MAP E-Newsletters

Stay up to date with Mountain Area Preservation by signing up for our Monthly E-Newsletter. MAP News highlights are featured below and our past monthly e-newsletters can be accessed on our Archive Webpage.

THANK YOU, WILD & SCENIC FESTIVAL GOERS, SPONSORS, AUCTION DONORS & VOLUNTEERS 

That’s a wrap! The 10th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, hosted by MAP on May 1st and May 2nd, was a huge success thanks to 270 attendees and our amazing venue hosts at Alibi Ale Works, Truckee Public House, and Alder Creek Adventure Center in Tahoe Donner. We had TWO sold-out nights featuring 12 films meant to mobilize and inspire change. Check out the event photos by our awesome photographer and volunteer, Matthew Mikaelian. 

A BIG thank you to our 35 Sponsors and National Sponsors who helped MAP bring the festival to Truckee Tahoe this spring. We also want to give a big thank you to the 30 Truckee Tahoe Businesses that made our Virtual Auction possible, helping us raise $6k+. Funds raised through the festival and auction benefit MAP’s mission-driven work to protect open space and advocate for responsible development. Thank you to all the festival goers, sponsors, auction donors, volunteers, and venues for making this year’s festival a success! We can’t wait to bring the festival back next spring for our 11th year. 

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Tahoe Oral Surgery & Implant Center  

This month, we are giving a big shout-out to Tahoe Oral Surgery and Implant Center and the 8 years of MAP Business Membership support from their team in Truckee and South Lake Tahoe. Doctor Dan Martin has been supporting non-profits and causes near and dear to their business's heart since 2010. Giving back to the community is an important part of their business model, and protecting open space is just one reason Tahoe Oral Surgery and Implant Center supports MAP! Learn more about MAP Business Membership and consider adding your business to our list of supporters! 

We’re Hiring | MAP Summer 2026 GIS & Outreach Intern 

Join our team! MAP is currently accepting applications for a GIS and Outreach Intern to support our advocacy and outreach programs this summer. The intern will be responsible for creating conservation victory story maps and participating in summer events. The application period closes on June 14th.

Sign the Petition to Support the Housing Tahoe Needs  

Lake Tahoe is facing a housing affordability crisis and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is in the home stretch of a process, called Cultivating Community, to develop policies and incentives to address this crisis. MAP continues to advocate for workforce housing that protects the lake. This means maintaining the existing growth cap, unlocking existing housing units rather than trying to build our way out of the crisis, incentivizing workforce housing, not just more housing, prioritizing public safety, maintaining scenic and water quality protections, and more. If you support this advocacy and want to stay engaged in these efforts, please join us and sign our petition today!

Town of Truckee Housing Element Workshop Tonight! 

The public review draft of the Town’s 2027-2035 Housing Element is out and up for discussion. This plan outlines the policies and programs to meet the Truckee community's current and future housing needs. Among other things, the document identifies the Town’s current housing target, also known as the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), which is assigned by the State, along with all of the parcels zoned to meet that target. The Housing Element’s public review period ends on June 18th, with multiple opportunities for input identified. Join the Town TONIGHT at 6 pm at Town Hall for a community workshop. Learn more and weigh in on the future of housing in Truckee.

Revised Palisades Specific Plan Approved by Placer County Board of Supervisors 

The fifteen-year fight over Olympic Valley’s future came to a conclusion earlier this month, with the approval of the revised Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan. The downsized plan primarily follows the settlement negotiations among Sierra Watch, Keep Tahoe Blue, and Alterra Mountain Company, including a 40% reduction in bedrooms and a 20% reduction in commercial square footage compared to the 2024 plan. The settlement also outlines protections for Lots 16 and 18 to conserve the base of Shirley Canyon in perpetuity. Placer County added schools as an allowed use on Lot 16, creating uncertainty for the lot. Ultimately, we are happy to see approval of a downsized plan and will continue to monitor development in Olympic Valley as the plan gets built out. Read MAP’s comment letter here.

Placer 2050 General Plan | Board of Supervisors Update in June 

Placer County is in the midst of a multi-year process to update its General Plan, which establishes a long-term vision for the County's future. They are currently identifying areas that can accommodate additional growth and have identified basically every core location in Eastern Placer County, including areas near Sugar Bowl, the entrances to Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley, Northstar, Martis Valley, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Lake Forest, Sunnyside, and Homewood. MAP will be tracking this closely. Join the Board of Supervisors hearing on June 9th to learn more.

