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Tahoe agency asks California to recognize federal population figure to shift transportation formula shares
Summary
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency asked the Assembly committee to administratively align California transportation formula counts with a federally recognized basin population of 145,000 (up from 40,000), seeking to secure a stable portion of a $20 million multi‑partner annual commitment without requesting new state dollars.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency asked the committee on March 1, 2025 to recognize a federally designated Lake Tahoe population figure for California formula funding, which the agency says would increase the state's population figure for the basin from 40,000 to 145,000 and thereby increase California's share of formula allocations.
"We are asking for the state of California to be consistent with federal law," said Devin Middlebrook, government affairs manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. Middlebrook said the request does not ask for new money or a change to formulas but for the Department of Finance to use the federal population figure that accounts for basin visitation and full‑time residents.
TRPA said the change would not immediately add new dollars to the state budget but would help secure commitments within a $20 million annual multi‑partner framework for transportation at Tahoe; California's share of that $20 million commitment is cited at $4,500,000 per year. The agency proposed phasing in the population increase over multiple years to reduce impacts on other regions.
Supporters in the hearing urged the committee to act. Karen Lang, representing Mayor Lori in San Francisco and Placer County, said she supported TRPA's request. Mark Fenstermaker of the League to Save Lake Tahoe said transportation funding is critical to protecting Lake Tahoe's clarity and environment.
Ending: Chair Bennett and staff said the proposal had general support and noted TRPA's willingness to phase in changes to limit impacts on other agencies; staff will pursue follow up with Department of Finance and stakeholders.
