South Tahoe Chamber shares City Council candidate rankings, responses to questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce does not endorse candidates, but they do reach out to candidates and ask them a series of questions. They recently asked the seven candidates for two open positions on the South Lake Tahoe City Council some key questions that show how their goals and views on key topics and intentions align with the Chamber’s values and goals. 

The rankings done by its Government Relations Committee are included below as are the candidate’s answers.

In addition, the Chamber will be hosting a City Council Candidate's Forum at Lake Tahoe Community College on October 9 at 6 p.m. in the Board/Aspen Rooms. It is similar to the speed dating format where candidates and citizens meet face-to-face and discuss the issues. 

1. Keith Roberts
2. David Jinkens
3. Heather Cade-Bauer
4. Nick Speal
5/ Aimi Xistra
6. Marjorie Green
7. Caitlin McMahon

Chamber Questions/Candidate Responses - 2024 Election

1. Why are you running?

David Jinkens: I want to make a positive difference for our residents, workers, and business community. With over 35 years of city executive experience, I am uniquely positioned to support sound city policies. I strongly support public safety, protecting our environment, and ensuring that California and Federal lands within and adjacent to the City limits are made fire-safe. I oppose all new tax proposals. My promise is to prioritize road repair and maintenance in every city budget. Let us set priorities and live within our means. I support existing working locals and seniors in need of affordable housing. I will listen and be responsive to our City’s multicultural community. We need to unite and find common ground to address important issues we face. I will put to good use my Master of Public Administration from UCLA. I am proficient in Spanish. I look forward to working with all our residents and the business community. I have no conflicts of interest that will cloud my decision-making. We must make our city and residents economically successful through business retention, expansion, and new business development. Together, we can build a better future for our city. I respectfully ask for your vote. jinkensforslt@gmail.com / www.jinkensforslt.com

Marjorie Green: Tahoe is more than a place; it's a way of life. While blessed with natural beauty and a strong community spirit, there's always room for growth. I decided to run because I feel I can contribute to the community.

Heather Cade-Bauer: My name is Heather Cade-Bauer, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for the South Lake Tahoe City Council. Born and raised in Central California, I moved to South Lake Tahoe in 2000 with my then-boyfriend, Nick. In 2001, Nick and I made SLT our permanent home and started our family. Over the years, I have worked in various industries, including skiing, restaurants, and property management, while cleaning houses to support our growing family. In 2012, I earned my AA at LTCC, where I worked in several departments before securing a permanent position in Purchasing. As a dedicated employee, I became involved in the CEU, serving as VP and President while advocating for classified employee rights. Last summer, I transitioned to FoundationCCC, where I help create systemwide contracts for all California Community Colleges as Procurement Contract Coordinator. My motivation for running is simple: I want to be a voice for the people of South Lake Tahoe. Nick and I have four children who attend local schools, and I have served on various boards, including Sierra House PTA and TPNS. I am committed to working tirelessly to make South Lake Tahoe a thriving, vibrant community for all.

Aimi Xistra: I’m running to be a voice for local businesses, workforce, and youth. Elected officials should serve all people, however, recently I’ve seen divisive rhetoric sweep through our public discourse. I believe we can respect our environment, while still prioritizing community services. I care about ensuring a functional council that can work collaboratively towards solutions. I come to the table with experience in community relations, cross-functional collaboration, and budget management. I’m open-minded and recognize we don’t all think the same way, compromise is important. I’m passionate about DEI and increasing accessibility. I currently sit on the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Committee, the Bijou Area Community Advisory Group, the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Tahoe Chamber, the Embarc Advisory Board, the Multicultural Celebration Committee and the Leadership Lake Tahoe Taskforce. I’m employed full-time at the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe as Development Director. In this capacity, I raise funds for Tahoe youth. I run and manage fundraising events like Tahoe Brewfest and the Golf Classic at Edgewood. My passion project for this year has been fundraising for the new, all-inclusive community playground project that will live on the Angel of Tahoe/Al Tahoe school grounds.