Railyard Hotel Approved by Truckee Planning Commission 

The Railyard Hotel hearing was continued from January, and after a lengthy meeting last week with significant public comment, the commission voted 4-0 (with one abstention) to approve the Railyard Hotel project, which includes commercial, hotel, and residential uses. MAP, along with most of the commenters in the room, expressed concerns around the lack of compliance with the Railyard Master Plan and potential unmitigated impacts. Over the last couple of years, MAP has met with the developer to advocate for changes and alignment with the master plan. Ultimately, the commissioners added 11 new conditions of approval, along with 81 conditions set by staff prior to the hearing. Read MAP’s comment letter.

MAP Take Action | Tell Congress to Protect Lake Tahoe from Herbicide Spraying 

Take Action - Tell Congress to Protect Lake Tahoe from Herbicide Spraying! Sign the Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter’s Petition and write to the USFS, to ask for alternatives to herbicide treatment for the Caldor Fire Restoration Project. Let’s reopen the public process and seek alternatives! See MAP’s comment letter sent to the USFS and TRPA Governing Board. Write the USFS with your desire for alternatives to protect the Lake Tahoe watershed and the people of Tahoe, both residents and visitors. Write to the USFS Deputy Supervisor Herrera, Rosalie.Herrera@USDA.GOV. Don’t forget to sign the Sierra Club Petition asking Congress to take action! 

Become a Monthly MAP Member

 Become a monthly MAP member and fuel advocacy year-round! Monthly donations not only fit your budget, but they also help sustain our efforts, allowing us to attend weekly regional hearings and meet with planning departments, stakeholders, developers, and community groups to keep tabs on development and conservation in Truckee Tahoe. Small or large donations, monthly members help make MAP happen, and keep fighting the good fight! 

 With numerous development applications in the pipeline right now for Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, as well as housing policy planning efforts underway for all parts of the Lake Tahoe Basin, we need your support!

10th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival 

Night one of the 10th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival is officially sold out, with only a handful of Membership tickets left for night two at Alder Creek Adventure Center. We are looking forward to hosting two nights in Truckee, with sold-out audiences at Alibi Ale Works, Truckee Public House, and Alder Creek Adventure Center in Tahoe Donner. A HUGE thank you to our two new venues this year for helping MAP bring the festival to the community, with the goal of inspiring positive change through film and activism!

Wild & Scenic Virtual Auction - Opens Friday at Noon 

If you did not score a ticket to Wild and Scenic, you can still support MAP’s efforts by checking out our Virtual Wild and Scenic Auction Online. The auction goes live at noon on Friday, with over 30 auction items donated by MAP friends and Truckee Tahoe businesses that believe in our mission. The auction opens on May 1st at noon and closes on May 8th at midnight. We will send out an email on Friday at noon, when the auction opens. 

Thank You Wild & Scenic Film Festival National Partners & Sponsors  

Without the support of National Partners and Sponsors, hosting Wild and Scenic would not be possible for MAP. Thank you to our 2026 Wild and Scenic National Sponsors and MAP Sponsors: Earthjustice, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Tangled Bank Studios, Impact Capital, Martis Fund, Martis Camp, Cabona’s, Tahoe Forest Hospital, Teichert, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Roxanne Duffield & Hans Wain, Truckee Chambers, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, Earth Roots Designs, Truckee Donner Public Utility District, Shute, Mihaly, and Weinberger, Balance Hydrologics, Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT), designSense, Gallery 5830’, Goldring Travel, Law Offices of Alison Bermant, Mountain Water Canvas, Range of Light, Visit Truckee Tahoe, A Single Track Mind, Refresh, Truckee Flannel Co., Alibi Aleworks - Truckee Public House, Tahoe Donner, Tahoe Truckee Airport District, Tahoe Truckee Media, and 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio. 

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Craft & Logic 

Craft & Logic in Historic Downtown Truckee is not only a great place to grab a brew and a bite, but the owners are committed to the local community and the many important causes that make Truckee Tahoe one of the best places to live and visit!  

“MAP holds the priorities & values we want to see shared as long-term locals, especially regarding responsible development, affordable housing advocacy, and open space preservation,” Austin Harrington, Owner.  

With 32 taps, drinks for everyone, even the little ones, and small bites, plus an epic patio in Downtown Truckee, you don’t want to miss out on stopping in Craft & Logic and supporting a Truckee business that cares about the environment and community. Learn more about our MAP Business Membership program and see how you can get involved, whether through cash contributions or in-kind donations. Local businesses help to fuel MAP’s mission and grassroots advocacy! 

