A Guide for Making Public Comment & Attending Local Meetings

Why Public Comment Matters

Public comment periods are vital democratic tools…
Your voice can shape policies and ensure representatives hear local perspectives.

Structuring Your Public Comment

Follow this structure for clarity and impact:

• Introduce yourself and your connection to the issue
• Clearly state your position (include stories)
• Highlight and support other relevant comments
• Present 2–3 key points with supporting evidence
• End with a clear request or recommended action

Developing Effective Comments

• Research thoroughly using credible sources
• Talk to neighbors about the issue
• Gather data and real-life examples
• Write and practice your comment
• Focus on solutions
• Use personal stories to illustrate impact
• Keep to 2–3 minutes (~250 words)

Overcoming a Fear of Public Speaking

• Practice in advance
• Arrive early to get familiar with the room
• Bring written notes
• Remind yourself your voice matters
• Start with easier topics to build confidence

Maximizing Your Impact

Before the Meeting

• Submit written comments early
• Network with others who share your concern
• Review the agenda and materials
• Understand the decision-making process

After the Meeting

• Follow up in writing
• Monitor updates
• Share outcomes with your community
• Stay active and informed

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Template for Public Comment

1. Introduce yourself and state your connection to the issue:

• My name is [Name], and I’ve lived in North Lake Tahoe for [X] years, operating a small business.
• I’m [Name], a third-generation Tahoe resident and local teacher.” 
• “Hello, I’m [Name], and I work in the hospitality industry here in North Lake Tahoe.
• I’m [Name], and I represent a group of concerned North Tahoe residents who have lived here for over 20 years.
• My name is [Name], and I’m a parent raising my family here in North Lake Tahoe.ears…”

2. Clearly state your position (use stories when possible):

• I support implementing stronger regulations on short-term rentals to preserve our community. Last month, three families on my street were forced to move when their homes were converted to vacation rentals.
• I advocate for sustainable tourism policies. As a local business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how overcrowding affects both visitors’ experience and locals’ quality of life.
• I stand for protecting our workforce housing. My daughter, a nurse at the local clinic, had to move to Reno due to lack of affordable housing options
• I support measures to maintain our community’s character. I believe we can have smart growth that also protects our environment and community. 
• I’m in favor of balanced development that prioritizes local needs. My employees struggle to find housing within an hour’s commute of work.
• I support incorporation. I have attended over 50 community meetings in the 15 years I’ve lived in Tahoe and I hear members of the public making similar comments all the time. We need to have the power to make more decisions locally. 

3. Underscore specific comments that others have made that you agree with:

• I strongly support [Previous Speaker’s] points about the impact of unregulated tourism on our local infrastructure.
• Like many others tonight, I share concerns about the environmental impact of excessive tourist traffic on our lake and forests, the impact of traffic in the region, and the concerns about our emergency response infrastructure.
• I want to reinforce what was said earlier about the importance of maintaining our local workforce through affordable housing initiatives.
• I agree with previous comments about the need for better public transportation and parking solutions.
• I won’t repeat what others have said, but I will underscore my agreement with the comments on traffic, safety, housing, and water quality

4. Present 2-3 key points with supporting evidence:

• Our workforce housing crisis is severe – XX% of local service workers now commute from outside the basin. 
• Parking lots exceeded capacity XX days last year. 
• Local businesses are struggling – XX family-owned shops closed last year due to staffing shortages.
• Short-term rentals now comprise XX% of our housing stock in some neighborhoods.
• Emergency response times have increased during peak seasons. 
• Local school enrollment has dropped as families move away.
• Traffic congestion has increased XX% during peak seasons. 
• Beach access is increasingly restricted for locals. 
• Water quality metrics show concerning trends from overuse.
• Average rent has increased XX% in five years. 
• Local business vacancy rates have reached XX%. 
• Emergency services are understaffed by XX%.

