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 SB 690 would reform an outdated wiretapping law, the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), which is being used against businesses using standard website tools such as cookies or web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.

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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.

Six local community leaders have joined the North Tahoe Community Alliance’s all-volunteer board of directors. The board will help make recommendations about how to reinvest TBID and TOT funds generated by tourism in support of local priorities that benefit residents, businesses and visitors. 

The members who assumed their board positions at April’s meeting include:

• Northstar Business Association (designated seat) – Amy Kylberg
• Northstar California (organization nominated seat) – Kelsey Everton
• Palisades Tahoe (organization nominated seat) – Mike Martin
• The Ritz-Carlton (organization nominated seat) – Josh Johnson
• Tahoe City Downtown Association (designated seat) – Robb Olson
• West Shore Lodging/Property Management (designated seat) – DJ Ewan

“I’m continually impressed with the caliber of talent and diversity of experience we’re able to attract to our volunteer board of directors,” said Tony Karwowski, NTCA president and CEO. “The makeup of our current board will be invaluable as we continue to address community priorities over the next several years. I am excited by this group of leaders’ unique perspectives, and how these viewpoints challenge the status quo — particularly as we make decisions on the allocation of tourism-generated funding to address issues that affect our community.

The NTCA Board of Directors guides the work of the organization in its responsibilities under the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID) and in contracts with the County of Placer to leverage tourism-generated funding through the efforts of NTCA, the North Tahoe Chamber and Lake Tahoe Travel to support a community vitality, economic health & resiliency, and destination stewardship. 

The board includes six seats that are nominated by organizations, and 10 designated seats elected by the membership, as specified in the NTCA bylaws. All board members volunteer their time, with no compensation, to help shape and guide the activities of the NTCA.

In addition, the full board elected its new executive committee, with Jill Schott named as Board Chair. Kevin Drake will serve as Vice Chair, Caroline Ross as Board Secretary, DJ Ewan as Treasurer, and Sue Rae Irelan will contribute to the executive committee as Past Chair.

The balance of the NTCA board includes:

• Everline Resort & Spa: Nicole Gorman
• Homewood Mountain Resort: Andy Buckley
• Kings Beach District: Kevin Drake
• North Shore Lodging / Property Management: Jill Schott 
• Placer County Board of Supervisors appointed: Sue Rae Irelan 
• Squaw Valley Business Association: Caroline Ross
• At-large Activity Business: Jim Phelan
• At-large Food & Beverage Business: Daniel Scott
• At-large seat #1: Samir Tuma 
• At-large seat #2: Dave Wilderotter 
• Placer County (non-voting advisory member): Stephanie Holloway
• Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (non-voting advisory member): Devin Middlebrook

The Board of Directors meets the requirements set forth in the TBID Management District Plan (MDP), which includes establishing a Board that reflects the diverse North Lake Tahoe business community and representation from all sectors and geographic regions. Board and committee meetings are open to the public, and the NTCA is committed to fiscal transparency and incorporating public input and participation in all decision-making.

The North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) is seeking candidates for its Board of Directors to help guide the work of the organization in its responsibilities under the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID) and in contracts with the County of Placer that focus on destination management and marketing, housing and transportation, and sustainability initiatives. NTCA is focused on leveraging the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program to foster economic health, community vitality, and environmental sustainability that benefits local residents, businesses, and visitors.

There are five seats open for election as identified:

• Northstar Business Association (organization designated seat)
• Northstar California (organization designated seat)
• Ritz-Carlton (organization designated seat)
• Tahoe City Downtown Association (designated seat)
• West Shore Lodging/Property Management (designated seat)

Eligible candidates must be an owner, manager, of an assessed active, current business (or the designated representative of that business) within the NLT-TBID district as defined in the corporation by-laws.

Ballots have been sent in prior to February 2, 2026, the election will occur in March 2026, and new board members will be seated at the April 2026 Board of Directors meeting.

Candidate Statements

Read the statements below to learn more about the candidates for the NTCA Board of Directors.

Josh Johnson, Director of Finance at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
DJ Ewan, Director of Business Development at Granlibakken Management Company
Fred Kruse Schneider, Jr., Lake Tahoe Branch Manager for Local Vacation Rentals
Robb Olson, licensed architect, contractor and real estate broker

Adam Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, North Tahoe Community Alliance
Published in the Sierra Sun on November 15, 2025 >

Having grown up here, for as long as I can remember, North Lake Tahoe has faced a critical question:  how do we maintain a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient economy that supports the people who live and work here, while also preserving what makes this place so special for everyone?

