“CATT Bid Connect” will help local homeowners find professional contractors

The Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT) is expanding and modernizing its bid request program with the launch of CATT Bid Connect, a new digital platform designed to help local property owners find the right CATT professional for any project, regardless of size or budget.

The platform gives homeowners and property owners a simple front door into CATT’s network of more than 400 qualified local building professionals. Whether the need is landscaping, repairs, a specialty trade, a remodel, or a larger high-end residential construction or commercial project, property owners can submit a single request and let CATT point them in the right direction.

“CATT has always helped connect our community with qualified local building professionals,” says Denise Van Beek, CATT membership manager. “This new platform expands that capability by giving property owners one simple place to start, whether they have a small property need or a major construction project. It also helps our members receive more relevant opportunities based on the type of work they actually do.”

How It Works

The process is easy. Property owners can request a bid online, by phone, or by texting BID to CATT at (530) 536-1115. They simply provide details on the job they need done and their request is organized by project type, trade category, location, and scope, and then routed to the CATT members who actually perform that kind of work.

“Our goal is to make CATT the easiest and most trusted starting point for local property owners who need help with a project,” says Van Beek. “This platform helps us quickly connect requests with our trusted list of local professionals, so it takes the guesswork out of finding a contractor.”

Another benefit of the new platform is that it expands the variety of projects for which property owners can submit requests. A traditional bid request form can feel like it is only meant for larger, serious construction jobs. CATT Bid Connect broadens that idea. The platform can take in a wide array from requests, from small, quick fixes, to larger and more complex long-term jobs.

Examples include:

• Handyman jobs
• Defensible space
• Tree work
• Landscaping
• Repairs and maintenance
• Decks and exterior improvements
• Roofing, windows, doors, and specialty trades
• Remodels and additions
• High-end residential construction
• Commercial tenant improvements
• Larger commercial or custom construction projects

The platform is powered by Bedrok Labs, a local technology company founded by Bevan Waite that builds intelligent communication and intake tools for contractors and construction organizations. 

About CATT

The Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe is a regional trade association dedicated to promoting a positive business environment for the building and housing industry. CATT connects property owners with hundreds of qualified and reliable member businesses for remodeling and new construction projects throughout the Truckee-Tahoe region, while providing its members with advocacy, education, networking, and business resources. Learn more at ca-tt.com.

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Media Contact:

Kelsi Jones  

East River PR

Kelsi@eastriverpr.com  

530-559-8684 

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 7/28/2026, Staff Report

The association of Incline Village REALTORS® (IVR) received a $3,000 Fair Housing Grant to support national speaker Nate Johnson Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing, at the Chateau in Incline Village Lake Tahoe, reinforcing its commitment to fair housing education, professional responsibility and housing access.

The grant award is made possible by the National Association of REALTORS® as part of its Community Development Advocacy program empowering REALTOR® associations to strengthen their communities through effective advocacy, partnerships, and on-the-ground initiatives.

“Nate engaged with all of us in a space of openness, safety & genuine inquisitiveness. The training was informative and interesting… I really appreciated the way Nate encouraged discussion and made everyone feel comfortable participating,” said Heather Bacon, Compass Real Estate Advisor.  

READ MORE >

Encouraging Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) was the first strategy that the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) took on in 2020 as part of its dedicated initiative to address affordable housing in the Tahoe Basin. Across the country, ADUs are known to:

• Reduce sprawl because they are built on already developed land
• Be more affordable to build because they are constructed on land that is already owned
• Provide an income source to homeowners
• Expand living options for individuals, family members, couples, or seniors

So, how well is this strategy working in Tahoe? Read on for successes and challenges and the latest stats on ADUs in the Tahoe Basin.

-Kaley Arboleda, Assistant Planner

Latest ADU StatsADUs continue to be one of the most effective tools for adding housing in the Tahoe Basin. As of 2018, 91 ADUs have been permitted and 35 units have been constructed across the region.Whether it’s a garage conversion, a detached cottage, or an addition to an existing home, ADUs offer flexible housing options for locals while making efficient use of land already served by existing infrastructure.Want to see how ADU activity breaks down by jurisdiction, or track progress over time? Check out TRPA’s ADU Dashboard for a closer look at permitting and construction trends across the basin.

