Last month, NTCA CEO Tony Karwowski was appointed to the CalTravel Executive Committee, presenting a new opportunity for North Tahoe to have a substantial role in shaping the direction of the association and its efforts in FY2027 and beyond.

As the state association tasked with protecting and advancing the interests and investments of California’s travel industry through advocacy, collaboration, and education, CalTravel has been a valuable resource to the North Tahoe business community—in particular as it relates to being informed and having influence on issues affecting businesses that operate in the travel and tourism sector.

As part of our membership, the NTCA has represented North Tahoe at CalTravel’s annual Advocacy Day in Sacramento, giving our region an opportunity to be represented in meetings with elected officials to share the perspective and priorities of businesses in our region. In addition, CalTravel’s experienced lobbyists help compile resources that all of us are able to use to help advocate for our interests, including the status tracking of bills, connecting us with our  legislators, providing tips for legislative meetings, and more.

By joining the CalTravel Executive Committee, Tony is charged with helping CalTravel grow in influence, effectiveness, and value, further supporting the interests of the North Tahoe region.  Ultimately greater influence in this area helps ensure our local economy is supported by legislation friendly to the priorities of our local businesses.

The NTCA Board of Directors recently approved the appointment of 10 local residents to four volunteer committees convened by the NTCA and North Tahoe Chamber that help guide work and investments in support of local businesses, residents and visitors. 

“On behalf of the NTCA staff, we’re pleased to have the opportunity to work with such an engaged, passionate group of people on the various committees we convene to work on behalf of our community,” said Tony Karwowski, NTCA president and CEO. “With these new committee appointments, we continue to foster a diverse collection of local voices across our volunteer Board of Directors and committees—all of whom are instrumental in the collaborative decision-making needed to help advance efforts in support of our community’s priorities.”

TOT Advisory Committee Appointments

Kelsey Everton (Northstar) has been appointed to a vacant At-large seat – one of seven designed to reflect a wide range of expertise and experience. John Jewett (Taylor Builders) was recommended to fill one of four seats representing transportation and housing advocacy. Both are longtime Kings Beach residents.

TBID Advisory Committee Representation

Tahoe City resident Patrick Sheehan was appointed to one of two new at-large, non-voting community representative seats on the TBID Advisory Committee. This seat was designed to ensure geographic and resident representation.

Chamber Advisory Committee

Five members were appointed to the Chamber Advisory Committee to fill vacant seats on the 13-member committee. New appointees include Sean Kristl (Alpenglow Expeditions), who was selected to represent an activity business, Michael Phillips (Tahoe Restaurant Group) to represent a restaurant business, and Aline Henricksen (Tahoe Time Vacation Rentals) to represent a lodging business. Two existing committee members have shifted seats; Patrick Lacey (Palisades Tahoe) will now represent the Squaw Valley Business Association/Olympic Valley, and Caroline Ross (Squaw Valley Business Association) will represent the NTCA Board.

Kings Beach/Tahoe Vista/Carnelian Bay District Advisory Committee

To aid in oversight of the geographic area and needs including but not limited to events, advocacy, business support and services, beautification, and economic development, Kristen Pepin (Pep’s Place and real estate agent) and Michael Myers (Sierra State Parks Foundation) have been appointed to the Kings Beach/Tahoe Vista/Carnelian Bay District Advisory Committee.

Read the press release here.

For residents, local business owners, and the many visitors who come to experience North Lake Tahoe, peak season congestion—and everything that comes with it—has been one of the region’s most persistent challenges for decades.

Since shifting from a traditional destination marketing organization to a destination stewardship and management organization, NTCA has been focused on addressing challenges that arise year-round, but particularly during North Tahoe’s busiest times of year. With input and collaboration from our community, we’ve built a foundation of programs designed to better manage the places that make North Tahoe special.

Some of our proactive work happens before visitors arrive in North Tahoe. Our communications efforts have shifted to help people understand that how they visit matters as much as whether they visit. We offer straightforward guidance on how small choices—arriving prepared, using Park and Ride or TART Connect, packing out trash, giving wildlife space, and more—help care for the region and result in a better experience for everyone.