Sign the Petition to Support the Housing Tahoe Needs 

Lake Tahoe is facing a housing affordability crisis and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is in the home stretch of a process, called Cultivating Community, to develop policies and incentives to address this crisis. MAP recognizes both the severity of the issue and the unique challenges that come with identifying solutions that honor the fragile environment of Lake Tahoe. And while we support the TRPA’s end goal, we are concerned with some of the strategies that they have come up with to get there.  

MAP continues to advocate for workforce housing that protects the lake. This means maintaining the existing growth cap, unlocking existing housing units rather than trying to build our way out of the crisis, incentivizing workforce housing and not all housing, prioritizing public safety, maintaining scenic and water quality protections, and more. If you support this advocacy and want to stay engaged in these efforts, please join us and sign our petition today!

Residences at Jibboom | Truckee Planning Commission | Monday, May 4th

The Residences at Jibboom is heading back to the Truckee Planning Commission on May 4th at 5 pm at Town Hall, seeking approval of several changes to the project originally approved in September of 2024. The mixed-use development includes the construction of four buildings in the vacant lot along Jibboom Street, to be occupied by commercial and housing uses. Proposed changes include increasing the approved floor area, increasing commercial space, and expanding slope disturbance. The Historic Preservation Advisory Council unanimously voted to recommend denial of the project at its March meeting. However, given that the project was submitted under SB 330 (a state housing law), the Planning Commission’s review discretion is limited. 

MAP, over the last 8 years, has provided feedback to the applicant on ensuring the project adheres to historic and viewshed preservation while focusing on deed-restricted housing to accommodate the workforce, as that is the largest need for new development in Truckee. Originally, this project was much larger, at 83 units. It has been reduced to 62 units, with 10 units income restricted for future residents. We continue to advocate for more deed-restricted units and also recognize that this project could be significantly taller and have greater impacts due to state laws. 

Dollar Creek Crossing Open House Recap

Earlier this month, Placer County hosted an open house for the community to learn more about Dollar Creek Crossing, a proposed affordable housing development along North Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City. At the open house, it was clear that the development team is still very much in the exploration phase, determining the project components. The proposal includes 80-120 affordable apartments in two- and three-story buildings, with 20-30 units per building. Site details, including parking, building configuration, and number of units, are still being solidified. One illuminating point is that, according to Placer County officials, the project will not likely need to complete an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Report due to new state laws. Stay tuned for more info as this project moves forward. 

Amended Village at Palisades Specific Plan Approved by Placer Planning Commission | Goes to Board of Supervisors on May 12th

 The Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan, which outlines the land use and development approach for roughly 93 acres within Olympic Valley, was approved in November of 2024 and subsequently litigated by MAP’s conservation partners, Sierra Watch and the League to Save Lake Tahoe. The groups negotiated a settlement agreement with Alterra Mountain Company that reduced the number of bedrooms by 40% and the commercial square footage by 20%. Alterra also agreed to preserve Lots 16 and 18 (the base of Shirley Canyon) for recreation and public trail access in perpetuity. 

The amended plan, updated to reflect these negotiations, was approved by the Placer Planning Commission earlier this month. One item of note is that Placer County is now proposing to include schools as an allowed use on Lot 16, which, from MAP’s perspective, conflicts with the intent of the settlement agreement. We will be following this item closely as it goes to the Board of Supervisors on May 12th.

Railyard Hotel Hearing Continues on May 19th 

Back in January, the Truckee Planning Commission reviewed the Railyard Hotel and, after a 5+ hour meeting, decided to continue the hearing to a future date. That date has now been solidified, and the Planning Commission will resume the hearing on May 19th, starting at 5:00 pm at Town Hall. The revised project application responds to some of the previous comments, and changes include removing the balcony from the southwest corner of the building, setting back the rooftop amenities, incorporating more retail into the ground-floor uses, and adding more building articulation. The project team has also developed a Parking Management Plan and an updated solar analysis.  

These changes and additions are appreciated by the MAP team, but we still have concerns about the project’s consistency with the Railyard Master Plan, including the building’s overall mass and scale. This is an important project as a key transition component from Downtown to the Railyard Plan area. Be sure to review the project and submit written or verbal comments if you want to weigh in on the future of the Railyard. We hope to see you on the 19th!

Become a Monthly MAP Member 

Become a monthly MAP member and fuel advocacy year-round! Monthly donations not only fit your budget, but they also help sustain our efforts, allowing us to attend weekly regional hearings and meet with planning departments, stakeholders, developers, and community groups to keep tabs on development and conservation in Truckee Tahoe. Small or large donations, monthly members help make MAP happen, and keep fighting the good fight!  

