NTCA is proud to celebrate Marketing Director Kirstin Guinn, who was recognized with a Lake Spirit Award by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency on October 22. This annual award honors individuals who go above and beyond to protect and restore Lake Tahoe’s environment.

Kirstin was recognized for her leadership in destination stewardship, helping create a tourism economy that gives back while educating visitors, businesses, and residents about protecting Tahoe’s unique natural and cultural resources. Through her work, NTCA continues to build collaboration across the region, ensuring the lake remains clean, safe, and vibrant for generations to come.

“The Lake Spirit Awards celebrate the champions of Tahoe,” said TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan. “Kirstin’s innovative outreach shows how thoughtful action can have a lasting impact on the health of the lake.”

For more on this year’s Lake Spirit Awards, visit trpa.gov/awards.

The NTCA’s updated Strategic Plan for 2025-2028 continues to outline a robust vision for a vibrant community where tourism-generated funding supports a healthy economy, protects the natural environment, and enhances the Tahoe experience for all. Four big initiatives will be the focus of the next three years, while being responsive to the needs of the community:

• Community vitality – community engagement + TOT-TBID Dollars at Work program
• Economic health and resiliency – destination revitalization + economic impact of visitation
• Destination stewardship – collaboration + human impact mitigation
• Organizational excellence – organization capacity and leadership + community impact and leadership

View the strategic plan below.

In collaboration with area partners, including Supervisor Gustafson’s office and area nonprofits, including the Sierra Nevada Alliance, Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, the Tahoe Resource Conservation District and others, the NTCA recently participated in an aerial tour of Tahoe’s roadless areas with a staffer from State Representative Kevin Kiley’s team.

The intention of the tour and subsequent roundtable discussion was to share local perspectives about how rescinding the Roadless Rule could impact our local communities, economy and environment.

Adopted in 2001 after one of the largest public engagement efforts in U.S. history, where over one million people commented when the original rule was being considered, the Roadless Rule currently protects 58 million acres nationwide, including 4.4 million acres in California.

The rule sought to protect areas that were identified as key for water quality, backcountry recreation experiences, and biodiversity by preventing new permanent road construction and reconstruction, with a few exceptions (e.g., for public safety, wildfire response, or certain access needs like mining claims with valid existing rights), and preventing commercial timber harvesting (large-scale or industrial logging), while still allowing limited tree cutting for wildfire fuel reduction, restoration, personal firewood/gathering, or when necessary to protect public health and safety.

This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a process to rescind the Roadless Rule. If adopted, this change would lift restrictions on new road construction and industrial logging in inventoried roadless areas.

Congressman Kiley’s district includes some of the most visited and beloved Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRA) in the Sierra Nevada, spanning the Tahoe and Eldorado National Forests and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Together, these landscapes protect lands vital to clean water, recreation, habitat, and wildfire resilience.

With that in mind, the tour highlighted key places that are central to both the region’s ecology and outdoor economy, including Castle Peak and Granite Chief, areas surrounding Desolation Wilderness and Freel Pass, terrain around the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, and east of the California border to the Mt. Rose Wilderness.

Last month, NTCA and North Tahoe Chamber leadership made public comments at the Liberty Utilities rate case hearings on August 21 and 23 to advocate for our local business community amid proposed rate hikes. Utility Judge Commissioners heard from 18 businesses and community speakers directly, and received a total of 323 written comments to the court docket demonstrating how the proposed rate hike will impact businesses, our economy, and our community. It’s not too late to submit a comment to the court docket to have your perspective heard. Learn more about the Liberty Utilities rate case and submit your comment below.

The North Tahoe Community Alliance is proud to share the release of its 2024–25 Annual Report, available in both English and Spanish. The report provides a comprehensive look at the many ways NTCA is working to strengthen our community, support local businesses, and responsibly manage tourism.

Inside, you’ll find highlights from across the organization’s key areas of work, including:

• TOT–TBID Dollars at Work: Stories of projects, programs, and initiatives made possible through community reinvestment.
• North Tahoe Chamber: How we’re supporting businesses and strengthening the local economy.
• Tourism Data: Insights into tourism’s impact on North Lake Tahoe and how it shapes our community.
• Advocacy Efforts: NTCA’s work to amplify local voices and advance regional priorities.
• Strategic Plan: A look ahead at the goals guiding our work through 2028.

Over the past year, NTCA has focused on maximizing the reinvestment of tourism-generated dollars directly back into our community. Since 2022, $76.5 million in direct and matching funds have supported initiatives that align with community priorities, from infrastructure and transportation to environmental stewardship and community vitality.

We invite you to explore the Annual Report and see firsthand the impact of this work. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for North Lake Tahoe.

