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
NTCA’s Kirstin Guinn Honored With Lake Spirit Award
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.
Wildfire Preparedness Week: First Tuesday Breakfast Club and More Events
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.
Next First Tuesday Breakfast Club: May 6, 2025 Wildfire Preparedness Join the NTCA and community members from 7-8:30 a.m. for a virtual Breakfast Club on Zoom.
Agenda:
Introductions
CalFire – Erich Schwab, Assistant Chief for the Eastern Division
USFS – Victor Lyon, Vegetation Management Staff, Officer
Placer County Emergency Management – Ryan Woessner, CAL Fire/PCFD OES Assistant Chief
NT Fire Protection District – Chief Brent Armstrong
Want to learn more? Lake Tahoe fire and forestry agencies invite the community to Get Defensive during Lake Tahoe Wildfire Preparedness Week. The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is a partnership of local, regional, state and federal organizations helping to host additional events around the lake. Meet land managers, fire personnel and community leaders at these North Shore events to learn how the Tahoe Basin can work together to better prepare for wildfire.
Schedule:
Wednesday, May 7
Waterman’s Landing Coffee Shop, Carnelian Bay | 3-5 p.m.
Thursday, May 8
Tahoma Market & Deli, Tahoma | 8-10 a.m.
Tree House Cafe, Kings Beach | 2:30-4 p.m.
Saturday, May 10
Drink Coffee Do Stuff, Incline Village | 8-10 a.m.
March is Women’s History Month, and this year, NTCA celebrates women who are making an impact in North Lake Tahoe. Stay tuned to our blog and social media throughout the month as we highlight a few of the inspiring women in our community.
About Erin Erin Casey’s career spans over 20 years of committed service to the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee region, which is marked by her expertise in facilitating strategic collaboration around housing and other critical community issues. As CEO of the Tahoe Housing Hub, Erin focuses on providing affordable housing for all residents by driving initiatives that deliver meaningful and lasting impacts.
What inspires you to make an impact in your field? I believe change happens through collaboration, genuine connection, and a deep understanding of community needs. This means going beyond surface-level interactions to truly explore and identify the root causes of issues, uncovering what’s beneath what people express openly. Drawing from my personal experiences with housing insecurity, I am driven by empathy and the desire to ensure others do not face similar struggles. This personal connection fuels my passion to bring people together, encourage open dialogue, and build consensus around solutions that are both innovative and sensitive to the complexities faced by our communities. I firmly believe that real progress occurs when we prioritize collective well-being and shared goals over individual interests. Individual issues are important and deserve attention; however, as leaders, it is crucial that we examine the entire landscape to understand deeper patterns, motivations, and underlying dynamics. By focusing on the collective rather than viewing ourselves as separate individuals, we can facilitate conversations, unite diverse perspectives, and explore underlying motivations and emotions that shape community dynamics. My commitment is rooted in the conviction that by understanding and addressing the core of community challenges, especially around housing, we can achieve lasting improvements and strengthen the overall quality of life for everyone involved.
About Lianne Tahoe XC has been an integral part of our lives since moving here in 2004. At the time, our three children were starting preschool, 2nd grade, and 4th grade, and the Strider Program welcomed us with open arms. Like the rest of Tahoe City, it provided a strong sense of community and a supportive network of parents and coaches who helped our kids reach their full potential.
Since then, I’ve been committed to giving back to the Tahoe community. Serving on the Board of Excellence in Education for nine years, I worked as a school liaison, securing grants for teachers within TTUSD. As a PTO member at both North Tahoe Middle and High School, I assisted in numerous programs supporting our students. I’ve also worked as the Coordinator for the Big Mountain Ski Team at Palisades Tahoe, and have enjoyed working with the team at Tahoe Tree Company during the summertime.
It’s been a joy to circle back as the Program Coordinator at Tahoe XC, collaborating both in-house and within the community, finding ways to bring year-round outdoor experiences to kids of all ages.
What inspires you to make an impact in your field? I’m inspired to create accessible cross-country skiing and mountain biking experiences for kids because I believe outdoor activities foster important life skills and a connection to nature. By offering a bridge to existing financial, cultural and transportation barriers, our programs strive to help kids build confidence through health and wellness. Through these opportunities, I’m hoping we can build a more inclusive and diverse community of young adventurers.