We use tourism-generated funding to deploy Stewardship Ambassadors on the ground at popular beaches and trailheads during peak periods to talk directly with visitors about fire safety, wildlife, and Leave No Trace practices. And, we fund projects and programs like the BEBOT beach cleaning robot, bike valet services and the Blue Beach program to help address the impacts of recreation on Tahoe’s most-loved beaches.

Tourism continues to be the backbone of our local economy, but our marketing campaigns are purposefully created to help spread out visitation and support businesses during quieter times of year. Our focus is on encouraging midweek and off-peak-season travel, with responsible travel framed as part of what makes a North Tahoe trip memorable. During busy seasons, our efforts are focused on stewardship tips designed to teach and inspire everyone to help take care of Tahoe.

We are listening, collaborating and leveraging relationships with regional partners including but not limited to; Placer County, US Forest Service, CA State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, and the Destination Stewardship Council to achieve desired outcomes, and continue to take action as it relates to efforts centered around the three E’s of sustainable destination management: Education, Engineering, and Enforcement.

Looking ahead, to us, that means continuing collaboration and expanding relationships with regional partners to continue education that results in more visitors arriving already informed about how to do right by the environment and the North Tahoe communities they move through. It means supporting infrastructure and transportation improvements that make responsible and reduced impact behavior choices easy. And, it means working alongside public safety officials so that policies designed to serve the best interests of our communities during peak periods are enforced consistently and fairly.

There will never be a single fix for managing peak season visitation, and no single organization that can do it alone. Continuing to listen, collaborate, and build on initiatives that have already demonstrated success—programs like Park and Ride, TART Connect, trash and other human impact mitigation strategies—are what we can do to help remedy ongoing and future challenges.

North Tahoe’s beauty is what draws people here in the first place. Managing that popularity thoughtfully is how we can ensure it stays worth visiting, and worth calling home.

First Tuesday Breakfast Club is a community forum hosted by the North Tahoe Community Alliance. It presents an opportunity to learn about timely community news, project information, and relevant updates from businesses and influencers in North Lake Tahoe.

Breakfast Club takes place on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30 AM.

August First Tuesday Breakfast Club:

August 4, 2026
Powering Tahoe’s Future: How energy, infrastructure and innovation are shaping the region

Agenda:

• Introduction to Breakfast Club and round robin introductions
• Feature presentations
  • Eric Schwarzrock, Liberty Utilities, Energy supply update
  • Eric Martin, Northstar Community Services District, Wood Energy Facility update
  • Jared Deck, Placer County, Cabin Creek Biomass Facility update
• Q&A
• Supervisor Gustafson, Placer County
• Agency Updates
• Community Stump Speeches

Click the link below to join at 7 am on Tuesday, August 4.

We’re looking for an experienced leader to help shape the future of North Lake Tahoe. The North Tahoe Community Alliance is hiring a Vice President of Economic Impact to lead our financial strategy, strengthen public-private partnerships, and turn strategic investments into measurable economic and community outcomes. If you have a background in finance, accounting, economic development, data, and strategic investment—and are passionate about creating lasting regional impact—we encourage you to apply. Explore the position highlights below, then view the full job description and application.

Position Highlights

Download .pdf

Ready to apply?

View the full job description and submit your application here:

By Tony Karwowski

When the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District was formed, it created a new opportunity to invest tourism-generated funding back into our community. We started to address critical issues like workforce housing and transportation, while also taking action to support the needs of local businesses. 

With the new 10-year TBID term set to begin July 1, and the work underway to refine how funds generated by tourism are reinvested, North Lake Tahoe’s tourism economy is poised to work more effectively on behalf of all of us.

Historically, Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) generated by those who stay overnight in hotel or short-term rental properties was guided by the (now dated) 2015 Tourism Master Plan. Now, in partnership with Placer County, the NTCA is refining the framework that defines how that funding is invested back into the community.