The 2025-26 Annual Grant Cycle is accepting applications for projects that enhance community vitality, economic health, and environmental sustainability in North Lake Tahoe. Applicants have until September 5, 2025 to request TOT-TBID Dollars at Work funds for projects ready for immediate implementation upon approval. To date, $33.5 million in TOT-TBID Dollars at Work revenues have been directly invested in the North Tahoe community.

Annual Grant Cycle applicants are required to indicate which priority area(s) they will positively impact, including:

• Community Enhancement and Visitor Integration Infrastructure – community and visitor enhancement for the enjoyment of all.
• Environmental Stewardship and Mitigation of Tourism Impact – mitigation of the impacts of tourism on our community and environment, and enhancing and protecting environmental sustainability.
• Transportation – enhancing efficient transportation throughout the region.
• Workforce Housing – creating a sustainable community through making housing affordable.
• Trails – enhancing recreational trail use and connecting neighborhoods in non-automotive ways.

Grant applications will be accepted online until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. No applications will be accepted after this deadline. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in early 2026.

A series of workshops providing details on the structure of the Annual Grant Cycle and covering key sections of the application was offered to interested applicants in August. Topics included an introduction to the Annual Grant Cycle application and reporting requirements, a housing workshop to help direct housing applications, and a budget and finance workshop. In-person and hybrid office hours were also available for applicants to ask specific questions. Watch workshop recordings here.

A number of projects are occurring in the region that will improve and repair infrastructure but will also impact traffic and transportation at multiple locations encircling the lake this summer. In North Lake Tahoe specifically, from Tahoma to the state line in Crystal Bay, expect delays Sunday night through mid-day Friday. Plan ahead and, whenever possible, take public transportation or make use of the region’s paved and dirt trail network.

While drivers on SR 28 will continue to face challenges this summer (and beyond)—particularly mid-week—please consider the long–term benefits: new broadband capabilities for the benefit of our community, the replacement of the Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City, water system reconstruction, and smooth and durable pavement.

This page will continue to be updated throughout the summer road construction season with current updates, so bookmark this page to stay in the know about what’s happening and where to expect delays. Plus, view the Construction Guide created especially for our business community.

CALIFORNIA (SR 28)

TAHOE CITY TO KINGS BEACH

Pavement Rehabilitation Project

Lead agency: Caltrans

Work goes through September.

Area impacts:

• Tahoe City
• Work is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, September 21 through Thursday, September 25 and from 7 p.m. Thursday, September 25 through noon Friday, September 26 between Mackinaw Road and Grove Street. Access to cross streets and driveways will remain open, however no street parking will be permitted in the construction zone.
• You can see the stages of construction here.

Middle Mile Broadband Network Project

Contractor: Teichert Construction

Work to occur April (weather permitting) – August

Area Impacts:

• SR 28 between Tahoe City and SR 267 junction in Kings Beach
• One-way traffic control at multiple locations with delays up to 30 minutes
• Utility work is scheduled along SR 28 Monday, September 22 through Thursday, September 25 from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. at Lardin Way in Cedar Flat.
  

NTPUD Watermain Crossing

Lead agency: NTPUD

Work to occur early May

Area Impacts:

• SR 28 near Old County Road
• Estimated less than one week of traffic impact with 24-hour single-lane traffic control

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KINGS BEACH TO STATELINE

Middle Mile Broadband Network Project

Contractor: Arcadian

Work to occur May (weather permitting) – August

Area Impacts:

• Kings Beach to Crystal Bay
• One-way traffic control at multiple locations with delays up to 30 minutes
• Utility work is scheduled along SR 28 Monday, September 22 through Thursday, September 25 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. between Raccoon Street in Kings Beach and East Agatam Avenue in Tahoe Vista.
• Broadband utility work is also scheduled along SR 28 Monday, September 22 through Friday, September 26 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. between the State Route 267 junction in Kings Beach and the Nevada state line

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WEST SHORE

Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction Project

Lead Agency: TCPUD

Work to occur mid-April through October

Area Impacts:

• Homewood area with work to occur in the right of way between April and Memorial Day
• Lane closures removed on weekends
• Work will occur on the shoulder of the highway after Memorial Day with no lane closures expected

Multi-use Trail Rehabilitation Project – West Shore Trail Segments 2 & 3

Lead Agency: TCPUD

Work to occur May through October with trail closures occurring Monday – Thursday

Area Impacts:

• Sunnyside to Blackwood Creek; expect riders on the roadway mid-week
• Work is complete from Idlewild Way to Elizabeth Williams Park, and will now begin work on repaving the Hurricane Bay section.
• The trail will remain open Fridays through Sunday, with construction closures Mondays through Thursdays.
• Heavy machinery will be on trail in construction areas. Please stay safe and respect trail closures.

