Logo courtesy of North Tahoe Community Alliance

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, CA (MPG) - Because of the creation of the North Lake Tahoe Tourism Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID) and its subsequent 10-year renewal by the business community, the region’s tourism economy is generating revenues that are being reinvested to help advance community priorities. As a new 10-year TBID term launches July 1, the North Tahoe Community Alliance is continuing to invest tourism dollars into programs and projects that enhance the experience for everyone.

“All of our efforts are aligned around making North Lake Tahoe’s tourism economy work for all of us,” said NTCA president and CEO Tony Karwowski. “How we’re doing that is by reinvesting tourism-generated revenues into initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy of our downtown areas, support local businesses, and address some of our community’s top priorities and infrastructure needs. From sponsoring local events to aiding workforce housing and transportation solutions, tourism dollars are helping to make tangible progress on things that are important to our community.”

Here’s how tourism-generated revenues are being invested in the coming year: 

Driving Responsible Visitation to Support North Tahoe’s Economy

Lake Tahoe Travel is focused on driving mid-week and off-peak season visitation from markets that are more likely to visit North Lake Tahoe and stay for 3+ days to help support a year-round economy. Once visitors are here, efforts shift to Destination Stewardship; teaching visitors how to move through our communities with preparation and respect, how to embrace the pace of Lake Tahoe, and to shop local.

Support for Local Businesses

The North Tahoe Chamber drives economic impact through efforts that include economic development, advocacy, business services, community vitality, visitor engagement, and workforce development to benefit local businesses and their employees. By creating a web of infrastructure that directly supports the business community, the North Tahoe Chamber is supporting the local economy and the community. 

Support for the Tahoe City Downtown Association and the Kings Beach District

The operational budget for both the TCDA and the Kings Beach District is part of the North Tahoe Chamber budget, which is powered by tourism dollars generated by the TBID. Both organizations help bring the commercial downtown areas of North Lake Tahoe to life with programs, events, district advocacy, beautification projects and vibrancy all year long—everything from Snowfest to flower baskets, Music on the Beach to Merry & Bright. Both organizations also serve as a point of contact with the business community to better understand issues, priorities and potential areas of investment to maintain a healthy business environment.

Downtown Revitalization Efforts

The North Tahoe Chamber, in partnership with the TCDA and Kings Beach District, completed a revitalization study that identified immediate beautification projects, business promotions, activations and pop-up opportunities that will help enhance the vibrancy and connectivity of our downtowns in Kings Beach and Tahoe City. Over $250,000 is budgeted to bring these ideas to life this fiscal year. 

Event Sponsorship

Because of the TBID, this year tourism dollars are supporting more local events than ever before. In total, 48 special events, including 12 ongoing events were awarded a total of $660,000, helping support the local business community and offer a diverse mix of cultural and recreational activities throughout the year. This includes local favorites like the Made in Tahoe Festival and the Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series, the Tahoe City Food & Wine Classic, the Tahoe Film Fest, and many more.

Continued support for ongoing Workforce Housing and Transportation programs

TBID and TOT funds will continue to support several workforce housing and transportation initiatives in North Tahoe this year. The Tahoe Housing Hub’s ADU Accelerator Program, Placer County’s Lease to Locals, and TART Connect will all continue to receive funding. Additionally, the Park & Ride program, which now operates in both summer and winter, is anticipated to have funding approved this summer.

In partnership with Placer County, the NTCA is refining the framework that defines how Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) generated by overnight guests is invested in the community. Required as part of the NTCA’s 10-year Memorandum of Understanding with the County, the Economic Health and Catalyst Initiatives Roadmap will replace the current Tourism Master Plan as the primary reference document for TOT investments. 

“The roadmap we’re working on will define ‘high-impact’ projects and programs, and provide new long-term funding opportunities—which haven’t previously been an option—for critical workforce housing, transportation and infrastructure initiatives, while continuing to support community enhancement, environmental stewardship, and more,” continued Karwowski.

Community and committee members, implementers and subject matter experts will all have opportunities to help shape the new roadmap as it is being developed.

Learn more about how the NTCA invests tourism-generated funding at northtahoecommunityalliance.com.