Upcoming Governing Board Meeting Tune in to the TRPA Governing Board meeting on Wednesday, July 22 for Senior Planner, Jacob Stock’s informational presentation of the three Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin project alternatives derived from public input that will be studied in the Environmental Impact Statement.  The alternatives include a mix of strategies that maintain the Regional Plan’s development limits, each with an overarching theme:No Project Alternative: continue to rely on the homebuilding and commuting patterns we have today.Housing Forward Approach: encourage infill development and redevelopment with the goal of lowering costs for affordable and workforce housing.Housing Preservation Approach: utilize existing housing stock as much as possible.Meeting materials are posted here.

Coffee Hour: ADUs and Tahoe Housing Policy

TRPA and partners will be continuing our “Coffee Hour” meetups to cultivate understanding and dialogue about proposed policies and other housing solutions. Join us for the upcoming session:

Community Conversation with Erin Casey, Executive Director of the Tahoe Housing Hub
Friday, July 31, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom 
Join a conversation with Erin Caseyabout the challenges and successes of building accessory dwelling units in Placer County, how this strategy relates to the Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin project, and the potential for this small housing type to support our workforce in other parts of the basin in the future.

Summer 2026

The IVCBA Housing Committee continues to bring together local organizations, housing professionals, employers, and community members to support practical workforce housing solutions for Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Here are some of the latest updates.

Employer Workforce Housing Forum Brings Local Resources Together

On July 22, the Incline Village REALTORS® will host the Employer Workforce Housing “Live Where You Work” Forum & Breakfast at The Chateau.

The event connects employers with local, state, and federal housing resources designed to help employees find attainable housing while strengthening Tahoe’s workforce. The morning also provided an opportunity for employers to network and discuss collaborative housing solutions for the region.

DETAILS HERE >

Accessory Dwelling Units in Washoe County

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) continue to be one of the most practical ways to increase housing opportunities while preserving neighborhood character.

The Housing Committee recently shared an educational presentation outlining Washoe County’s ADU regulations, permitting process, and opportunities for homeowners interested in creating additional housing. It was originally presented to the Citizen Advisory Board by Washoe County.

ADU PRESENTATION to CAB >

New Tahoe Affordable Homeownership Program Launches

The St. Joseph Community Land Trust has introduced the TAHOE – Tahoe Affordable Home Ownership Enabling Program.

The program is designed to preserve existing affordable housing by:

• Helping income-qualified first-time homebuyers purchase existing homes.
• Purchasing existing homes and reselling them to qualified local buyers.
• Assisting financially challenged homeowners in avoiding foreclosure and preserving homeownership.

Learn more by watching the program overview VIDEO HERE >

Old Incline Elementary School Site Under Review

The future of the former Incline Elementary School property continues to evolve.

The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) is evaluating alternative uses for the parcel, originally acquired for a mobility hub. The Reno Housing Authority (RHA) is preparing a proposal for the Federal Transit Administration, while additional community concepts continue to emerge.

At the upcoming August TTD meeting, RHA will provide the board with an overview of their proposed project, including various housing type options that could be included in the development.  Additionally, the Incline Sports Area has been invited to provide a presentation to the Board on other potential development projects for the property.  The Housing Committee will continue monitoring developments and share updates as they become available.

 The next is August 5th.

TRPA Cultivating Community Conserving the Basin

TRPA recently held an informal drop-in discussion on housing at Happy Tiers. TRPA is currently preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin policy recommendations, focused on improving housing opportunities for local families, workers, and seniors while maintaining and improving environmental protections. The EIS will analyze the environmental impact of three policy alternatives. Find information on the project and a calendar of upcoming events at: www.tahoeliving.org. TRPA is providing an informational presentation on the EIS alternatives at its July 22 Governing Board meeting. 