The Economic Health and Catalyst Initiatives Roadmap will replace the Tourism Master Plan as the primary reference document for TOT investments. It will also provide new long-term funding opportunities for high-impact projects and programs. With this new model in place, it will translate to greater opportunities for investment in critical workforce housing, transportation, and infrastructure initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our region. And, paired with the TBID, we — as a community — will continue to have the ability to support community enhancement, environmental stewardship, and more with tourism dollars.

Over the next year, while the new roadmap is being refined, we’re continuing to reinvest tourism-generated funds in a variety of ways that will help our region thrive. From efforts designed to drive responsible mid-week and off-peak season visitation in support of North Tahoe’s economy to direct support for local businesses, downtown revitalization, event sponsorship, and more, we’re focused on advancing the programs and projects that are making a positive impact in our community.

In fact, over $250,000 is budgeted this year to bring ideas to life that were identified in the revitalization study that the North Tahoe Chamber completed in partnership with the TCDA and the Kings Beach District. The intention is that these opportunities will help enhance the vibrancy and connectivity of our downtown areas.

Tourism dollars are also supporting more local events than ever before, with the North Tahoe Chamber allocating $660,000 to activate 48 special events, including 12 ongoing events, this year. From local favorites like the Made in Tahoe Festival and the Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series to the Tahoe City Food & Wine Classic and many more, events support our business community and add to the variety of things to do and experience in North Lake Tahoe.

And, the Placer County Board of Supervisors recently approved TOT funding that the NTCA Board and TOT Committee recommended to ensure the continued support of Lease to Locals, the Workforce Housing Preservation Program, and TART Connect while the new roadmap process is completed. 

As the roadmap is being refined, community and committee members, implementers and subject matter experts will have opportunities to weigh in and help shape what it becomes. Stay tuned for more in the coming months.

—Tony Karwowski is president and CEO of the North Tahoe Community Alliance

By Tony Karwowski, NTCA president & CEO

Last month, I participated in advocacy efforts to protect and advance the interests of California’s travel industry with state legislators. As part of the annual advocacy day facilitated by the California Travel Association (CalTravel), I had the opportunity to elevate North Lake Tahoe’s priorities during in-person meetings with Senator Dahle, Assemblymember Hadwick, and staff of Assemblymember Gallagher.

In particular, the delegation representing CalTravel voiced support for Senate Bill 690 (SB 690), and opposition for Assembly Bill 1869 (AB 1869). SB 690 would reform an outdated wiretapping law, the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), which is being used against businesses using standard website tools such as cookies or web analytics. By exempting commercial business purposes already governed by the California Consumer Privacy Act from CIPA liability, SB 690 would stop predatory lawsuits and protect businesses, while preserving strong consumer protections.

AB 1869 proposes amendments to California’s Revenue and Taxation Code addressing how income from lodging facilities is characterized for Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) tax purposes. If passed, AB 1869 would have changed ownership models, increased costs, and disincentivized development of and investments in all hotels. Following our meetings, the bill died in suspense. It will not advance.

Advocacy efforts like this, plus representation at the federal level with legislators in Washington, D.C. as part of the “Team Tahoe” delegation earlier this spring, give our community an opportunity to have our collective voice heard by our elected officials. These meetings are one way we advocate for funding and legislation that benefits all of us, and provide a chance to demonstrate how our region is successfully addressing challenges and how continued support will allow us to do even more.

A number of projects are underway in the region to improve and repair infrastructure, but they will also impact traffic and transportation at multiple locations around the lake this summer. Plan ahead and, whenever possible, take public transportation or make use of the region’s paved and dirt trail network.

This page will be updated throughout the summer road construction season with information on where to get the latest 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.

View or Download as PDF

CalTrans

• For updates, follow CalTrans District 3 on Facebook, X and Instagram
• For real-time traffic information, view Caltrans’ QuickMap

NDOT

• View projects
• For updates, visit NVRoads.com and @NevadaDOTReno

Placer County

• View projects
• Visit the project websites for updates: Grove St./SR 28 Signalization & 2026 Tahoe Area Roadway Treatment Plan

Tahoe City Public Utility District

• View projects
• For updates, visit tcpud.org/construction

North Tahoe Public Utility District

• View projects
• For updates, visit ntpud.org/projects

Southwest Gas

• View project

Learn more about this summer’s critical infrastructure project overviews here.