One tool that has proven effective has been the formation of the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID).

Established through a collaborative effort among local business leaders, the TBID is a self-assessment made by lodging, retail, restaurant, and activity-based businesses within our community. It’s not a tax—it’s a collective commitment to addressing community priorities. And it has created a locally controlled, dedicated source of primarily tourism-generated funding that allows us to reinvest in the priorities that matter most to our region.

Why We Need the TBID

Before the TBID, the only source of tourism based revenue generation was transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue generated by overnight visitors, which is allocated by Placer County. The TBID created a more flexible and locally governed tool to reinvest revenue generated not only by overnight visitors, but those who visit for the day, directly into the community—supporting infrastructure, programs, and services that benefit residents, visitors, and the local economy.

This shift has empowered our business community to help decide how funds are allocated, ensuring local priorities are reflected in our investments. The result is a more transparent, community-focused approach to making tourism work for our region.

What the TBID Has Made Possible

Since the TBID’s launch, tourism-generated dollars have been put to work in tangible, impactful ways. Through the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work program, $33.5 million of TOT and TBID funds have been invested in programs that likely wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

Here are just a few examples:

• Microtransit Expansion: TBID funds have helped support TART Connect, the free, on-demand microtransit service that improves mobility for residents and visitors.
• Workforce Housing Programs: Initiatives like Lease to Locals and the Workforce Housing Preservation Program have been supported by the TBID to help provide housing options for local employees.
• Environmental Stewardship Initiatives: Investments in the Clean Up the Lake scuba cleanups, the BEBOT beach cleaning robot, and Don’t Drop the Top campaign reflect our commitment to protecting Tahoe’s natural resources.
• Trail and Recreation Access Improvements: TBID funding has supported winter trail grooming, bike and pedestrian safety, and trail and trailhead improvements to ensure everyone can enjoy Tahoe.
• Local Business Support: Tourism development, Love North Tahoe shop, dine and play local, event funding, workforce vanpool programs and destination management efforts have helped our businesses stay strong year-round—not just during peak seasons.

What the TBID Means for Our Future

If renewed by the business community this fall, the TBID will continue to serve as a cornerstone of responsible destination management. It will allow us to continue to invest in workforce housing solutions and clean transportation options, protect our natural environment, and ensure that North Lake Tahoe evolves in a way that is authentic, inclusive, and sustainable.

It also ensures that local businesses maintain a direct voice in how tourism revenues are spent—something that is crucial for the long-term economic health of our community.

A New Era of Local Investment

From my perspective as COO of the North Tahoe Community Alliance, the TBID has fundamentally changed how we think about reinvestment. For the first time, we have a reliable revenue stream that is directed by our community, for our community. Our board and committees—comprised of local business owners and stakeholders—carefully evaluate every funding request to ensure it aligns with our shared goals:  improving quality of life, sustaining our economy, and protecting our natural assets.

This isn’t just about tourism—it’s about transformation. The TBID allows our community to address long-standing needs, pilot creative solutions, and build a future where North Lake Tahoe can thrive—economically, environmentally, and socially.

As we look ahead, I encourage our business community to continue engaging in this process. The TBID represents our collective power to shape the future of North Lake Tahoe, and its renewal is critical to continuing the progress we’ve made together.

Let’s keep building a North Lake Tahoe that works for all of us.

After 27 years as the North Tahoe Visitor Information Center Manager, Kym Fabel recently retired, leaving behind a lasting legacy in North Lake Tahoe. Known as the welcoming face of the region, Kym shared her warmth, local knowledge, and passion with countless visitors and community members, helping make their stays unforgettable.

A self-described “Navy Brat,” Kym was born in Spain and has lived across the country—including Norfolk, San Diego, Pacific Grove, Castro Valley, Davis, and Tahoe. Over the years, she has worked in diverse roles, from testing Central Valley soils for gas exploration at Chevron to ticket sales at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort and serving as Director of Group Sales at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where she launched the aquarium’s first behind-the-scenes tours. She also worked in lodging at Northstar California Resort before finding her “dream job” at the Visitor Center in Tahoe City in 1999.

In her role, Kym thrived on helping visitors discover the best North Lake Tahoe recreation, restaurants, and lodging. She enjoys mountain biking, paddleboarding, hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail, and volunteering as a site steward, monitoring archaeological sites in Nevada with the BLM and U.S. Forest Service.

Kym’s dedication, expertise, and genuine spirit have made a lasting impact on our community. Please join us in celebrating her remarkable career and wishing her all the best in her well-deserved retirement!

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 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.