TRUCKEE, Calif. – The Truckee Town Council met on Tuesday, March 25, to discuss the River Revitalization Steering Committee’s (R2SC) catalyst projects. Councilmembers Lindsay Romack and Courtney Henderson were absent from the meeting.

Formed in May 2023, the River Revitalization Steering Committee (R2SC) has worked to develop a vision for a revitalized, connected, and accessible Truckee River corridor. The committee focuses on three themes: Restore, which aims to improve river health and access; Revitalize, which envisions vibrant mixed-use spaces with businesses, housing, and public areas; and Reimagine, which emphasizes creating an attractive and authentic riverfront that honors Truckee’s history.

The committee has identified two key catalyst projects to drive momentum. The Tanner Family Trust site at 10603 East River Street includes plans for adaptive reuse, new commercial space, workforce housing, and river restoration, with a five-year completion goal. The second project, at 10855 West River Street with Truckee River Partners LLC, focuses on beautification, new commercial space, and workforce housing, also targeting completion within five years.

The combined fiscal impact for both projects is estimated at $147,200, covering consultant costs, staff time, and economic vitality efforts. Council praised the steering committee’s rapid progress and unanimously approved moving forward with the catalyst projects.

Council reviewed the Public Art Commission of Truckee’s work plan for fiscal years 2025/2026–2026/2027. The Public Art Master Plan was adopted in 2019, with the first work plan following in 2023. The initial plan prioritized long-term funding and art installations, while promotion and new programs were given lower priority. In the new work plan, the commission is focusing on two current projects: a roundabout installation at Church Street/Truckee Way, titled “From Rails to Trails” by artist Jake Balcom, set for fall installation, and a Temporary Art Program at the Railyard Mobility Hub, a pilot project aimed at engaging younger artists and evaluating the program’s effectiveness.

Looking ahead, the work plan includes two-year projects, such as continuing social media presence, reviewing donation proposals, updating the public art inventory, and completing the Church Street/Truckee Way roundabout installation. The commission is also working on a conservation and maintenance plan and exploring a new permanent art installation. Any public art expenditure over $50,000 will require Council approval. During the meeting, one public comment expressed a desire for more historical public art. Ultimately, Council unanimously accepted the proposed work plan.

Council discussed amendments related to the 2024 General Plan implementation, which includes updates to zoning districts, zoning map changes, and adjustments to development regulations. The Council introduced an ordinance that amends the Truckee Municipal Code to support the 2040 General Plan, and adopted Resolution 2025-10, which cleans up the General Plan Land Use Diagram and Roadway Noise Contours Diagram. The Council also determined that these amendments are exempt from CEQA review.

In February, Council directed changes to remove certain requirements, such as the residential component for commercial projects in the NMU/CMUA zones and the need for multiple commercial uses in these areas. They also decided to update zoning maps and revisit minimum residential densities. Community concerns were raised about potential negative impacts on businesses due to changes in mixed-use designations, with one speaker expressing concerns about the impact on growth. After discussion, the Council agreed on no minimum density requirement for developers planning residential units alongside commercial properties. The Council unanimously moved forward with the amendments.

KidZone Museum is building a new, eco-friendly facility at Regional Park to replace its deteriorating 3,500-square-foot space, which struggles to meet demand, often with waitlists of 50 families. The new 10,500-square-foot building will expand capacity and programming.

KidZone fosters child development through play-based learning, interactive exhibits, science, art, and cultural events. Two community advocates ensure underserved families can access the museum for free. The expansion will also benefit Truckee’s economy by boosting local business revenue, tax contributions, and vendor partnerships.

The new facility will feature a teen creative studio, an area for older children with a river and traveling exhibits, a café teaching kitchen, and a dedicated sensory space for children with sensory challenges. A STEAM center, outdoor play area, and nature-focused camps will further enhance learning opportunities.

To speed up construction and control costs, the project will be built in two phases: Phase 1 ($9 million) and Phase 2 ($3 million). With $6 million already raised, KidZone is 67% toward its Phase 1 goal. Permits are in process, and groundbreaking is next.

During public comment, a community member raised concerns about housing for the homeless, particularly the placement of scattered housing in residential neighborhoods without sufficient public input. He expressed worry that these concerns are often perceived as insensitive or lacking empathy. However, he emphasized that the primary issue is safety, especially regarding individuals struggling with mental illness and addiction.

Some community members also feel that Supervisor Bullock is unfairly portraying them in the media as lacking compassion. They insist that they want to help but are apprehensive about the impact of scattered-site housing in their neighborhoods.

Separately, another resident stressed the urgent need for home hardening measures and urged the Town to go beyond evacuation planning to better protect the community.

Each April, Child Abuse Prevention Month raises awareness about strengthening families and protecting children from harm. In the North Tahoe/Truckee region, the Tahoe Truckee Child Abuse Prevention Council leads efforts to prevent child abuse by providing education, resources, and support. Through mandated reporter training, parenting classes, and partnerships with local agencies, the council empowers families, caregivers, and professionals to safeguard children’s well-being.

To raise awareness, the council organizes community outreach, including blue pinwheel displays, workshops, and social media campaigns. Their programs have helped hundreds of local families with shaken baby syndrome prevention, cyber safety education, and support for children with special needs.

This April, the Town urges residents to take part in efforts that protect children and promote their safety and well-being.

The Town will host a community engagement event for the Homeless Advisory Action Plan on Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Steve Randall Rec Center. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input.

A recent event at Mountain Brew celebrating women in law enforcement was a great success, with several of the Town’s partner agencies participating in support of women in policing and public safety. During the council meeting, a video was shown featuring interviews with female officers sharing their reasons for choosing this profession. The Town Manager encouraged community members to thank them for their service. 

The next meeting will be on April 8 at Town Hall located at 10183 Truckee Airport Road.