With numerous development applications in the pipeline right now for Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, as well as housing policy planning efforts underway for all parts of the Lake Tahoe Basin, we need your support!

10th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival | Tickets On Sale April 3rd 

Be sure to mark your calendars for the 10th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival coming to Truckee for TWO nights - May 1st and May 2nd. Night one will be hosted at Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House and night two will be hosted at Alder Creek Adventure Center. Both nights the festival starts at 5:30 pm, with films starting at 7 pm. Our awesome venues will have libations and food for purchase, making this year’s festival perfect for dinner and a movie with friends or family. 

This year’s theme is Mobilize, and MAP’s curated film program will feature two different film programs each night, making the festival more enriching and inspiring for our 10th year bringing Wild and Scenic to Truckee Tahoe! Tickets go on sale online only on Friday, April 2nd at 9 am. With only 100 seats each night, we will sell out fast!

Thank You Wild & Scenic Film Festival National Partners & Sponsors  

Without the support of National Partners and Sponsors, hosting Wild and Scenic would not be possible for MAP. Thank you to our 2026 Wild and Scenic National Sponsors and MAP Sponsors: Earthjustice, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Tangled Bank Studios, Impact Capital, Martis Fund, Martis Camp, Cabona’s, Tahoe Forest Hospital, Teichert, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Roxanne Duffield & Hans Wain, Truckee Chambers, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, Earth Roots Designs, Truckee Donner Public Utility District, Shute, Mihaly, and Weinberger, Balance Hydrologics, Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT), designSense, Gallery 5830’, Goldring Travel, Law Offices of Alison Bermant, Mountain Water Canvas, Range of Light, Visit Truckee Tahoe, A Single Track Mind, Refresh, Truckee Flannel Co., Alibi Aleworks - Truckee Public House, Tahoe Donner, Tahoe Truckee Airport District, Tahoe Truckee Media, and 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio.

MAP Youth Environmental Scholarship | Deadline March 31st!  

The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) Youth Scholarship Program is now open, with applications closing on March 31st. For the past 10 years, MAP has awarded a scholarship to a graduating student from Truckee or North Tahoe High School who plans to pursue a two- or four-year college education focused on the environment. Whether in environmental science or law, natural resource management, land use policy, or environmental justice, MAP aims to inspire the next generation of change-makers through our MAP youth scholarship. 

Learn more about the TTCF Scholarship Program, and be sure to share this opportunity with any graduating senior you know who has a passion for the environment. MAP’s scholarship is for $2,500 and requires a small essay.

MAP Data Specialist and Outreach Intern Position | Apply Now! 

Join the MAP team! We are hiring a Data Specialist and Outreach Intern for summer of 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to utilize geospatial tools to inform MAP’s advocacy, land acquisition, and open space strategy.

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Gallery 5830’ 

Thank you, Gallery 5830’ for your MAP support! We have had the pleasure of working with the owners of Gallery 5830’ for many years, with support in a variety of ways; as MAP Business Members, Sara live painting at the Sierra Forage Dinner, and Gallery 5830’ serving as one of our treasured stops at Ladies Night in Historic Downtown Truckee in the fall! 

“As longtime locals, we chose to partner with MAP because we deeply recognize and value the importance of preserving open spaces like Canyon Springs. We are truly grateful for MAP’s continued dedication, time, and effort toward so many meaningful community projects.” 

Kurtis & Sara Dube, Gallery 5830' Owners 

Gallery 5830' is a husband-and-wife team dedicated to supporting local artists. Our mission is to provide high-quality original art while offering a little taste of Tahoe to locals and visitors alike. We take pride in creating a beautiful, welcoming space with a diverse selection of artwork and in building lasting relationships with our clients. Check out the amazing gallery along Donner Pass Road in Historic Downtown Truckee.

The Housing Tahoe Needs | Achievable Housing is NOT Workforce Housing  

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is creating NEW housing policies and incentives to advance housing for the local workforce, seniors, low-income, and disabled communities. If you have been following along with MAP’s housing policy advocacy, we have been very vocal about our concerns with Achievable Housing, specifically that there is NO income cap. In our opinion, Achievable Housing is just another way of saying “market-rate housing”. Creating more market-rate housing that can then become ski leases or summer getaways due to a lack of oversight with monitoring deed restrictions and enforcement is a huge concern, and we’ve seen it play out in Truckee on projects like Coburn Crossing, where units went to those who could afford them, not the workforce. If you are concerned about Achievable Housing, get involved in the TRPA process and help MAP get an income cap added to the definition.

