SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – We reached out to all of the candidates for the two open positions on the South Lake Tahoe city council, asking for them to respond to some questions. Sadly, not all responded, but the public will get to hear from a few of them in the order their replies were received, one candidate a day Tuesday-Friday.

Today is Caitlin McMahon who has lived in South Lake Tahoe for eight years. She is an outdoor educator, volunteer, and Alpine ski instructor. She has worked for the Tahoe Resource Conservation District (watercraft inspector), several resorts Kirkwood, Heavenly, and Sierra-at-Tahoe primarily as a PSIA Certified Alpine Ski Instructor focusing on kids programming and teams. For the past 7 years she has participated in SOS Outreach, a volunteer mentorship program for local youth that focuses on leadership skills and includes Ride Days exploring Heavenly Resort on ski or snowboards. She has experience working for vacation home rental agencies, and small businesses, and participates in Keep Tahoe Blue cleanups, Bike Path Beautification days, and invasive plant remediation along the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Why are you running for City Council and what are your qualifications?

The City of South Lake Tahoe has been working diligently on progressing commercially and residentially. I’m interested in being involved in the governmental process as a representative for the community of working people. I believe this group of the community, the workforce, is marginally represented on the City Council. As a representative, I would like to support the current and future developments including the Rec Center, MidTown Area Plan, Affordable Housing projects and funding allocation, and support development that is congruent with our land conservation goals. As a professional, my experience in land management, prescribed fire, outdoor education, curriculum development, and a commitment to preserving the ecological integrity of South Lake Tahoe make me a quality choice.

Are you for or against Measure N, and why?

I am No on Measure N. I believe we can do better. There are several affordable housing projects in development. As a representative of the community, it is important to work cooperatively with everyone. We can do better than Measure N, which does not guarantee long-term housing for the workforce, families, first responders, or business owners. The community needs dependable long-term housing. The seasonal workforce also requires more dependable sources for housing. There is an opportunity for investment in housing developments that focus on providing more stable housing choices for the workforce. The housing issue is part of the City of South Lake Tahoe’s Strategic Plan, the City Council has dedicated funds, allocated grants, and continues to voice its commitment to new affordable housing developments.

What is your stance on Tourist Occupancy Tax, would you like to see it raised, or remain the same, and why?

Forethought should be considered in decisions for allocating portions of the Tourist Occupancy Tax. The opportunity to fund several small projects and limit the total allocation to one large project would be more beneficial on a community scale. The City Council has discussed the importance of allocating more funds for roads, public ways for recreation and pedestrians, bicycle lanes, ADA access, and the redevelopment of the MidTown corridor with affordable housing. We need to be careful how much we raise the tax. If we do raise the tax, I believe we should remain congruent with larger cities throughout California, limiting the increase to 1-3%. Incremental increases over time provide more stability for business and property owners – and parallel national rate increases.

What is the role of the government in creating affordable housing? Do you think the City of South Lake Tahoe has done its fair share, and why?

I think we are developing. The City of South Lake Tahoe is a beneficiary of the Prohousing Incentive Program and as a result of this program, we have funded the development of the Sugar Pine Housing project. Affordable housing is a priority for the City and City Council members. Great efforts have been made to include affordable housing incentives within new development projects. The City is doing more to communicate optional funding available to property owners, creating motivation to lease to locals. Incentivizing this type of affordable housing and networking with leaders in the community are positive examples of collaboration and should be models of future programming. I will continue to support housing locals with decisions that stimulate access for the low-middle social economic demographic of residents, and the workforce. Initiatives must ensure that housing will be accessible and assist with prioritizing residents of the City of South Lake Tahoe, with a history of employment of 5+ years, families with children in school, first responders, and business owners.

What would you do to bring higher-paying jobs and new businesses to the community?