Middle Mile Broadband Network Project

Lead agency: Caltrans

Work to occur between April – November (in 2025 + 2026)

Location:

• Tahoe City to the “Y” in South Lake Tahoe with one-way traffic control at multiple locations with delays up to 30 minutes
• Construction will start in Tahoe City, working South
•  Along SR 89, utility work is scheduled with one-way reversing traffic control in effect Monday, September 22 through Thursday, September 25 from 7 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. between South Street and Fern Street in the Homewood area. Work is also scheduled Friday, September 26 from 7 a.m. until noon.
• Paving operations are scheduled with one-way reversing traffic control in effect Monday, September 22 through Thursday, September 25 from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. between Sunnyside Restaurant and Pineland Drive. Work is also scheduled Friday, September 26 from 7 a.m. until noon.

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TAHOE CITY

Fanny Bridge Replacement

Lead agencies: Caltrans, Placer County Department of Public Works

Construction will occur for 12 weeks beginning in August. Learn more.

The Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City remains closed to all traffic until Saturday, November 15. Traffic will detour onto Lake Boulevard to access State Route 89 (SR 89) and SR 28. West Lake Boulevard remains open for business and transit center access with only the Fanny Bridge being closed. The pedestrian and bicycle path across the Truckee River Dam will remain open throughout the project.

All businesses in the Tahoe City area will remain open and accessible throughout the construction period. 

Area Impacts:

• Truckee River at Tahoe City
• Traffic will be shifted to the Lake Blvd. bypass to SR 28 and SR 89 North to Truckee
• Transit center to remain open and accessible

You can view the schedule here.

Tahoe City Mobility Grove Street Signal

Lead agency: Placer County Department of Public Works

Location: Tahoe City at Grove Street

Area Impacts:

• Undergrounding of utilities in 2025; signal installation in 2026

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CALIFORNIA (I-80)

Restriping Project

Lead Agency: Caltrans

Work to occur May – July

Impacts:

• Westbound I-80 between the Agricultural Inspection Station and the SR 267/89 interchange
• Various lane closures with potential delays up to 20 minutes

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NEVADA (SR 28)

NDOT projects – visit NVRoads.com for existing conditions, updates, etc.

NDOT Maintenance

Area Impact: 

• SR 28 and US 50
• Surface repairs, shoulder cleaning and grading to remove rocks and erosion with periodic lane closures
• All activities will be coordinated with NDOT Contract 4521

IVGID Pipeline Project

Lead agency: IVGID

Area Impact:

• SR 28 Sand Harbor to Secret Cove with single lane closures including flagger and pilot car control
• Up to 30 minute delays possible

NDOT Contract 4521

Work hours: Sundays 9pm to Friday 12pm; Casino Corridor hours: 9pm to 7am nightly Sunday-Friday

Area Impact:

• CA/NV state line to Kings Canyon Road/Spooner Summit
• Focus on Stateline to Cave Rock in 2025
• Lane and shoulder closures with up to 10-minute travel time delays
• Possible long-term single-lane closures in the Casino Corridor

Current Updates:

Work will continue along U.S. 50 with ITS conduit, guardrail, curb and gutter work throughout the project area Sundays at 8 p.m. through Fridays at noon. Utilities work – raising and placing manhole covers as well as permanent striping at state line will occur in mid-August.Early September: paving operations will resume as crews work from Marla Bay toward Cave Rock.

24-HOUR WORK ZONES:

Single lane closures will take place on Sundays at 8 p.m. through Fridays at noon on sections of U.S. 50 between Spooner Summit and the Nevada/California border at Stateline with ITS conduit, guardrail, curb, and gutter work. No lane restrictions are expected on weekends. A minimum of one lane in each direction will stay open at all times. Drivers can anticipate moderate travel delays through the work zone. Speeds will be reduced to 35 mph through work zones. While access to businesses and residences will be continuously maintained in most areas, certain side streets and driveways will temporarily be impacted as roadway excavation takes place in the immediate vicinity. Steel plates and earthwork will then be used after excavation to reestablish side street access.

For ongoing newsletters to receive timely construction notices on this project, including paving schedules near your home or business: Sign up here.

Applicants for the 2025-26 Annual Grant Cycle are invited to attend a series of workshops or office hours to assist with submitting a successful application.

Virtual Workshops

August 7, 2025 | 5-6 pm
Introduction to the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work Annual Grant Cycle 
Register here 

Hosted by Tara Hetz and Lindsey McCandless of the North Tahoe Community Alliance grants team. 

During this introductory workshop, we will describe the structure and purpose of the 25-26 TOT-TBID Dollars at Work Annual Grant Cycle and highlight key sections of the application (such as monitoring and evaluation). We will also introduce the audience to support materials on our website.    