Dollar Creek Crossing Open House on April 2nd 

Join Placer County on April 2nd between 5:30 and 7:30 pm to learn about the status of the long-awaited Dollar Creek Crossing Project slated for the 11.4-acre, County-owned parcel at 3205 North Lake Boulevard. Last we heard, the plan was to develop 80+ affordable housing units on the site, with land reserved for potential future development. We are looking forward to updates on the project components, environmental review, and construction timeline. The event will be hosted at the North Tahoe High School Cafeteria (2945 Polaris Road, Tahoe City) and will feature a variety of stations covering different topics. Drop in, ask questions, meet the developer, and learn about the future of this important site. We hope to see you there!

Residences at Jibboom

HPAC Recap | Planning Commission on April 21st 

The Residences at Jibboom mixed-use project landed back in front of Truckee’s Historic Preservation Advisory Commission (HPAC) earlier this month with some proposed amendments. The project, which includes four buildings containing a mix of commercial and residential uses along Jibboom Street, was approved by the Planning Commission in September 2024. The applicant is now proposing a variety of changes, including an increase in the overall project square footage, revisions to architecture and massing, and modifications to the mix of housing units. The HPAC presented a variety of concerns and ultimately recommended that the project not be approved. This item is set to go the Planning Commission on April 21st.

Cultivating Community Spring 2026 Update 

Cultivating Community (the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s effort to bring more housing to locals) is now squarely in the environmental review process, with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) expected to be released to the public this September. The initial phase of environmental review (the Notice of Preparation scoping period) ended earlier this month. Take a look at MAP’s most recent comment letter to get up to speed on our expectations for the EIS. Once the environmental review is complete, the TRPA will finalize the housing incentive package to move forward. There’s a lot on the table, so make it your summer school assignment to review the current policy recommendations. Stay tuned for more updates.

Become a Monthly MAP Member | Fuel Advocacy Year-Round  

Become a monthly MAP member and fuel advocacy year-round! Monthly donations not only fit your budget, but they also help sustain our efforts, allowing us to attend weekly regional hearings and meet with planning departments, stakeholders, developers, and community groups to keep tabs on development and conservation in Truckee Tahoe. Small or large donations, monthly members help make MAP happen, and keep fighting the good fight!  

With numerous development applications in the pipeline right now for Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, as well as housing policy planning efforts underway for all parts of the Lake Tahoe Basin, we need your support!

MAP Monthly Membership | Fuel Advocacy Year-Round in 2026! 

The amount of land use MAP has been responding to since the New Year has been on fire, which is why we need MAP members to step up now and help power us year-round by becoming a monthly MAP member. Big or small, your donation keeps us fueled to respond and show up for Truckee Tahoe. 

Monthly donations not only fit your budget but also help sustain our efforts, allowing us to attend weekly regional hearings and meet with planning departments, stakeholders, developers, and community groups to keep tabs on development and conservation in Truckee Tahoe. Small or large donations, monthly members help make MAP happen, and keep fighting the good fight! 

With numerous development applications in the pipeline right now for Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, as well as housing policy planning efforts underway for all parts of the Lake Tahoe Basin, we need your support! 

Become a Monthly MAP Member

Last Call for Wild & Scenic Film Festival Sponsors

Next week (March 5th) is the deadline to pledge your sponsorship and support MAP’s 10th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival - On Tour. The event is returning to Truckee this May for two dynamic evenings featuring two different film programs, from Historic Downtown Truckee to Tahoe Donner.  As our signature event for 2026, this is the opportunity to promote your business to MAP’s followers and subscribers, not only in Truckee Tahoe but across the country. We have a new perk for top-level sponsors this year that you don’t want to miss: additional event promotions and solo e-blasts for title sponsors! Sponsorship closes Thursday, March 5, at 5 pm.

Sponsor MAP’s WSFF!

Help MAP Advocate For The Housing Tahoe Needs

Right now, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is creating NEW housing policies and incentives to advance much-needed housing for the local workforce, seniors, low-income, and disabled communities. MAP has been participating for the last year, advocating for the housing Tahoe needs, policies and incentives that protect the lake. As advocates of responsible growth, we believe that any new development MUST protect lake clarity, public safety, and prioritize community members who truly need housing, not more market-rate housing; Tahoe has plenty. 