Since its formation in 2021, the North Lake Tahoe TBID has been instrumental in funding initiatives that benefit residents and visitors, including local business support, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable tourism efforts. To date, $33.5 million of TOT-TBID Dollars At Work have been reinvested back into our region.
Learn how the TBID benefits the community at an upcoming TBID Talk. NTCA staff will be available to answer questions, listen to feedback and share more about the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program investments. We look forward to seeing you!
TBID Talks
Visitor Information Center in Tahoe City | 8:30-9:30 am: Thursday, March 27 Thursday, May 29
Visitor Information Center in Kings Beach | 8:30-9:30 am: Thursday, April 24 Thursday, June 26
NTCA Board of Directors Approves 2025 Event Funding
The NTCA Board of Directors has approved a total of $625,000 to sponsor 41 events in North Lake Tahoe this year. Events that receive priority promote community vitality, environmental stewardship, and economic health in the region. Each event’s traffic management and sustainability plan are also evaluated, with organizers responsible for identifying and outlining how they will mitigate attendees’ impacts on the community and the environment.
Your Input is Essential to Shape the Future of North Tahoe
The North Tahoe Community Alliance is updating a strategic plan to support a thriving local economy while preserving residents’ unique quality of life, enhancing the visitor experience, and respecting the natural environment that makes North Tahoe so special. You have two opportunities to voice your thoughts and contribute to shaping the future of North Tahoe.
Take the NTCA Strategic Planning Survey
By taking five minutes to complete our Strategic Planning Survey, you’ll help guide the NTCA staff and board in making informed decisions that benefit our entire community.
Please submit your responses by February 21, 2025. Thank you for your time and valuable insights!
Join a Virtual listening session to share your insights
As part of the strategic planning process, the NTCA and our partner, the Coraggio Group, are conducting two virtual listening sessions to gather perspectives and insights from the community.
These focus groups delve into the NTCA’s future direction, challenges, opportunities, and partnerships around the region. Your unique perspective is crucial to ensure that our strategic plan is comprehensive, inclusive, and reflective of our community’s needs and aspirations. This is an opportunity to voice your thoughts and contribute to shaping the future of North Tahoe.
Join a focus group
Dates: February 10 and February 13 Time: 2:30-4:30 pm PST Location: Online via Zoom Facilitated by the Coraggio Group
August 15 Grand Opening Planned for New Kings Beach Visitor Information Center
The thriving Kings Beach community will soon be home to a permanent, year-round Visitor Information Center. Designed to serve as a hub for visitors and the business community, the facility will house an educational video exhibit created by the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, a retail component where local makers and artisans can feature their works, and a well-informed staff happy to give tips and insights in-person to all who enter and to connect visitors with the local business community in support of the region’s economic health. Additionally, there will be a satellite office for the North Tahoe Chamber.
A North Tahoe Chamber Mixer and Grand Opening celebration is planned for Thursday, August 15 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. that will be open to the public.
Following the grand opening event, the new Visitor Center will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
The new Kings Beach Visitor Information Center is located at 8611 North Lake Blvd. at the intersection of SR-28 and Racoon Street. Learn more about North Lake Tahoe’s Visitor Centers at http://www.northtahoecommunityalliance.com/visitor-center/.
NTCA Seeks Volunteer Members for TOT Advisory Committee
The North Tahoe Community Alliance is seeking two more candidates for the newly formed TOT Advisory Committee. The committee merges the responsibilities of the former TOT and CAP committees and streamlines efforts to direct the roughly $10M of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenues generated by overnight stays in local hotels and short-term rentals in North Lake Tahoe.
The NTCA is currently seeking applicants for:
One additional member who represents workforce housing with knowledge or background in housing planning, construction, and/or financing, with experience or knowledge navigating regulatory frameworks and developing community consensus around housing projects.
One additional representative who could represent the Donner Summit area of Placer County.
Applications are now closed.
Applications will be accepted from June 10 – July 10, 2024. The NTCA Board of Directors will seat the two additional committee members at their August 7, 2024 meeting.