Keith Roberts: I am running for City Council because I am disgusted by the division currently affecting our elected officials; I'm not a politician. I want to be a public servant, not a ruler. We are a small community united by similar interests and loves; we should not be fighting over how we exist and I hope to be part of uniting the City Council's efforts to return to working for all of the community.

Nick Speal: I’m running for City Council because our community deserves progressive leaders working towards a more affordable and sustainable South Lake Tahoe. Rising costs have gotten out of control, and we need leaders willing to take action to protect the community that we love. My work with the Tahoe Transportation District and Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition reflects my deep commitment to sustainable transportation solutions, and I look forward to applying my years of experience to the City Council to make our streets safer for cars, bikes, and pedestrians, all while protecting our beautiful environment in Lake Tahoe.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

2. If elected, what are your top five priorities?

David Jinkens: “WE DO NOT NEED PERMISSION TO GOVERN OUR CITY.” No New Taxes, Fees, or Charges of any kind – Now is not the time. City government must live within its means. Be the leaders in prudent land use planning and all aspects of public safety. Create a positive business and resident-friendly community. Grow the economy and create jobs. Collaborate with existing affordable housing providers to help meet the needs of the community. Ensure that police and fire have the resources they need to protect us. Make certain that all roads are repaired every year as needed. Use existing tools in State law to assist in the delivery of affordable housing for working locals and seniors in need without new taxes. Work with the landowner to fix the hole in the ground using existing tools in State law. Protect our residents, visitors, and environment from catastrophic fires starting on private and public lands. All land in the city limits must be made as fire-safe as possible. Ensure that we have adequate evacuation routes in the Region in the event of major fires. Establish a full City Multicultural/Latino Affairs Advisory Commission.
Escucha a todos los miembros de la comunidad. (Listen to all members of the community.)

Marjorie Green:
1. Infrastructure improvement
2. Collaborative affordability solutions: Continue the current council’s efforts to build housing and seek additional opportunities to lessen the impacts of disproportionate living costs to hard-working low-income families.
3. Zoning and Building Rationalization: Our town needs more mixed use and multi-unit zoning. We also need an expanded tourist core area for tourist-related lodging and activities so we can encourage food and entertainment businesses on main streets like Ski Run and Hwy 50.
4. Road safety improvements: I am especially focused on turn lanes, additional controls to minimize speeding in neighborhoods, bike paths and pedestrian crosswalks.
5. Locals support/perks: For example, I’d like to explore the possibility of adding a night and ski bus route for locals.

Heather Cade-Bauer:
1. Improving Road Infrastructure: The wear and tear from harsh winters, heavy traffic, and limited maintenance funding have left many roads in poor condition and are a significant concern for residents.
2.Affordable Housing: Housing affordability is critical to maintaining a stable, diverse community. The City Council should prioritize creating partnerships with developers and nonprofits to increase affordable housing units. Possible zoning changes should be investigated to incentivize and allow affordable housing development.
3. Wildfire Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness: With the increasing threat of wildfires, ensuring our community is protected is paramount. I will support enhanced wildfire prevention efforts, including forest thinning, community education programs, and improving evacuation routes and systems.
4. Economic Development: Strengthening our local economy by supporting small businesses, promoting year-round tourism, and diversifying economic opportunities is crucial.
5. Sustainability and Environmental Protection: Investing in energy-efficient upgrades to public buildings and sustainable public transport can reduce utility and maintenance costs while aligning with South Lake Tahoe’s environmental goals will save money in the long run.

To implement and fund these priorities, the City Council should research state and federal funding opportunities, work on public-private partnerships, and ensure the city budget reflects these critical needs. Setting clear benchmarks for each priority will be a key in maintaining transparency and accountability.

Aimi Xistra:
1. Maintaining and improving our core infrastructure
2. Support sustainable tourism and local businesses
3. Advocate for youth and accessibility
4. No on Measure N
5. Fire

My top priorities are improving roads, transportation, and creating more affordable workforce housing. I want to support sustainable tourism with a dedication to preserving our environment, this means a goal of increased visitation with a focus on preserving our small city appeal.

I will look to prioritize road maintenance through existing budget allocations with a focus on areas where work is most needed.

