Happy Holidays! I’m Jaime Wright, Transit Manager for Placer County, and I appreciate this opportunity to share information about current operations of our free transit system today, as well as what we’re doing to look towards the future.

We know as we’re heading into winter, there are more people coming to ski and enjoy our mountain communities. Our transit team is doing everything we can to help move more of those people on our buses, shuttles and on-demand services to help reduce both traffic impacts and environmental impacts.

Working to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure residents and visitors have reliable access to numerous transit options in North Lake Tahoe this winter, the Placer County Board of Supervisors this month distributed nearly $1 million of Transient Occupancy Tax funds for additional transportation initiatives, including park-and-ride shuttles. READ MORE

A vision years in the making has become a reality with the opening of Brown Bear Studios, a 14-unit permanent supportive housing facility in Kings Beach. Originally the site of the 7 Pines Motel, the property has undergone significant transformation and marks a critical step forward in Placer County’s efforts to address homelessness in the North Tahoe region.

Residents moved into the facility over the last two weeks, quickly reaching capacity. The $1.45 million building purchase and subsequent multi-year renovations were made possible by a combination of grant programs, including the state’s Homekey initiative, which converts properties like hotels, motels and vacant apartment buildings into long-term housing for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. WATCH VIDEO

In response to public comment letters raising concerns about the requested actions, the Placer County Board of Supervisors continued a hearing on items related to the Village at Palisades Tahoe Specific Plan, including the plan’s vesting large-lot tentative subdivision map and a request for an exception from the state’s minimum fire safe regulations. Staff will provide additional information about the future meeting date as it becomes available. WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Seeking to answer resident questions and engage with the community, Placer County invited members of the public to this week’s "Discover and Discuss" event in North Lake Tahoe. Nearly 70 attendees joined county staff and partner agencies at the open-house style event in Tahoe City to learn more about projects and programs shaping the vision of a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable Tahoe.

From housing to transportation, snowplows to trails, participants had a chance to meet face-to-face with regional experts, ask questions and provide feedback. It was an invaluable opportunity to learn about the diverse range of initiatives, programs, and projects enriching our region. WATCH VIDEO

Two amendments to the county’s short-term vacation rental ordinance were approved by the board recently and staff provided an annual update for the STR program, including input from the Short-Term Rental Advisory Group and community feedback. 

The board also declined to extend the Nov. 30 deadline for current and prospective STR homeowners to pass defensible space inspections to retain their permits or obtain a new one. The amendments include expanding rules for multiple STRs on a single property and requiring each STR to rent at least 30 nights per year once the region hits the STR maximum permit cap, which is currently set for 3,900. Homeowners would need to become compliant with the 30-night minimum within one year of the county hitting the available permit cap. Owner-occupied STRs are exempt from this requirement. READ MORE