In fact, in 2012, TRPA set the growth cap for the entire Tahoe Basin at 52,000 housing units, and right now, the basin is built out with 49,000 units, leaving only 3,000 units left under TRPA’s growth cap. Maintaining the growth cap is critical not only for environmental health but also for public health, given the intensification of wildfires. Help MAP advocate for the Housing Tahoe Needs, and let the TRPA Governing Board members hear your concerns. Use our form letter and write directly to all 15 decision makers for Tahoe.

Thank You Alibi Trivia Supporters! 

Last night, we had a blast at Alibi Trivia Night with Craig Rowe! Thanks to our supporters who came out, and we enjoyed meeting new supporters as well! The event was a kick-off for our 10th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, where we raffled off two VIP weekend passes. Thank you to Rylan and the Alibi team for hosting us, and to Craig for coming up with fun questions to educate the crowd on our mission-driven work. We can’t wait to be back at Alibi on May 1st for the first night of our film festival and future collaborations with a great community partner!

MAP Youth Environmental Scholarship - Applications Open, Now! 

The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) Youth Scholarship Program is now open, with applications closing on March 31st. For the past 10 years, MAP has awarded a scholarship to a graduating student from Truckee or North Tahoe High School who plans to pursue a two-or four-year college education focused on the environment. Whether in environmental science or law, natural resource management, land use policy, or environmental justice, MAP aims to inspire the next generation of change-makers through our MAP youth scholarship. 

Learn more about the TTCF Scholarship program, and be sure to share this opportunity with any graduating senior you know who has a passion for the environment. MAP’s scholarship is for $2,500 and requires a small essay. 

MAP’s Youth Environmental Scholarship

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Herd Homes

We are excited to welcome Herd Homes to our MAP Business Member community! Owner/Founder Jillian Nielsen understands the intricate balance between supporting the local community and meeting the needs of our tourism economy, which led her to become a MAP business member. Her new business offers community concierge and home management services in the Tahoe Basin. While property management may be her bread and butter, Jillian and her business support MAP’s advocacy efforts for smart growth and development and the advancement of workforce housing in the Tahoe Basin. As a local, she sees the need to bridge the socio-economic gaps that continue to plague not only the Truckee Tahoe region but ski towns across the country. Whether you are a full-time or part-time resident homeowner in the basin, Herd Home can help with whatever needs you may have, from property upkeep to coordinating repairs, or pre- and post-trip services. 

Learn more about MAP’s Business Membership

Nevada County to Host Resource Resiliency Roadmap Community Workshop

Nevada County is hosting a virtual workshop to facilitate conversations about improving climate resilience countywide. Along with their agency partners, they are invitingall Nevada County residents to attend this workshop and share their input on ways the County can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency to climate impacts without creating new regulations. The virtual session takes place on Thursday, March 5th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m via Zoom. You can learn more about the workshop here and register for the Zoom with this link.

Town of Truckee Housing Element Workshop Tomorrow Night! 

Join MAP at the Town of Truckee’s Housing Element workshop tomorrow night, February 26th, starting at 5 pm at Town Hall. This workshop will focus on a crucial part of the Housing Element—the goals, policies, and programs to meet Truckee’s housing needs. The Housing Element update will also include identification of sites to accommodate the housing deficit identified by the State. It is critical that this update outlines actions to provide the affordable and workforce housing that Truckee needs in a manner that respects and preserves the area’s incredible natural resources. Participate in the process to ensure that the Housing Element strikes the right balance. See you there!

TRPA Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin 

Advisory Planning Commission Recap + NOP Scoping Comments 

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s multi-year effort to incentivize the creation and preservation of housing in the Tahoe Basin entered the environmental review phase with the release of the Notice of Preparation (NOP). Over the past year and a half, TRPA has been working with stakeholders to identify potential policy and programmatic solutions to address the Basin’s housing crisis. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will analyze environmental impacts associated with the proposed policies. The first step in the EIS process is the NOP and the Public Scoping Meeting, which provide an opportunity for folks to weigh in on the scope of environmental impacts to be analyzed. The Scoping Meeting was held on February 11th, but the comment period is open until March 16th, so now is the time to let TRPA know what environmental impacts must be considered. 

During the Scoping Meeting, numerous excellent considerations were raised, including the importance of alternatives, maintenance and monitoring of stormwater treatment infrastructure, the use of accurate baseline data, maintaining the existing growth cap, analyzing cumulative impacts, and more. Again, if there are any topics the TRPA should consider as part of this environmental review process, please submit your comments by March 16th. 