I hope to continue the strong relationship with TTD to expand our transportation fleet and commit to a more organized and useful system. This effort is supported with the grants our city receives and the budget we continue to allocate. As a community, we need to continue to focus and support mandates for defensible space as we need to keep the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rating low for insurance purposes. South Lake Tahoe has one of the best fire ratings in the state, and we need to sustain that rating. The SLTFD has done a great job with their new chipping and hauling program which is free. Increasing awareness of this program will help more properties get assistance with these needs.

Keith Roberts: I have six: Improved Road maintenance through budget scrutiny, "find the money"; improved fire preparedness; enhance what Chief Brennen has started; snow removal; find ways to attract workers to man the new fleet of Plows; improve community safety especially when it comes to ridding our town of drugs and drug dealers; Chief Stevenson deserves our continued support; We need to greatly enhance the transit system in the community; helping our workforce to get to work; helping the tourist get to all our sites and encouraging less traffic just to get around town. Contiune encouraging and supporting affordable workforce housing. Lastly,I speak fluent Spanish which leads me to the conclusion based on my conversations and interactions with these fine people and their amazing culture that we need better inclusion of our Hispanic neighbors in our community desion making.

Nick Speal: As we form a new City Council, it’s important that we work together to establish a realistic and prioritized Strategic Plan to address our community’s most pressing concerns. As an elected member of the council, I will work to:
1. Tackle the housing crisis by revamping the outdated regulations that make it harder to build workforce housing but incentivize building luxury mansions as second homes. We must support common sense development and establish balance so South Lake Tahoe can again be an affordable place for local residents and families to live.
2. Close gaps in the bike trail network so kids can safely bike to school.
3. Fix the roads. Yes on Measure N provides a local funding source for long overdue road repairs, without raising taxes on local residents or businesses. At the City’s current pace, it will take more than 100 years to repair the roads.
4. Improve public transit by handing off bus operations from the Tahoe Transportation District to the City of South Lake Tahoe for local accountability and an opportunity to expand service. With my experience on the TTD board and City’s Planning Commission, I’ll bring the technical know-how to oversee a smooth and efficient transition.
5. Invest in green solutions to combat the climate crisis. Our community is vulnerable to catastrophic wildfire and unpredictable winters and local climate solutions are good for the economy.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

3. What do you believe is the number one problem facing our community?

David Jinkens: Business retention, business expansion and new business development. We need a vigorous outreach program to ensure that we create a positive business environment for business success and job creation. When businesses are healthy the economy of the city is healthy, and residents are employed.

Marjorie Green: Unnecessary Divisiveness, we could solve more problems when we collaborate.

Heather Cade-Bauer: The most pressing issue facing South Lake Tahoe is achieving a balance between sustainable development, particularly affordable housing, and environmental preservation. The lack of affordable housing is driving local workers and families out of the area, making it difficult for businesses to find and retain employees. This has led to reduced business hours and closures, impacting both residents and visitors. At the same time, we must protect Tahoe’s environment, which is the foundation of our economy. We need innovative, environmentally conscious housing solutions to support our workforce while preserving the natural beauty that defines our community.

Aimi Xistra: Our community is suffering from lack of housing and reliable transportation, directly affecting our workforce. In order for our community to grow and flourish we need to focus on the development of transit and housing, and to continue our dedication to roads and snow removal. Without proper road maintenance, we can't improve transportation, and without improved transportation we can't focus on the expansion of our workforce housing.

Keith Roberts: The influx of big corporate money; we can not stop increased investment by large purse holders but we can manage them; making their investment dollars to help the community, not just their own pocket book. We can get them to invest some of their profits to help create the community we need.

Nick Speal: Housing costs have gotten out of control. Businesses are suffering from staffing shortages, as more and more locals have been forced out of Tahoe. Our population has shrunk by 10% in the past 25 years, while the rising rate of second homeownership has outpaced all housing construction. We must shift the incentives to achieve a better balance between local homes and vacation homes, and we must build more housing that’s dedicated and affordable for our local workforce.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

4. Are you for or against Measure N? Why? (YES or NO), and, if elected, would you vote to defend the Measure, if it passes and a lawsuit is filed?