Work collaboratively with businesses willing to invest in our City while ensuring their commitment to our sustainability, affordable housing agenda, and conservation goals. The expansion of Lake Tahoe Community College to include 4-year degree programs is an opportunity to work cooperatively on the development of degrees/certifications that would support the skills necessary for future workforce stability. Programs that include natural resources management, construction management, architectural programs, GIS analyses and marketing/commercial development training will provide academically trained individuals – enhancing the skills and choices for local employment sourcing. We Can Do Better – we are beginning to connect our community to the resources available that will help them – housing programs, utility assistance, and prospective employment working on City-funded projects. As a representative of the community, I will emphasize the need to locally source and employ residents. We have much of what we need already, there are a number of incredibly qualified, trained, and capable citizens – it is the job of the City to provide opportunities for their inclusion in current and future developments. On a larger scale, Congress recently reauthorized the Tahoe Restoration Act for an additional ten years. The support by our current administration to restore Lake Tahoe and the surrounding basin is a bipartisan decision. This is one example of a funding source that will create job opportunities – let’s make sure the jobs go to the community as much as we possibly can.

Are you a team player? How do you work to bring consensus on an issue? Give some examples.

Collaboration, critical thinking, and long-term impacts are vital parts of decision-making for a community. In order to make the best decision it requires a team. Input from agencies, city partners, and stakeholders, as well as the community, are important factors in making decisions as a City Council member. As a representative of the community, I plan on making decisions that provide the greatest good for the majority of people. The City has demonstrated critical thinking with risk/reward analyses with regard to the current and future projects in development. These developments will require qualified review to obtain the best results that align with our Strategic Plan and Tahoe Climate Resilience Action Strategy. The City Council has incorporated the reevaluation of decisions based upon funding sources and allocation – which allows for additions/changes/adaptations that would align with current commitments.

What is your plan to ensure you are speaking for, and voting for the constituents?

As a representative of the people of the City of South Lake Tahoe, I understand at times you must go to the people to engage. You must participate in the activities where the people work, study, explore, and celebrate. I plan to go to the people. I make myself available in convenient places where we discuss what matters most to the community. As a City Council member, I vow to listen to the community and bring these discussions to the table when decisions are being made on the people’s behalf.

How many City Council meetings have you attended? What would you do to bring more of the public to the table and get them to attend and be involved?

I typically watch the City Council recordings or Live when my schedule allows. Our local government needs to connect more with the constituents. It does not take that much to express to the community how valuable and vital they are to the basic operations and vision of the city. Minimal increases in marketing efforts would welcome more community involvement. Convenience, time, availability, and impact of local developments will spark the attention and public interest in decision-making. Open house meetings for the MidTown Area Plan are a great example of welcoming community input. These open house meetings allow communication and collaboration with all types of community constituents.

The budget was just passed for the coming year. What do you think of it?

The budget passed overall was positive. Highlights of the current budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 include a $1 mil allocation for the housing project on Lake Tahoe Blvd., increases in the general fund by 500K, and reinvestment in services from an $11 mil surplus are positive aspects of the approved budget. In future years, overall expenses will continue to increase and we will need to address the budget balance with minimal revenue projections. I agree with the collaborative decisions made for our 2024-2025 budget.

What is the most pressing issue facing the South Lake Tahoe City Council and the City?

In an effort to be sustainable, we should do better to localize business and provide employment to the local workforce rather than outsourcing, both products and projects. City projects and potential commercial development should also be sustainably sourced, if possible. Revenue created locally often stays locally.

Provide a statement of why people should vote for you.

I am running for City Council to provide the community of the City of South Lake Tahoe with a choice. Of the potential candidates, Caitlin McMahon is the choice for people that care about the health, wealth, and longevity of the City and its constituents.

“McMahon has showcased interest in making a difference for the better, for everybody and I appreciate that aspect of her passion. I’ll vote for her.” – Register Republican.

“(McMahon is) still young with the potential to be a long-lasting asset to the community. She retains the ability to see the big picture and bring ideas that reflect the community’s interests like the conservation of natural areas, access to affordable housing, and stimulating more engagement as a representative of the workforce.” – Anonymous

“I’ve known her for years, it’s like I saw her everywhere before we became close. She’s always on her way to go donate something or help someone. When I have the pleasure of joining her out on the town, it’s like she’s a celebrity, she knows everyone – because she’s given something to so many people in this town. Whether it is time, something they need, a room to rent, a meal, or helped them get a job. I’m lucky she’s my friend.” – Registered Democrat, Kirsten.

“I have been witness to how inclusive Miss McMahon’s is as a team player.” – Registered Democrat, Samuel.

“Miss McMahon is a quality choice with no special interests or financial ties – she is a pure vote – one that has the tenacity to make tough decisions.” – Anonymous