On May 28th 2025, representatives from Strong North Tahoe met with Kingsbarn (the developer for the proposed 39 North project in Kings Beach) and Placer County staff. The meeting was a chance to hear about the latest changes to the design and discuss how the project is being handled. Also, Kingsbarn announced a short-notice “project update meeting”:
The developer shared updates they’ve made since the May 2024 community meeting. They’ve changed the scope to be more in line with current Tahoe Basin Area Plan and TRPA ordinances. They also made adjustments to the design based on comments/feedback they heard during the May 2024 session. For example, they originally proposed a 75-foot building, but the updated plan now follows the 56-foot height limit.
But even with changes, the main issue remains: people don’t feel truly included. At the May 2024 meeting, community members said the format felt like a “one-way conversation.” There were big worries about things like:
- Type and location of workforce housing
- Whether this project fits Kings Beach (which is a year-round community, not a resort town)
- Traffic and safety
- Lack of commercial space
- Environmental impacts
At the May 28th meeting, Strong North Tahoe asked how the developer is making space for public alternatives. Phil Mader from Kingsbarn replied, “If somebody wants to talk to me, I’m open to it.” But that’s not the same as working with the community in a real way.
As Patricia Orr asked:
“Where is there an opportunity for the community at large to feel they are collaborating with you on this versus being told what’s happening?”
Nick Harris recommended focused workshops on issues like parking or affordable housing. That would help people feel heard and included. The developer said they’re open to collaboration, but it’s unclear how, when, or where this would happen. That makes it hard for the public to feel engaged.
Another key point: it’s been over a year since the last meeting, and then suddenly the community got very short notice about the June 5th update meeting. This gap and lack of communication has eroded trust. Our neighbors want to be involved early, not just react late to nearly finished plans.
So, what is the real purpose of these community meetings?
The developer said the goal for the June 5th meeting is:
“My goal is to provide an update, my goal is to say, look, we heard what comments you have, this is what we’ve done to address it.”
They added: “We’re not even required to do this next community meeting, but we think it’s the right thing.”
But if decisions feel already made, how can neighbors make a difference? Stephanie Holloway from Placer County explained,
“We just got sort of the thumbs up from TRPA three weeks ago saying they finalized all the review. We need to move forward with this project.”
Clearly the developer and Placer County want to move forward with their updated plans — but it doesn’t erase the long gap in communication or the lack of clear engagement steps. When updates come suddenly, it feels like the community is being asked to react, not participate.
We did hear some commitments:
- To gain more transparency on the project progression — Kingbarn are willing to start publicly sharing their required quarterly submittals to Placer County on the project.
- They said they’re open to more input — though again, the details are unclear.
Strong North Tahoe’s role isn’t to approve or reject the 39 North project — that’s up to our community and elected officials. Our job is to help you participate in the public process effectively and confidently.
Get Ready for June 5th:
June Meetup – How To Make Your Voice Matter (2 Days Before 39N Update)
🗓️ Tuesday, June 3rd
🕕 6:00 – 7:30 PM
📍 Tree House Cafe, Kings Beach
Come learn how to prepare your public comment for the June 5th meeting. We’ll share easy steps you can take — even if you’re short on time — including how to:
- Write and deliver public comments
- Use the “speaker train” method to support each other
- Send letters or written input that count
This event is for anyone who thinks, “I want to help, but I don’t know what matters.”
Can’t Make It June 3rd or 5th?
Join the 39 North Action Group, a community team that will:
- Track developer and County commitments
- Push for real transparency and public updates
- Make sure the process stays public and fair
- Help shape a better outcome for Kings Beach
👉 Learn more and get involved at the 39N Project Action Group page
Let’s make sure Kings Beach’s future reflects the people who live here — not just outside investors. Show up, speak up, and support each other.
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