The TOT Advisory committee is comprised of 13-15 regional business and community representatives who will recommend TOT funding for projects and programs aligning with community priorities of the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work Program. Committee members will provide valuable input and help guide the work of the NTCA. Committee positions require a two-year commitment, with typical committee meetings taking place once per month and lasting 1-3 hours per meeting.
Learn more about the committee and the application process here. For questions on the application process, or to request a paper application, please email tara@northtahoecommunityalliance.com.
Honoring Influential Women in North Lake Tahoe this Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, NTCA is highlighting influential women and their contributions to North Lake Tahoe. Learn more about these incredible women here on our blog or follow along with the series on Instagram.
Dat-So-La-Lee, Champion of Washoe Basketry
Dat-So-La-Lee (1829–1925), American name Louisa Keyser, was more than a basket weaver; she was a cultural icon and trailblazer for the Washoe people, leaving her mark not only on her homeland but also on the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe. Born as Dabuda near Sheridan in Carson Valley, Dat-So-La-Lee’s intricate baskets, known as degikup, captured the essence of Washoe heritage.
Despite facing numerous challenges and personal losses, Dat-So-La-Lee’s dedication to her craft never wavered. Her baskets, sought after for their exquisite craftsmanship and storytelling symbolism, found their way to museums across the nation, including the Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City.
From her classical weaving phase to her innovative designs, Dat-So-La-Lee’s legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the rich cultural tapestry woven into the fabric of Lake Tahoe’s history. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s honor the pioneering spirit of Dat-So-La-Lee and recognize her invaluable contributions to Washoe culture and heritage.
Photo: Gatekeeper’s Museum
Anne Brigman, Trailblazer of the Sierra Nevada
Anne Brigman (1869–1950) was not just a photographer; she was a fearless pioneer who shattered gender norms in the male-dominated field of photography. Against societal expectations, she boldly ventured into the rugged landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, armed with her camera and a vision. Through her lens, Brigman captured the raw beauty of nature and the human form, challenging the conventional portrayal of women in art. Her daring self-portraits, often set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sierra, celebrated the strength and resilience of womanhood. Brigman’s trailblazing spirit continues to inspire generations of women to fearlessly pursue their passions and carve their own paths.
Photo: Gatekeeper’s Museum
Myrtle Huddleston’s Aquatic Triumphs
In 1931, Mrs. Myrtle Huddleston made waves as the world’s champion endurance swimmer among women, showcasing unparalleled determination and resilience. Despite taking her first swimming lesson just five years prior, Mrs. Huddleston achieved remarkable feats, including swimming 36 miles across Catalina Channel in 20 hours and 42 minutes and winning the ocean championship at Del Ray Beach, Fla., with a swim lasting 31 hours and 18 minutes.
Venturing to Lake Tahoe, Mrs. Huddleston faced the challenges of high altitude and icy mountain spring waters, yet remained undeterred. Clad in an unassuming one-piece bathing suit and coated in grease, she embarked on a 16-mile swim from Glenbrook, Nev., to Tahoe Tavern, Calif. Despite encountering misdirection, strong winds, and physical discomfort, Mrs. Huddleston’s unwavering resolve propelled her forward.
After 23 grueling hours in the water, Mrs. Huddleston emerged triumphant at Tahoe Tavern, her son Everett cheering her on from a rowboat. Though fatigued and tested, she deemed her Lake Tahoe swim as the pinnacle of her aquatic achievements, a testament to her indomitable spirit and unparalleled tenacity.
Photo: openwaterswimming.com
Tahoe City Women’s Club
This Women’s History Month, we are reminded of the great work done by the Women’s Club of Tahoe City established in 1927. Among the causes taken up by the group were the purchase of fire fighting equipment (years ahead of an organized fire department), the founding of a local lending library and aid to those in need within their community.
Funds for their projects were raised chiefly by the raffling of handmade quilts and holding community dances. These women banded together in the name of charity and certainly left their mark on the history of North Lake Tahoe.
The TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program is powered by the North Tahoe business community. Thank you to the business owners who created the Tourism Business Improvement District. In partnership with Placer County.
