Placer seeks funding applications for North Lake Tahoe tourism development projects, committee members to evaluate them

Published on January 29, 2018

Placer County’s annual application period for grant funding to support visitor-serving projects in North Lake Tahoe is now open. But this time, the application process will look a little different.

This year, applications will first be reviewed by the new Capital Projects Advisory Committee - a 13-member group representing broad economic and geographic interests throughout eastern Placer County. The committee, co-chaired by the county and North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, will evaluate project proposals on how well they advance key priorities outlined in the county’s Tourism Master Plan for the region, and will make recommendations to the county Board of Supervisors on which projects should receive funding.

Placer County is currently seeking applications from community members for the four seats on the CAP Committee it will appoint. These seats, appointed for three-year terms, are intended to represent community interests in housing, social services, arts and culture.

Last year, Placer County collected approximately $18 million in guest lodging taxes, or transient occupancy taxes. Placer has long had a practice of investing lodging taxes collected in eastern Placer County back into the communities where they’re generated. In October 2017, the county Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution formalizing that approach, affirming the county’s commitment to investing 100 percent of lodging taxes generated in North Lake Tahoe to support tourism and implement the Tourism Master Plan.

Grant funding for the projects is drawn from lodging tax revenue, and is intended to help accomplish the goals of the Tourism Master Plan. Previously funded projects include the Kings Beach Commercial Core Improvement Project, the Tahoe City ice rink and many improvements to regional trails throughout eastern Placer County. Current funding priorities include trail development and wayfinding signage.

Over the past year, Placer County and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association have stepped up efforts to engage community members and local business associations on how best to invest lodging tax revenues in local projects and services. Forming the CAP Committee was a result of strong community interest in including the broadest possible input into prioritizing projects.

“Continuing to include community members in making decisions about the improvements we’d all like to see is a huge priority for us,” said Erin Casey, senior management analyst for North Lake Tahoe. “Applying to serve on the Capital Projects Advisory Committee is a really great opportunity to play a leading role in making these recommendations. We’d encourage anyone with an interest in improving their community to apply."

“Our Board is excited by the enthusiasm of so many to participate in the new CAP committee,” said Cindy Gustafson, CEO of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. “We encourage all those interested in supporting tourism infrastructure projects, to apply for the remaining seats on the committee."

Applications for Placer County’s four appointed seats on the CAP Committee are due Feb. 21. Interested candidates should complete the committee application (PDF) on the county website, and return it to the Clerk of the Board’s office, 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603.

Applications for grant funding are due by March 30 at noon. More information about the criteria for funding projects and the application for funding (PDF) is available.