Workforce Housing Series Continues

The Housing Committee’s Workforce Housing Series will continue with its next community program on:

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

The topic will be announced soon and will focus on current housing issues affecting Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

More details will be shared as the program is finalized.

About the IVCBA Housing Committee

The IVCBA Housing Committee was formed in 2024 to support practical workforce housing solutions for Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Through community education, partnerships, and collaboration with local organizations, the committee works to advance housing opportunities that strengthen our local workforce and community. MORE INFO:  https://www.ivcba.org/housing/ivcba-housing-committee/

North Lake Tahoe employers invited to July 22 event focused on housing resources, employee retention, and local workforce stability

The Unlocking Workforce Housing initiative, led by local real estate, lending, escrow, title, and credit counseling professionals, will host the Employer Workforce Housing “Live Where You Work” Forum & Breakfast on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at The Chateau in Incline Village. This event is sponsored by the Incline Village Realtors Association and IVCBA.

The event is designed to help North Lake Tahoe employers connect their employees with trusted housing education, homeownership resources, financing options, below-market-rate housing opportunities, and local assistance programs.

Breakfast and networking will begin at 8:30 a.m., sponsored by Columbia Bank. A presentation from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. will highlight local, state, and federal employer resources that can help Lake Tahoe employees find realistic housing solutions. The event will conclude with an employer networking session from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. focused on stabilizing the Tahoe workforce through shared ideas, needs, and solutions.

“Most people do not realize there are approximately 100 below-market-rate condos in Incline Village for low- and moderate-income households, or that loan and grant resources are available for essential workers,” said Laura Levine Kalisch, Chair of the Workforce and Fair Housing Committee and Senior Loan Advisor at Columbia Bank. “Our goal is to bring accurate information directly to employees where they work and help employers support the people who keep our community running.”

The initiative is supported in part by grant funding from the National Association of REALTORS®, spearheaded by Dr. Laura Vitencz, CEO of Incline Village REALTORS®. The grant supports outreach, collateral creation, web resources, and Spanish-language translation where needed.

“This program is about connecting the workforce with real resources and trusted local guidance,” said Dr. Laura Vitencz. “By partnering with employers, we can make housing education more accessible and help employees better understand the pathways that may be available to them.”

The July 22 event will also feature the initiative’s newest workforce homeowner family, highlighting how education, local resources, and one-on-one support can help make homeownership possible.

The Workforce Homeownership/Housing Resource Program is available at no cost to participating employers and can be tailored for onsite workshops, staff meetings, morning crews, administrative teams, or other employee groups. Workshops may include homebuyer education, financing options, down payment assistance, below-market-rate housing opportunities, budgeting, and individual confidential follow-up support.

Event Details

Employer Workforce Housing “Live Where You Work” Forum & Breakfast

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

8:30–11:00 a.m.

The Chateau

955 Fairway Blvd, Incline Village

Breakfast sponsored by Columbia Bank

RSVP by July 13, 2026: Dr. Laura Vitencz, lvitencz@inclinerealtors.com

Photo Caption: Local REALTORS®, housing professionals, and school leadership gather at Incline Elementary School for an Unlocking Workforce Housing workshop designed to connect Tahoe employees with homeownership education, housing resources, and local support. Pictured left to right: Amanda Mueller, REALTOR®; Sarah Zabel, M.Ed., Principal, Incline Elementary School; Dr. Laura Vitencz, Ph.D., CEO, Incline Village REALTORS®; Suzie McSherry, REALTOR®; and Laura Levine Kalisch, Workforce Housing Committee Chair and Senior Loan Advisor, Columbia Bank.

Media Contact

Laura Levine Kalisch

Workforce Housing Committee Chair

Senior Loan Advisor, Columbia Bank

415-302-1086

lauralevineloans@gmail.com

About Unlocking Workforce Housing

Unlocking Workforce Housing is a volunteer-led initiative connecting local employers and employees with homeownership education, housing resources, financial assistance programs, and trusted local professionals. The program supports workforce stability, employee retention, and long-term community sustainability in Incline Village and North Lake Tahoe.

