reno’s proposed Grand Sierra Resort arena expansion has evolved from a development proposal into one of the most politically charged issues in the City’s recent history. At stake is not only a $61 million tax-increment financing (TIF) package but also broader questions about public subsidies, political alignment, and how elected officials balance economic development with public trust.
The Fundraiser at the Grand Sierra Resort
Now, with a fundraiser to be hosted at the Grand Sierra Resort on Tuesday, February 24, with suggested contribution levels ranging from $100 to $5,000, and campaign contributions from entities tied to the project’s owner, the debate has intensified — placing City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Devon Reese squarely at the center of the conversation.
While fundraisers hosted by business leaders are common, the timing — coming months after the TIF approval — has fueled debate among critics. The event includes prominent political and business figures connected to the project, and to Reese, reinforcing the perception of a relationship between the campaign and the development’s backers.
Here is the fundraiser invitation for Devon Reese, hosted by GSR billionaire owner Alex Meruelo, Mayor Hillary Schieve, Vice Mayor Miguel Martinez, and State Senator Angie Taylor, School Board Trustee Beth Smith and Public Relations Agent Abbi Whitaker and other supporters, months after the City approved a $61 million TIF incentive package for the GSR expansion, which Reese promoted and voted for.
To see my other posts about Abbi Whitaker, Reno’s spin doctor and apologist for developers, click this link: Abbi Agency.
The Deal That Changed the Conversation
The City of Reno approved tax incentives worth about $61 million tied to the GSR expansion, which includes a new arena and broader redevelopment.
Under the agreement, roughly 90 percent of the increase in property tax revenue generated by the project would be rebated to the developer through 2035.
Supporters argue the project represents a major investment expected to expand entertainment options, attract events, and generate long-term tax revenue after the rebate period ends.
But critics — including competing casinos — have argued that using TIF for a non-blighted property stretches the intended purpose of redevelopment financing and that the project will leave the city short of money for supporting infrastructure.
The vote approving the financing passed 5-2 after a lengthy public process.
This screenshot is from Reese’s Facebook, where he promoted the GSR TIF deal, which benefits him in his run for mayor.
GSR arena: A smart deal for Reno, Devon Reese, Reno City Council, May 21, 2025, 12:01 p.m. PT
Here’s the link to the article that Reese wrote for the RGJ promoting the GSR TIF deal.
For my other articles about Devon Reese, click the link.
Councilmember Reese’s Role in the Approval
During the redevelopment agency deliberations, Reese actively supported the project on social media, describing it as a calculated risk but ultimately voting yes.
His support aligned him with the group that approved the financing, helping clear a key hurdle for the project.
That decision positioned Reese as the project’s most visible political supporter — a role that now shapes how subsequent political developments are interpreted.
Donations From Meruelo-Linked Entities
Campaign finance records show that Reese has received contributions from entities associated with Alex Meruelo’s casino operations.
The January 2026 report notes $5,000 contributions from both the GSR and the Sahara Las Vegas in late 2025.
Earlier reporting documented multiple donations from Meruelo-related entities across election cycles to several Reno officials, including Reese.
In total, Reese has received $35,000 from Mereulo entities over the years.
Such contributions are legal and common in local politics, particularly around major development projects, but they add context to public perceptions about alignment between developers and policymakers.
This report from the Secretary of State shows the $5000 donation from the GSR to Reese. There is also a corresponding donation from the Sahara Las Vegas, also owned by Mereulo. In total, Reese has received $35,000 from Mereulo entities over the years.
What’s interesting is that Kathleen Taylor received a $5,000 donation from Mereulo on 4/11/2024, but then she voted against the TIF deal and didn’t receive any further donations or a fundraiser, unlike Reese.
Subsidizing the Competition? The GSR Arena and Reno's Risky Bet
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June 15, 2025
This article explains how the GSR Area will take events and people from the downtown properties that the taxpayers subsidize and that contribute to the budget deficit.
The Broader Political Question
The intersection of public financing, campaign contributions, and political fundraising has turned the GSR project into more than a development debate.
For many voters, the issue is no longer just whether the arena is economically beneficial — it is whether decision-making appears sufficiently independent from project beneficiaries.
That perception question, rather than the technical details of TIF, is likely to shape how the issue resonates politically going forward.
Supporters’ View
Proponents argue the expansion represents an investment expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and enhance Reno’s competitiveness as an events destination.
They also note the developer is responsible for construction and maintenance costs, with public funds limited to future tax increments rather than existing revenues.
Critics’ View
Opponents argue the deal diverts potential public revenue to a private developer and sets a precedent for future subsidy requests, leaving the city short of funding.
Some critics also question whether projected economic benefits will materialize, citing broader research showing mixed outcomes for publicly subsidized arenas.
GSR: Reno’s $61 Million Tax Giveaway to a Billionaire
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May 25, 2025
This article provides details on the GSR TIF deal, explaining how it transfers tax money to a billionaire developer and fails to benefit residents.
Why Reese Benefits Politically
From a campaign standpoint, Reese gains several advantages:
Access to high-capacity fundraising networks
Alignment with major business and development interests
Visibility as a pro-growth candidate
Support from established political figures
These factors can strengthen fundraising and signal to donors that his campaign is viable, giving him a boost.
At the same time, they also expose him to scrutiny from voters skeptical of public subsidies and developer connections.
What This Means for Reno’s Political Landscape
The GSR debate reflects a broader tension common in cities: balancing economic development ambitions with concerns about fiscal risk and public accountability.
Whether voters view the project as a visionary investment or an excessive subsidy may depend on trust in the decision-makers who supported it.
Reno Pushes Back on GSR’s $61 Million Tax Deal
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May 27, 2025
This article illustrates that there was significant pushback from Reno voters against the GSR TIF deal. Most see it as benefiting the developer and politicians and not the residents.
The Bottom Line
The Grand Sierra Resort expansion has become a defining issue in Reno politics because it sits at the intersection of public finance, economic development, and campaign politics.
For Devon Reese, the project presents a political opportunity to strengthen his ties to business leaders, even as it invites scrutiny of the relationship between public decisions and private interests.
As the mayoral race unfolds, the debate over the GSR deal is likely to remain a central test of how Reno voters view growth, governance, and trust.
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