The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board has appointed Hayley Williamson as its new Chair. Vince Hoenigman, a California Governor appointee and co-owner of a real estate company involved in revitalizing downtown areas in Southern California and Nevada, was elected as Vice Chair. Hoenigman is also known for his volunteer work with nonprofit organizations focused on national parks, homelessness, and affordable housing.
The TRPA's Governing Board comprises 15 members under the Bi-State Compact: seven from California, seven from Nevada, and one non-voting member appointed by the President of the United States. Six seats are reserved for locally elected governing bodies.
"We look forward to Chair Williamson’s and Vice Chair Hoenigman’s leadership on the board as Lake Tahoe faces new threats and the cross-cutting effects of a changing climate," stated TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan. "Each board member brings a wealth of experience and unique perspective that reflect the broad importance of Lake Tahoe to local communities, the states, and the nation."
In their recent meeting, the Governing Board unanimously approved amendments to two area plans in South Lake Tahoe. These changes include incentives for affordable housing projects and improvements in walkability and transportation connectivity within town centers. The Tourist Core Area Plan and Tahoe Valley Area Plan now incorporate housing amendments approved by TRPA in December 2023, setting standards for density, height, coverage, and parking for such projects. The City’s amendments reduce parking space requirements while increasing bike parking facilities within half a mile of transit. However, proposals to increase maximum density in town centers are still under review.
Additionally, a presentation on updates to the 2025 Community Wildfire Protection Plan was delivered by the Tahoe Resource Conservation District. These plans guide agencies like the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team in prioritizing fuel reduction projects to protect lives, homes, critical infrastructure, and landscapes most vulnerable to wildfire impacts. They also emphasize fuel reduction along evacuation routes to enhance safety during emergencies.