David Jinkens: I oppose Measure N. It is unfair, discriminatory, and arguably illegal under Federal and State law. I have championed opposition to this tax since it was proposed. Legal counsel tells us that there is no authority under State law to impose such a tax in South Lake Tahoe. The City Council cannot enforce law and restrictions not authorized under State law. Measure N would be an expensive nightmare to administer and violate people’s rights to privacy. There are other tools in State government that can be used to encourage affordable housing.

Marjorie Green: No, I’m not in favor of any measure that targets and penalizes a subset of our community or unnecessarily invades our privacy.

Heather Cade-Bauer: Measure N raises significant concerns due to its poorly written language and the potential burden of proof it places on homeowners and tenants. After reading the measure, I understand the concerns shared by homeowners and tenants who feel that this measure will place an undue burden on them, invading their privacy, and forcing a tax on second homeowners without representation. It is important that we balance the need for more housing while ensuring that property rights are respected, and that compliance does not become overly complicated or intrusive. While it’s important to address housing shortages and preserve the integrity of our neighborhoods, Measure N does not seem to offer a balanced or fair solution. Solutions should focus on encouraging long-term rental opportunities and affordable housing development, rather than punishing residents with complex and intrusive regulations. If elected, I would carefully evaluate any legal challenges to Measure N, should it pass, with a focus on what’s best for the community as a whole. The priority should be fair, transparent, and practical regulations that support our residents.

Aimi Xistra: Against. It is a poorly written policy that will create a massive bureaucracy in town with no guarantees of new funding for any of the promised initiatives. I would not support this measure at any capacity.

Keith Roberts: I'M AGAINST MEASURE N. No I would NOT vote to defend it if it was legal to do so. I would need to know more of the exact details of the lawsuit; however, I do know that the City Attorney has indicated it is not required to defend it. If that is correct, then I would not defend such a flawed initiative because of common sense and fairness issues as well as the numerous legal and constitutional issues. It is an invasion of privacy and a huge expensive bureaucracy with no actual benefit to housing.

Nick Speal: Yes, as one of the proponents of Measure N, I know that serious solutions to our biggest challenges require a large, dedicated funding source. Measure N proceeds are dedicated for housing, roads, and transit solutions, without raising taxes on locals. Measure N is our best shot at preventing South Lake Tahoe from becoming another vacant mountain town, where second homes have replaced much of the community. No matter the outcome, I will honor the will of the people and defend the election results, and for the sake of democracy, I would expect to see my fellow City Council members do the same.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

5. What do you believe the role of a council member is, as it relates to the city manager, city attorney and city staff?

David Jinkens: The City Council as a body sets policy. Staff implements city policy. All direction to city staff is given by the city council not by individual members of the city council.

Marjorie Green: I believe the role is to help steer the community in a positive and responsible manner in collaboration with the city staff to execute the goals and services for the community.

Heather Cade-Bauer: A council member's role is to set policies, provide direction, and make decisions that reflect the community's best interests, while collaborating with the city manager, city attorney, and city staff. The city manager oversees day-to-day operations and implements the council's decisions, while the city attorney ensures legal compliance. A council member should maintain open, respectful communication, offering clear goals and priorities without micromanaging staff responsibilities. This partnership ensures that the city functions efficiently and transparently, with the council focusing on long-term vision and strategy while relying on staff for execution and expertise.

Aimi Xistra: We have a smart, experienced and dedicated City staff that make this city run day-in and day-out. My aim would be to leverage their expertise to come up with the best solutions for our city at any given moment. I’m not running to tell city staff how things work or to micro-manage them, I’m running to advocate for all members of our community and work alongside staff experts to find solutions.

Keith Roberts: The City Council is the what, the City Manager and their staff is the how. The Council's job is to set policy and use the strategic plan to set the overall 30,000 foot level directions for the City Staff. No single Council member can legally nor should they direct the City Manager. It takes three votes in a meeting to give direction. Council members must not direct any employees except the City Manager. Like the leadership in any large group or team; if you selected the experts, you need to give them the room and support to do their job!

