The 39° North incentive proposal is expected to come back before the Placer County Board of Supervisors on June 24, asking for Tourist Accommodation Units (TAUs) and tens of millions in public subsidies—all on publicly owned land, and without meeting the basic NTEDIP requirements.
This is the first project ever to seek benefits under the County’s North Tahoe Economic Development Incentive Program (NTEDIP). That makes this more than a project vote—
It’s a test of how we use public investments, treat public land, and involve the public in shaping Tahoe’s future.
Let’s be clear:
🚫 This isn’t a “no” to development, housing, or incentives. It’s a “not yet.”
- Not until CEQA is complete.
- Not without community input.
- Not before public benefit is secured.
- Not until project readiness is demonstrated—including verified site control, financing, construction schedule, and a transparent pro forma showing how public funds will deliver public value.
🧱 NTEDIP Was Created for Smart Growth—Let’s Hold the Line
The North Tahoe Economic Development Incentive Program was created to support community-serving development, with strong standards for accountability and public return.
📉 The 39° North proposal doesn’t meet them.
| NTEDIP Standard | Intended Safeguard | 39° North Status |
| CEQA Review Complete | Ensure environmental protections before approval | ❌ Not initiated |
| Community Engagement | Inclusive, ongoing dialogue with residents | ❌ Two informational meetings only |
| Project Readiness | Clear site control, funding, and timelines | ❌ No public evidence |
| Development Agreement | Defined, enforceable public benefits | ❌ None in place |
| Public Land Use | Maximize long-term value from taxpayer land | ❌ Lodging prioritized |
🔍 This isn’t just a policy mismatch—it’s a precedent-setting moment.
If this proposal is approved anyway, it tells the public that environmental review, public land protections, and community voice are optional.
That’s not how NTEDIP was intended to work—and it’s not how you build a strong community.
🗳️ This Isn’t the First Ask from Kingsbarn—And It Was Rejected for a Reason
In January 2024, the Board of Supervisors rejected an earlier version of this incentive request. That proposal included:
- A $2.14 million forgivable loan
- A 20-year TOT rebate, potentially worth $38.6 million
- No CEQA, no fiscal analysis, and no community benefit agreement
🚫 Those same issues remain.
✅ The County got it right once. It’s time to do it again.
✍️ What You Can Do Right Now
✅ 1️⃣ Submit a Public Comment Now
📤 Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
📥 Or submit your comment directly via the County’s online form:
Submit a Public Comment Online »
📌 Subject: Public Comment – 39 North Project / June 24 Hearing
⏰ Best by June 22 at 5:00 PM, or before the item is heard
💬 Sample Message:
“I’m [Your Name], a [resident/business owner/visitor] who cares about Kings Beach. I support revitalization, but not before CEQA is complete, a public benefit agreement is in place, and residents have had a real voice. This is public land and public money. The County should uphold its own rules and delay any TAUs or incentives for 39 North until the process is complete.”
▶️ Read our Public Comment Guide »
✅ 2️⃣ Send the Guided Letter in 3 Minutes
Not sure what to say? Let the tool help you craft your letter. Just answer a few quick questions and the tool will generate and send a letter on your behalf.
📩 Send the Guided Letter Now »
✅ 3️⃣ Come to the Hearing
Even showing up silently makes a difference.
🗓️ June 24, 2025
🕓 9:00 AM
📍 Placer County Offices – 8318 N Lake Blvd, Kings Beach
The Placer County Board of Supervisors’ meeting AGENDA is typically posted by 5:00 PM on the Wednesday before the Board meeting, and is required to be available online 72 hours prior to the meeting.
📄 Keep an eye on the final agenda: Placer County Meeting Portal »
🧡 A Strong Towns Approach Starts With Accountability
At Strong North Tahoe, we believe in growth that is:
- Incremental and rooted in community need
- Transparent, accountable, and fair
- Environmentally and financially responsible
That’s what NTEDIP was supposed to guarantee.
But 39° North, Kingsbarn, asks the County to set those standards aside.
This is the first test of a new public program. If we approve giveaways before CEQA or community agreements, what stops others from doing the same?
We’re not against change.
We’re asking for change that works—for everyone.
🌍 What This Vote Decides
If approved:
💸 Up to $38.6 million in TOT revenue could be redirected from housing, transit, and services
🏗️ Scarce TAUs would be locked into luxury lodging—not local need
⚠️ CEQA obligations could be weakened via the Four-Way Agreement
🔀 NTEDIP would lose credibility before its first success
This is about Kings Beach—but also about the Tahoe we all share.
🧡 Final Word
Kings Beach deserves revitalization that’s accountable, inclusive, and transparent.
We’re not saying “no” to growth or to incentives to drive that growth.
We’re saying: Not Yet—Not like this.
📣 Join the call for thoughtful growth. Take action today.
📓 Learn More
📘 Read our full explainer blog:
Public Land, Public Money, Public Trust: Not Yet for 39° North »
📘 Visit our 39° North Project Resource Center »
📂 Review the Strong North Tahoe News & Updates
Leave a Reply