As school starts and families slide into routines, it appears the greater community is also focused on achieving goals as is apparent throughout the South Shore. You, like me, are likely feeling a heightened sense of pride driving along Highway 50 adorned by newly installed landscaping, lighting and mountain themed bus shelters. When I envision the environmental improvements happening below the surface, I am even more proud of the achievements of our community leaders in bringing this vision to reality.

In the Stateline area there are several projects under way, including the Landing, located in the former Valhalla and Phase One of the Chateau project. These investments are stimulating additional investment, and it won’t be long before we’re talking about another major motel remodel. Property improvements increase property values, and hence property taxes, further strengthening the city’s fiscal condition and services provided to residents. Additionally, upgraded lodging properties send a message to travel writers and tourism organizations that the South Shore has something new to see and talk about. All of this gradually improves visitation, overnight rates and subsequently transit occupancy tax that also goes straight into the city and county’s general funds.

This week brought additional albeit less visible signs of progress, with the TRPA Governing Board’s unanimously approval of the Douglas County South Shore Area Plan. This plan provides the framework for the much desired and needed revitalization process. After this commendable action, the TRPA’s Regional Plan Implementation Committee convened to review the City’s Tourist Core Area Plan. The city plan has already been endorsed by the City Planning Commission and will be heard by City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 1, where they will be seeking everyday citizens’ input.

I am pleased to report that there is far more progress underway than can be covered within the confines of this space. For more details on ongoing and new projects I encourage you to attend the third in a series of forums the evening of Oct. 22 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel (formerly Embassy Suites). In addition to hearing business and organizational updates, the public will be asked to engage in a dialogue on specific community suggestions from the previous forum. The forum will provide the platform for determining which concepts such as an Interpretive Center or Concert Venue could move from thought through visioning, planning and building. For more information, visit http://www.tahoechamber.org or http://www.tahoeprosperity.org.

— Betty “B” Gorman, J.D., B.S., A.C.E., is the president and CEO of TahoeChamber.