Nick Speal: I believe it’s the duty of a council member to stay deeply involved in the community, listen to feedback, and relay concerns and inspiring ideas to City Council and City staff. The City Council works together to set a strategic plan of priorities for the direction of the City. The City Manager works with staff to implement this plan, and meets regularly with the City Council to ensure that implementation is consistent with the shared vision established by the elected representatives of local residents.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

6. What should the city council’s relationship be with the business community?

David Jinkens: A positive engaging, supportive, and collaborative relationship must be created. Local government must be advocates for our business community. We need a business retention program and the development of rules and regulations that supports our business community and job creation and retention.

Marjorie Green: I believe the city council should support and collaborate with businesses to better support the community. I’d like to encourage larger corporations to better support their employees and identify more ways to support our small businesses so that they can thrive.

Heather Cade-Bauer: The city council should foster a strong, collaborative relationship with the business community, recognizing it as a vital contributor to the local economy and community well-being. By engaging regularly with business owners, listening to their concerns, and addressing challenges, the council can help create an environment that supports growth, innovation, and sustainability. The council should also work to streamline regulations, provide incentives for local businesses, and promote partnerships that enhance economic opportunities. A thriving business sector leads to more jobs, better services, and a stronger tax base, benefiting the entire community while ensuring balanced, responsible development.

Aimi Xistra: Positive. Our businesses should support our city council because they feel confident that they are supported and their best interests are being considered. In every job I’ve ever had, I’ve led with positivity and a yes-and attitude. I hope to work alongside the business community to find solutions to our city’s biggest hurdles.

Keith Roberts: We are elected to clear a path for them to expand and create jobs, expressing the entrepreneurial spirit and supporting a competent workforce to help them succeed and to help the employees grow and be able to live and work here. It is called recruitment of new businesses, retention/support of our current businesses and expansion.of our economy through sustainable new primary and secondary jobs.

Nick Speal: The City Council should work to support business growth and economic prosperity, and listening to leaders in the business community is an important and proven way to align policy with what businesses need. I am committed to reaching out to individual business owners throughout the community for their valuable input and experience.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

7. Are you for any increases in taxes? If yes, who should be taxed and what should it be used for?

David Jinkens: I am opposed to all increases in taxes, fee and charges. City government must set priorities and live within its means.

Marjorie Green: I prefer to avoid the increase in taxes, but there are times when it is required. The better question is; why we would need to increase revenue for the city, and what other options do we have to generate additional revenue for the city with the minimal adverse impact to the community.

Heather Cade-Bauer: No, I am not in favor of increasing taxes at this time. With the current economic challenges, we should focus on managing resources more efficiently, seeking alternative funding, and stimulating economic growth rather than placing additional burdens on residents and businesses through higher taxes.

Aimi Xistra: I’m open to revisiting TOT, so long as we can bring the business community along in collaboration. Otherwise, I don’t see a need for any tax increases at this point. Residents have already been hit with enough increases in insurance and utilities, as well as inflation, these past few years.

Keith Roberts: No tax increases; the City is fine financially with a healthy 25% reserve of approximately $13 million plus undesignated one-time reserves which vary between $5 million to $7 million in recent years. Budget creativity should be the focus. Growing our economy will produce the funds the city needs while staying within our means.

Nick Speal: Yes, as one of the proponents of Measure N, I believe it is an important solution to our most critical needs, without raising taxes on local residents or businesses. Significant funding is required to address our critical need for affordable housing, road repair, and transit, and of the seven options the previous City Council considered, a vacancy tax is the only one that doesn’t raise taxes on local residents or businesses, and shifts the incentives to slow the loss of full-time housing to second homes.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

8. How would you balance the City’s budget from the losses in Sales Tax and TOT due to the downturn in the economy?

David Jinkens: Holding fire police harmless, the entire city budget needs to be evaluated to budget available funds for the highest priority items, The way to grow revenue is for city policies to support and encourage business retention, business expansion and new business development. More and more taxes is a failed strategy.