Submit Comments on the Notice of Preparation

North Tahoe Regional Advisory Council | 39° North Hearing Recap 

Earlier this month, the North Tahoe Regional Advisory Council (NTRAC) reviewed the 39° North Project, the transformative hotel/commercial space/condo/housing proposal comprising two sites in Downtown Kings Beach. The latest iteration of the hotel would be 56’ tall, down two stories from the original proposal, but would also span 445’, more than twice the building length allowed by code. In a strange turn of events, the NTRAC no longer votes on approving or denying large-scale projects; it now only provides comments on items within its limited purview, including neighborhood compatibility and area plan consistency. Regardless, several members of the NTRAC indicated that they would vote no on the current project.

While many members of the public and NTRAC expressed a desire for meaningful redevelopment in Kings Beach, they also expressed a variety of concerns about this particular proposal, including that the proposal does not match the Kings Beach vision, the height and length feel massive for the area, and the 64 achievable housing units will not likely be affordable to the Kings Beach workforce, or even the employees slated to work at the hotel. Placer County has indicated that it will require limited environmental analysis for the project. The proposal was reviewed by the Design Review Committee (DRC) last night, and DRC members and the public expressed serious concerns. The County anticipates that the project will return to the DRC in early fall, with Planning Commission review in winter of 2026 and final review early next year. Stay tuned for more information and MAP’s advocacy through the process.

Power Advocacy Year-Round | Become a Monthly MAP Member

In 2025, we tracked more than 20 land-use projects from the Tahoe Basin to Nevada County, and we continue to follow many of them as we enter 2026. Tracking projects takes time, energy, and historical knowledge. Supporting MAP through membership makes this work happen. And when you spread your giving throughout the year with a monthly gift helps power advocacy year-round and fuels MAP's ability to stay engaged, track projects for years (even decades), and be ready for what comes next.

Help MAP start the new year strong by becoming a monthly member. By pledging a monthly donation, you are making a difference in your community's future. NEW monthly members who pledge $5 a month will receive a limited-edition Klean Kanteen Rise Low Ball Mug (pictured above), perfect for pre-powder day coffees and apres bevvys with friends.

Become a Monthly MAP Member Today!

ALIBI TRIVIA | Get Your Brain Going with MAP 

Tuesday, February 17, 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Come out to support MAP at Alibi and be a part of Truckee's favorite trivia night hosted by Craig Rowe, and featuring a MAP-themed trivia round! MAP will be there, giving away MAP merch, raffling off prizes, and engaging with our community! Alibi will be doing what they do best: pouring tasty, locally made brews, supporting local nonprofits, and serving up tasty bites. Trivia starts at 6, and be sure to show up early as Craig draws a great crowd and space can be limited! The event will serve as our kickoff to promote MAP’s 10th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival - On Tour, taking place May 1st and 2nd at Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center. At trivia, we will be raffling off two VIP tickets for both nights of our festival in May, along with MAP swag.

MAP Events |10th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival 

Sponsors Make MAP Events Magical - Join Us!

We have been planning our 10th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, which returns to Truckee in May. We are seeking sponsorship support to make our festival the best it has ever been! Sponsorship support helps MAP execute a feel-good community event that brings awareness to MAP’s mission, supports local artists, both filmmakers and local musicians, and highlights the importance of activism in our community. Sponsors will receive a wide range of benefits to promote their businesses and support grassroots environmental advocacy in Truckee Tahoe. You can read more about sponsorship levels here. Sponsorship is open until March 5th, 2026, but don't wait, get involved now!

Become a Wild & Scenic Sponsor

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Tahoe Luxury Properties

We are excited to welcome Tahoe Luxury Properties to our business member family! They joined in late 2025, and their support helped us reach our year-end fundraising goal, for which we are very grateful! Thanks to the nomination by staff member Natalie Garnett. The protection of 3,500 acres in the Martis Valley is important to them because it preserves land not only for future generations of locals and visitors but also protects the rich indigenous history of the Martis Valley. 

Since 1994, Tahoe Luxury Properties has been family-owned and operated. Whether you desire a luxury Lake Tahoe vacation rental or a beautiful family home to enjoy for generations, the Tahoe Luxury Properties team of long-time Tahoe & Truckee residents will assist with all aspects of your Lake Tahoe & Truckee real estate search or your luxury vacation rental needs. We always encourage our supporters to support MAP business members, such as Tahoe Luxury Properties. Whether you are looking for a home or a place for loved ones to stay on their next visit, we recommend working with Tahoe Luxury Properties!

Become a MAP Business Member Today!

