The Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Management Association (TNTTMA), a public-private partnership dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation solutions throughout the Tahoe Truckee region, recognized the organizations and partners making a meaningful impact on regional transportation. Representing more than 80 member organizations, TNTTMA celebrated recent projects and accomplishments that are helping improve mobility, connectivity, and quality of life throughout the region. Board members submitted nominations, and the full membership voted to select this year’s award recipients.
“For more than 35 years, the TNTTMA has brought together businesses, public agencies, community organizations, and regional partners to address the unique transportation challenges of our community,” said Sara Van Siclen, Executive Director of TNTTMA. “What makes this work possible is the strength and diversity of our membership and a shared commitment to improving mobility throughout the region. These awards recognize the collaboration, innovation, and dedication behind projects that are making a lasting difference for residents and visitors.”
The 2026 TNTMA Award Recipients were:
Transit Changemaker Award — North Tahoe Community Alliance | TOT-TBID Dollars at Work
The TOT-TBID Dollars at Work initiative invests Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) revenues into projects that benefit the North Lake Tahoe community, enhance the visitor experience, and advance regional priorities, including transportation, workforce housing, sustainability, and economic vitality. Transportation investments support programs such as TART Connect, the North Tahoe Workforce Vanpool, Park & Ride, and the North Tahoe Parking Management Program.
2026 Transit Changemaker Award_Adam Wilson NTCA_Sue Rae Irelan NTCA Board_Andy Chapman TNTNV
Infrastructure Improvement Award — Nevada Department of Transportation & Tahoe Transportation District | Spooner Transportation Hub
The State Route 28 Spooner Transportation Hub will create a centralized mobility hub, featuring approximately 250 parking spaces, restrooms, and a permanent aquatic invasive species watercraft inspection station. The project aims to reduce unsafe roadside parking, improve access to East Shore recreation destinations through expanded transit options, enhance visitor safety, and protect Lake Tahoe’s water quality. Construction is underway, with completion expected in 2027.
Infrastructure Improvement_Jason Burke TTD_Pat Fraser Palisades Tahoe_Andy Chapman TNTNV
Trailblazing Award — Northstar Community Services District & Placer County | Martis Valley Trail
The Martis Valley Trail project extends the paved, multi-use trail network connecting the Town of Truckee to Northstar Village, providing a safe, accessible route for walking, biking, and other recreation. Completed in 2026, the latest segment closes the gap between the Castle Peak parking lots and Northstar Village, advancing the broader Resort Triangle Trail vision of connecting communities throughout the North Tahoe region.
Trailblazing Award_Sara Van Siclen TNTTMA_Eric Martin NCSD_Jared Deck Placer County
Lifetime Achievement Award — Steve Teshara
For more than 50 years, Steve Teshara has been a driving force behind efforts to improve transportation and strengthen communities throughout the Tahoe region. His contributions span journalism, community leadership, regional planning, and transportation advocacy. After launching a local radio station and working as a local reporter, Steve became deeply involved in regional initiatives, including the incorporation of Eastern Placer County and organizations such as the North Lake Tahoe Festivals Office, Tahoe Sierra Preservation Council, and the organization that is now the North Tahoe Community Alliance. Steve helped advance the region’s first regional transportation plan and has continued advocating for increased federal transportation funding and investment in the region. His decades of dedication, leadership, and commitment to regional collaboration have helped shape transportation efforts throughout the Tahoe Truckee region.