Marjorie Green: I would need to look at the larger picture. I’d need to consider the size of the shortfall and if there are other ways to replace losses. I’d prefer to identify ways to earn additional income such as supporting the growth of our businesses and thereby increasing tax revenues.

Heather Cade-Bauer: To balance the City’s budget amid sales tax and TOT losses, I would prioritize fiscal responsibility by focusing on essential services, cutting unnecessary expenditures, and identifying alternative revenue streams. Promoting year-round tourism through diverse attractions and events could help increase revenue. Additionally, I would explore public-private partnerships and seek grants for infrastructure and community projects. Engaging the community to ensure transparency and creative problem-solving is key. We must also prioritize long-term planning to ensure we are prepared for future economic challenges while protecting vital services like public safety, housing, and environmental sustainability.

Aimi Xistra: The City had historically high visitation during the 2021-22 and the budget income reflected that. The next year 2022-23 we saw an increase in most line items, however, expenditures rose as expected with inflation. As an election year its typical to see a decrease in money spent as there’s an unknown future. I hope visitation will rise this next fiscal year, we can encourage that through smart marketing and events.

Keith Roberts: Measure "T" should be fixed, allowing more short-term rentals in the city in order to get back hundreds of jobs that were lost and to put back the several million dollars lost to the city budget that we could use to fix our roads; A robust enforcement of regulations NEEDS to be part of that "Fix" to make sure the life we enjoy in Tahoe is not disturbed for the benefit of a few. It can be done where all concerned are happy with the results.

Nick Speal: As a tourism-driven economy, South Lake Tahoe’s tax revenues rise and fall with the economic cycles of visitation. Essential services like Fire and Police have stable budgets that must be maintained in all economic conditions, whereas capital projects can be undertaken as and when funding allows. We’ve had a few good years recently for tax revenue, and we should invest now in projects like road repair and safe streets that will pay dividends for decades.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

9. How many city council meetings have you attended in person? Via Zoom?

David Jinkens: In my career and service to South Lake Tahoe, I have literally attended hundreds of meetings. However, when important items like proposed tax increases or public safety are on the SLT Council agenda, I attend meetings in person. I have also written to the Council on many items coming before the council when the matters being discussed are important. It is not my job at this point to micromanage the Council every time they have a meeting.

Marjorie Green: A handful between Zoom, recordings, or in person.

Heather Cade-Bauer: I have attended a few via Zoom and have started watching past meeting videos posted online.

Aimi Xistra: I don’t know an exact number of how many I’ve attended in person. I watch as many as possible on zoom. I try to attend as many community events as possible.

Keith Roberts: Over three dozen. I've attended more than a dozen in person, another dozen by zoom, plus on several commissions for dozens more.

Nick Speal: I’ve attended roughly 20 city council meetings in-person and 20 on Zoom.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

10. Should Heavenly/Vail Resort be annexed into the city?

David Jinkens: The annexation appears to be an advantage to the City. Heavenly has not been shown the advantages to them. For annexations to be successful the proposed annexation must be shown to City officials and party being proposed for annexation that it is in their mutual a interest. Annexations take outreach, time, and discussion before tsking action. The outcome of the proposed annexation should be known in advance of it being proposed and can be with meaningful dialogue among all parties.

Marjorie Green: Yes, if that would allow the city to better manage the area, parking and tax revenue.

Heather Cade-Bauer: Yes. Heavenly/Vail Resort should be annexed into the city. Since the resort already benefits from city services and infrastructure, annexation would ensure a fair contribution to city revenue through taxes. This would support infrastructure maintenance and community services, benefiting both residents and the resort's long-term sustainability.

Aimi Xistra: Yes. I recognize it’s not the catch-all solution some claim. There are good reasons to make this happen, but it won’t solve all our problems. Annexing Heavenly has an overall net positive outcome for both the City and Vail. I know we have hit some hurdles, but believe we can find a path forward in 2025.

Keith Roberts: Yes, Vail has certainly created a great ski town here, without it we would be like North Lake but Vail needs too understand their competition in the Resort market has increased greatly and The Town is now "AN AMENITY" for the resort and they should take an active position of support. We need to coordinate and work better and smarter together.