RENO HOUSING AUTHORITY (RHA)

• The potential development of the IES site is still in the very early conceptual stages. Area Median Income (AMI) targeting is ultimately determined by final funding sources. 
• HUD establishes AMI levels annually at the county or Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) level. For developments financed with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), rents and tenant eligibility are based on these income limits.
•  LIHTC developments can reach up to 80% AMI under income-averaging rules. If additional funding sources are secured, it may be possible to target higher income levels for some units.
• RHA does not plan to serve as the developer, owner, or operator. RHA plans to support this effort through assisting in and /or leading the competitive selection of a master developer/operator and contributing the land to the deal through a ground lease.
• Project specifics would be determined by that to-be-selected Master Developer as they work through design, entitlement, financing, and further community engagement.
• RHA wants to engage the community in the creation and development of proposals from developers when/if the site is conveyed to RHA for affordable housing.
• Any developer pursuing a project on this site that is not transit-oriented affordable housing would have to repay the FTA loan attached to the property.
• Preference could be given to potential renter applicants living in Inclive Village/Crystal Bay.

~ J.D. Klippenstein | Deputy Executive Director, Reno Housing Authority

P: 775.329.3630 ext. 212

E: jklippenstein@renoha.org

TAHOE TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT

Below are the binding affordability requirements that must be met when a Federal Transit Authority (FTA)-assisted asset (land or property) is transferred to a local governmental authority for use in a transit-oriented, affordable housing project under 49 U.S.C. § 5334(h)(1)(B). These criteria must be certified to and concurred in by FTA before the transfer:

• 40 % of the total housing units in the TOD site—whether developed by the local agency or by private/non-profit partners—must be subject to legally binding affordability restrictions for both tenants and (if for-sale) owners earning up to 60% of Area Median Income (AMI).
• Within that 40%, at least half (i.e., 20% of total units) must be further restricted to households at or below 30% AMI.  
• These income-band restrictions must be enforceable—typically via deed covenants, restrictive covenants, or regulatory agreements—throughout the entire compliance period.
• The transferred asset must remain in use for transit-oriented development, including these affordability restrictions, for no less than thirty (30) years from the date of transfer.  
• All of the above stem from FTA’s Interim Asset Disposition Guidance implementing the December 27, 2021 NDAA amendments to 49 U.S.C. § 5334(h)(1) (effective 12/27/2021).

Projects must document and certify compliance with each of these affordability tests in their request to the FTA regional office. The code can be found here:  https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2024-title49/pdf/USCODE-2024-title49-subtitleIII-chap53-sec5334.pdf

~ Jim Marino, Executive Director, Tahoe Transportation District

P. 775-557-4901

E. jmarino@tahoetransportation.org

Too many local families have faced the difficult choice of leaving Tahoe – the place that they love – to find steady affordable housing. Those who choose to stay often bounce from rental to rental, believing home ownership is an impossible dream. Down payment assistance programs like WHPP (Workforce Housing Preservation Program) offered through Placer County are providing a pathway to home ownership in the North Lake Tahoe region. In this episode of Voices for Housing we meet Katie and Mike. The WHPP program helped them make homeownership a reality. Click on the photo above to watch the full video.

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 6/22/2026, Staff Report

The CEO and five members of Incline Village REALTORS® traveled to Washington, D.C., for the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, where they met with members of Congress and Congressional staff to advocate for policies that increase housing supply, build stronger communities, and support self-employed professionals.

During meetings on Capitol Hill, members and staff of the Incline Village REALTORS® met with Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto and urged support for:

The More Homes on the Market Act, which would update the tax exclusion on the sale of a primary residence and incentivize more long-term owners to sell their homes. Updating America’s tax law is a key pathway to more supply.

READ MORE

Photo provided

Originally published in the TRPA Housing ENews

If you shop at a grocery store, rely on snow plow service, need health care, have kids who go to school here—all the people who provide those critical community services need housing. Without a vibrant workforce, our local economy suffers. Tahoe Housing Hub is covering stories like these. View the series here.