Truckee Pedestrian Bicycle Railroad Crossing

 Town Council Direction - Deferred

On January 13th, 2026, the Truckee Town Council held a hearing to accept the Pedestrian/Bicycle Railroad Crossing Feasibility Study and to decide whether to pursue the capital improvement project or defer it until the Trails and Bikeway Master Plan is updated. The council unanimously accepted the report and deferred any further work on the project until the Trails and Bikeways Master Plan is updated. There was a good turnout for the first Truckee Town Council meeting of the year, with 11 public comments, including MAP, requesting that the project not be pursued and that capital improvements focus on finishing the Trails and Bikeway Master Plan projects first, then consider future active transportation after the update. We want to thank the Council for their thoughtful deliberation and direction for the railroad crossing deferral.

Truckee Railyard Hotel Planning Commission 

Hearing Continued To a Date and Time Uncertain 

The Truckee Planning Commission held a 5.5-hour meeting on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, to review the Railyard Hotel application. The commission heard a presentation from the Truckee Planning team and the applicant and received over 60 written public comments from citizens and stakeholders, most of whom opposed the project. The majority of commenters, including MAP, support the use but want the project to align with the Railyard Master Plan goals and vision, while also considering safety mitigation for the site and the surrounding current uses downtown. The commission requested that the applicant make design changes to align with the Master Plan, along with updated solar aspect and shade studies due to concerns about building height and public safety. The project will return to the Planning Commission at a later date, but that date is uncertain at this time. If you missed the hearing, you can watch it on YouTube or read the Sierra Sun hearing recap here. 

TRPA | Cultivating Community Conserving the Basin 

Governing Board Hearing Recap from 1.28.2026

Yesterday, the TRPA Governing Board held a hearing to begin the environmental review process for Cultivating the Community, Conserving the Basin, also known as the Phase 3 Housing Amendments. It is important to note that no new policies have been approved to date; the hearing focused on initiating the Notice of Preparation (NOP) and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The next TRPA meeting will be a NOP Scoping meeting at the Advisory Planning Commission (APC) on Wednesday, February 11th. 

The Governing Board received 16 written public comments, including letters from MAP, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Friends of the West Shore, the North Tahoe Preservation Alliance, and many citizens, who asked for specific considerations in the EIS process. MAP expressed gratitude for removing the policy geared toward market-rate housing, with advocacy focused on advancing deed-restricted housing for the workforce and those in need, including our seniors, low-income, and disabled communities. If you want to learn more and use your voice to tell the TRPA your concerns with workforce housing, use our form and learn the facts about the Tahoe Housing Needs! 

LEARN MORE & USE YOUR VOICE

Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin | Notice of Preparation Released

The TRPA Housing Policy Amendment Process, Cultivating Community, Coserving the Basin (also known as Phase 3), just released the Notice of Preparation (NOP). The NOP initiates the environmental review process by notifying agencies, stakeholders, and citizens of the review, what will be analyzed, how to provide comments, the review timeline, and the specific deliverables, and by inviting public comments that help shape the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS is a legal document under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that has to evaluate the project and disclose to the public and agencies the associated impacts that would come from the project, and mitigation measures to reduce impacts to the environment and public. 

DOWNLOAD THE NOP 
Stay tuned for our next Action Alert, with our NOP comments, and be sure to read the NOP if you want to help shape the environmental review for the EIS. The NOP has a 45-day comment period, and the Scoping Meeting is set for February 11, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm at TRPA offices in South Lake Tahoe or via Zoom, where the public can weigh in on the NOP.

39°N | North Tahoe Regional Advisory Council Hearing 

Thursday, February 12, 2026

SAVE THE DATE - Thursday, February 12th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, the Placer County, North Tahoe Advisory Council (NTRAC) will have a presentation and update on the 39°N project proposed for Kings Beach. This is a significant portion of the North Lake Tahoe community slated for redevelopment with a four-story hotel, retail, market-rate condos, and deed-restricted workforce housing. Getting it planned right for North Lake Tahoe and Kings Beach is essential for current Lake Tahoe residents and future visitors. For now, if you care about the future of Kings Beach, be sure to attend NTRAC on Thursday night, February 12th. Stay tuned for the hearing location and agenda details in our February Action Alert.

MAP News | Stay in the Know with Us!

2026 has started off as a very busy year for land use in Truckee Tahoe! Our local and regional news blog can help you stay in you in the loop between monthly E-newsletters. We also share these updates regularly on social media, so if you don't already follow MAP, follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay up to date!

Check Out Our News Blog