Nick Speal: Yes, Heavenly is an important part of our community and our economy, and this would formally recognize it. It makes more sense for Heavenly sales tax revenue to pay for the police and snow removal services that the City provides, rather than sending all of that money down to Placerville.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

11. Are you in favor of a Basin User Fee or something similar?

David Jinkens: Absolutely not!

Marjorie Green: Not at this time but I would like to better understand the goals for implementing a basin fee. What would the expected impacts, would the potential benefits outweigh the costs?

Heather Cade-Bauer: The idea of a Basin User Fee is worth exploring, but any decision must be based on a thorough analysis of its feasibility, fairness, and potential impact on residents, businesses, and visitors. It’s essential to engage the community, weigh alternatives, and ensure any proposed solution aligns with our shared goals of sustainability and economic vitality.

Aimi Xistra: No. Our economy depends on tourism. Instead of a user fee, we need to focus on setting expectations for our visitors by inviting them to respect our space and contribute to the beautification and preservation of Lake Tahoe. We can increase strategic communication around these expectations at critical touch-points for visitors including at hotel/VHR booking confirmations, beaches, favorite trailheads, etc.

Keith Roberts: No, I am not in favor. It is not something we should pursue. Both Governors of California and Nevada turned it down, the TRPA compact doesn't alow for it and because Highway 50 crosses state lines it would be in violation of the U.S. Constitution Commerce Clause. I understand the thinking behind those who advocate for a user fee. But I don't agree. When compared to other like environments; we are very different and the land use and expanse of the land and entries to the lake are too many and too large to make it make sense like in smaller demographics. In addition even if in the unlikely event that it was possible, it might be used to control or reduce tourism, the life blood of our local economy.

Nick Speal: While in theory, it would be good if there were a way for day-use visitors to chip in to cover some of the costs associated with their visits, this idea has never moved forward because it would need the approval of both states. Tolls are prohibited in Nevada and politically unpopular in California. Rather than discouraging car trips with tolls, I would encourage bus trips by increasing service to Reno airport and Sacramento. These could be fully paid for by ridership fares, and boost sustainable visitation by providing a more convenient way to travel.

Caitlin McMahon: No Response

12. Are you in favor of the Main Street and paid parking program?

David Jinkens: Existing residential areas need to be protected from massive visitor parking that blocks streets, driveways, and creates chaos in neighborhoods. Adequate parking facilities need to be made available so that visitors can park off street and not in neighborhoods. Major visitor attractions needs to assist in ensuring that adequate off-street parking is available for their customers. We can have visitors and happy residents if we focus on getting the cars out of the neighborhoods,

Marjorie Green: If this is the loop road project, no, I am not in favor. I cannot see how the significant disruption to lives, housing and other impacts would be worth the cost based on the plan I previously saw. I would however like to explore other options for additional, or more streamlined paths in and out of the basin due to evacuation risks.

Heather Cade-Bauer: I have concerns about the Main Street and paid parking program, especially its potential impact on residents and visitors through increased fees and the removal of housing units. While revitalization is important, any plan must carefully balance economic development with affordability and housing needs to avoid unintended consequences for our community.

Aimi Xistra: I couldn’t find enough information on this topic and didn't provide enough support for me to make a decision. Would these meters be year round? What would be the ROI for this project? I look forward to learning more about this paid parking program

Keith Roberts: Generally No, and certainly not on private property or neighborhoods. I think parking fees make sense in parking garages but the rates can be too aggressive and accommodations need to be made for the workforce and locals. For instance, the Casino parking garages don’t charge their employees. The city-owned facility doesn’t allow the employees to park for free which can eat up an hour or two of their daily pay. That needs to be reviewed.

Nick Speal: I don’t support re-routing highways through residential neighborhoods, but am a huge champion for “main street” style development of walkable business districts in our town centers. Paid parking at the Nevada casinos isn’t within City limits, but we can run a better bus service so employees and visitors can get home from the casinos and event center without having to worry about parking or drinking and driving

Caitlin McMahon: No Response