View Recording

August 12, 2025 | 12-1 pm
Housing Support
Register here  

Hosted by Erin Casey, CEO of the Tahoe Housing Hub, Tim Cussen, Tahoe Housing Specialist for Placer County, and other local housing leaders.

This workshop is designed to support applicants pursuing housing-related projects and to provide an opportunity to learn more about existing housing programs and resources in our region, including Launchpad and the Tahoe Housing Hub.   

View Recording

August 20, 2025 | 1-3 pm
Finance Support
Register here  

Hosted by Francois Cazalot, Derek Vaughan, and Daniel Chavez of the North Tahoe Community Alliance finance team.

The NTCA finance team will provide an introduction to the budgeting requirements in the 2025-26 Annual Grant Cycle application as well as fiscal reporting requirements throughout the grant cycle.

View Recording

In-Person and Hybrid Office Hours

If you have specific questions about your 2025-26 TOT-TBID Dollars at Work Annual Grant Cycle application, we’d love to try to answer them during one of our informal office-hour sessions. All three sessions will be held in person at locations in Kings Beach and Tahoe City, and applicants can also register and attend our August 27 session virtually.   

Office hours are hosted by Tara Hetz and Lindsey McCandless of the North Tahoe Community Alliance grants team.

August 5, 2025 | 12-1 pm
North Lake Tahoe Visitor Information Center in Kings Beach 

August 14, 2025 | 12-1 pm
North Lake Tahoe Visitor Information Center in Tahoe City 

August 27 | 4-6 pm
North Lake Tahoe Visitor Information Center in Kings Beach and online
Register in advance for this meeting here.

As our community is well aware, CalTrans’ planned road construction projects in Tahoe City are underway. Over the past few weeks, during the midst of our region’s busy summer season, parking availability through the downtown corridor was essentially unavailable and negatively impacting our community.

To address the multitude of impacts, the NTCA and Supervisor Gustafson co-convened a meeting with CalTrans officials, county staff, and Assembly member Hadwick’s staff to share our business community’s concerns and the economic impacts experienced by our business community during mid-summer.

As a result of the meeting, cones restricting parking throughout Tahoe City were immediately removed, returning parking to normal. In addition, CalTrans, in coordination with their sub contractor, agreed to adjust the timing of the work underway in an effort to reduce impacts to area businesses and our community for the remainder of the summer.

As a direct result of this coordinated advocacy, the revised CalTrans work schedule now includes:

• Work will resume in Tahoe City the week of August 17

• Night work only will occur through the end of August, with project stages that require daytime work to occur after Labor Day

• The Wye project is being placed on hold until after the Fanny Bridge project is complete given the complexities of that project and potential impacts to the wye

The collaboration among organizations and our elected officials to achieve these results is a testament to the great work that can be achieved together on behalf of our businesses and community.

Looking Ahead

To influence the timing of future projects and plan in advance for any potential impacts, the collective group inquired about the best way to know in advance what projects are planned.

CalTrans representatives confirmed that an environmental review process occurs for each project they implement. The NTCA plans to monitor the CalTrans projects coming forward for environmental review in our region. The public comment period during that process will be used as an opportunity to convene discussions, with the intention of providing feedback on economic and other impacts planned projects may have on our community (i.e. how projects affect school bus delays, etc.).

This year, the annual Tahoe Summit, started nearly 30 years ago by California Senator Dianne Feinstein, Nevada Senator Harry Reid, and President Bill Clinton, was centered around the theme of “Protecting Lake Tahoe: Balancing Sustainable Recreation and Conservation.”

Unlike other advocacy opportunities the NTCA has participated in, this gathering, which has historically served as a bipartisan collaboration in support of protecting Lake Tahoe, presented a unique chance to meet and connect with more elected officials from both states at a single event than we’ve had the privilege of participating in before.

It provided a chance to explain how our local business community has helped establish and expand opportunities for public-private partnerships. And, it was an opportunity to highlight the TBID and its role in broadening the funding sources for our community’s priorities – such as transportation and trails, human impact mitigation, environmental stewardship initiatives, as well as business advocacy.

NTCA president and CEO Tony Karwowski shared with California Senator Adam Schiff, Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen, Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, California Assemblywoman Hadwick, and Senator Alvarado-Gil, among others, how the NTCA and the committees it convenes are putting TBID dollars to work on behalf of our community in support of collaborative stewardship efforts in North Lake Tahoe and beyond.

He also addressed the NTCA’s involvement in the creation of the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan, its implementation, and the efforts we’re aligning on across agencies, businesses, NGOs and land managers to elevate the Tahoe experience for all.

By directly engaging and building relationships with elected officials, citing real examples of how North Lake Tahoe is investing in itself, we not only elevate local leadership but also increase the likelihood of securing future state and federal support for community-driven solutions.