Following the business community’s recent renewal of the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID), a new, single TBID Advisory Committee has been seated to offer greater efficiencies and broader representation. Created to support the implementation of the Management District Plan and the NTCA strategic plan, the TBID Advisory Committee makes recommendations of programs and projects to the NTCA Board of Directors to be funded by TBID revenues in support of community priorities.

The new committee makeup includes 11 voting seats and two non-voting community at large seats. At-large seats give preference to individuals with expertise, experience, or advocacy in geographic, resident and previous TBID/Zone 1 representation categories.

A public application process to seat the committee was conducted from April 2 to May 8, 2026, and received a total of 12 applications. Seven of the applicants previously served on the TBID Advisory and Zone 1 committees, and five were new applicants. The new committee is comprised of the following members:

1. Assessed Zone 1 Lodging Business – Fred Kruse
2. Assessed Zone 1 Lodging Business – DJ Ewan (NTCA Board Member)
3. Assessed Zone 1 Lodging Business – Jill Schott (NTCA Board Member)
4. Assessed Zone 1 Lodging Business – Karin Schwarz
5. Representing Chamber Committee – Vacant
6. Assessed TBID Business Olympic Valley / Alpine Meadows – Jennifer Scharp
7. Assessed TBID Business Northstar – Jerusha Hall
8. At Large – Danny Scott (NTCA Board Member)
9. At Large – Theresa Braun
10. At Large – Sabrina Burge
11. At Large – Kim Percy
12. At Large* non-voting community representation – Nathan Chorey
13. At Large* non-voting community representation – Vacant

Qualified members must reside, hold a business license, or represent a business or non-profit based or conducting business in eastern Placer County to be eligible for appointment to the TBID Advisory Committee. For the initial appointment and terms of the members, roughly half will serve a two-year term, with the other half serving a three-year term. Terms thereafter will be for two years.

The North Tahoe Community Alliance, the North Tahoe Chamber, and Lake Tahoe Travel exist to support and strengthen the North Lake Tahoe community through a unique collaborative ecosystem where the three pathways work together under a single strategic plan while maintaining distinct areas of focus.

How It Works

While each pathway has its own work plan and specialized services, they share staff, resources, and strategic alignment to maximize efficiency and impact. 

• NTCA manages and reinvests Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) funds and partners with Placer County to recommend Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) investments through the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work grant cycle. These funds support community projects including trails, transportation, workforce housing, community enhancement, and environmental stewardship and tourism impact mitigation. This program is a key component of NTCA’s community vitality strategic initiative.
• The North Tahoe Chamber is funded entirely by TBID dollars and focuses on supporting local businesses through advocacy, events, and business-driven programming that strengthens workforce development. The Chamber also administers event funding and supports downtown revitalization efforts — all aligned with NTCA’s Economic Health & Resiliency strategic initiative.
• Lake Tahoe Travel is fully funded by TBID dollars and leads destination marketing efforts that promote responsible, sustainable tourism. By attracting visitors who align with community values and stewardship principles, this work supports local businesses and contributes to North Tahoe’s overall economic health and community vitality.
• Together, NTCA, the Chamber, and Lake Tahoe Travel intersect across strategic priorities — from Destination Stewardship to Organizational Excellence — creating a coordinated ecosystem that maximizes community impact.

Why This Matters

This collaborative approach allows a singular organizational structure—one staff team, one overarching strategy—to deliver a wide range of services to the community. Each pathway focuses on what it does best, while shared planning, communication, and resource coordination reduce duplication and improve efficiency.

Understanding the Impact

The ecosystem diagram highlights each pathway’s areas of focus and shows how collaborative efforts drive community impact.

Through this coordinated model, North Tahoe can align funding, programming, and promotion to support residents, businesses, and a vibrant year-round economy—demonstrating the power of collaboration in action.