5. Conclude with a specific ask or recommended action:

• I urge the council to implement a 45-day moratorium on new short-term rental permits while we develop comprehensive regulations.
• Please approve the proposed workforce housing development and prioritize local workforce in the tenant selection process.
• I request the Board of Supervisors allocate funds from the tourism tax for infrastructure improvements and local housing initiatives.
• Please consider implementing a cap on daily visitors to our beaches and trails, similar to what other mountain communities have done successfully.
• I ask that you create a task force of local residents and business owners to develop sustainable tourism guidelines.
• Please vote [Yes / No]

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Public Comment – Example 1

Good morning Supervisors and staff. My name is Sarah Sullivan, and I’ve been a resident of North Lake Tahoe for 12 years, where I operate a small cafe on the North Shore.

I’m here today because I’m deeply concerned about the impact of unrestricted tourism on our community’s sustainability. I support implementing a comprehensive tourism management plan that balances visitor access with community preservation.

I want to echo the concerns raised by other speakers about our critical housing shortage. Last month, I lost two of my most experienced employees because they couldn’t find affordable housing within an hour’s commute. This story isn’t unique – many local businesses are facing similar challenges. Let me share three key points:

• First, our housing crisis is severely impacting local businesses. In my neighborhood alone, five small businesses have reduced their hours or closed entirely due to staffing shortages related to housing.
• Second, our infrastructure is struggling to keep up. Last summer, my customers had to wait up to 30 minutes just to find parking, and our waste management system was overwhelmed.
• Third, the character of our community is changing rapidly. On my street, what were once year-round family homes have become mostly vacant vacation properties.

I urge the Board to take immediate action by implementing a cap on short-term rental permits and creating incentives for property owners who provide long-term housing to local workers. We need to act now to preserve the community that makes North Lake Tahoe special. Thank you for your time.

Public Comment – Example 2

Good evening Council Members. My name is Michael Rodriguez, and I’m a local architect who has worked in North Lake Tahoe for the past 15 years.

I’m here to voice my support for the proposed mixed-use development project on West Avenue. Smart, well-planned growth is essential for our community’s future vitality. I appreciate the concerns raised by others about maintaining our town’s character, and I believe this project actually helps achieve that goal.

Let me highlight two main points:

• First, this project exemplifies sustainable development principles. The design incorporates green building standards, includes solar panels, and maximizes energy efficiency. This aligns perfectly with our community’s environmental values. The project’s location near public transit reduces car dependency and promotes walkability. The developers have also committed to improving nearby pedestrian infrastructure.
• Second, the mixed-use nature of the development addresses multiple community needs simultaneously. The ground-floor retail spaces will create opportunities for local businesses, while the upper-floor apartments will provide much-needed workforce housing.

I urge the NTRAC to support this project, which represents exactly the kind of thoughtful development our community needs to remain vibrant and sustainable. Thank you for your consideration.

Public Comment – Example 3

Good evening Supervisors. I’m Rachel Martin, a property manager with 20 years of experience in North Lake Tahoe.

I’m here to advocate for increased funding for short-term rental compliance and enforcement. Well-regulated vacation rentals can coexist with our community when proper oversight is in place.

I strongly agree with previous speakers about the importance of maintaining community character and addressing noise and parking issues. Let me share three critical points:

• First, our current enforcement team is severely understaffed. With only two compliance officers managing over 2,000 short-term rental properties, response times to complaints often exceed 48 hours.
• Second, better technology and monitoring systems are needed. Other resort communities have successfully implemented 24/7 noise monitoring and automated complaint systems, significantly reducing neighborhood disruptions.
• Third, increased compliance funding could be self-sustaining through proper fee structures and fines for violations. Communities like Park City have demonstrated that robust enforcement actually increases tax revenue through better compliance.

I urge the Council to approve the proposed budget increase for STR enforcement and to implement a modern compliance monitoring system. This investment will benefit both residents and responsible vacation rental operators. Thank you for your time and for your public service.

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