More than a decade ago, the South Lake Tahoe community placed its trust in Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) by approving Measure F, a $55 million general obligation bond to revitalize LTCC’s campus and enhance educational opportunities for students. LTCC likewise made a promise at that time to complete the approved projects while maximizing the value of the investment. We had a dream to match that investment dollar-for-dollar with additional funds, and today we are proud to demonstrate how that dream has not only been fulfilled but surpassed.

With the Tahoe Basin Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC) on track to break ground this May, I am proud of the significant achievements this bond has brought to our campus, thanks to your support. There are certainly many milestones that have made LTCC what it is, but without the passage of this general obligation bond, we would not have the campus we have today. Without the new, modernized, and sustainable facilities and amenities that have resulted from that investment, we would not be able to serve LTCC students with the unique programs and outstanding support services we now offer.

Maximizing Community Investment

Investing in LTCC’s campus yields substantial returns for future generations in this community. By leveraging the $55 million investment the community made in us through Measure F, LTCC successfully attracted over $70 million in additional funds from state, federal, and local agencies, as well as philanthropic sources. LTCC has committed to being an exceptional steward of public funds, as demonstrated by 11 consecutive years of clean audits that reflect accurate accounting and the spending of bond funds only on projects approved by voters. Strategic financial leadership and hustle have resulted in a total investment exceeding $125 million, more than doubling the community’s initial contribution. I believe (and I hope the community agrees) that it has been a great return on investment.

Campus Modernization and Enhancements

The college has grown in many ways since 2014, not only in its facilities but also in serving significantly more students, and Measure F has been instrumental in transforming the LTCC campus into a modern, student-centered environment to meet the needs of that growth.

Key improvements include:

• Remodel for Efficiency (RFE) Project: A comprehensive $20.5 million initiative, equally funded by Measure F and the state of California, the RFE project has modernized classrooms, teaching labs, common spaces, campus technology, core building infrastructure, and student service areas, all fostering an atmosphere more conducive to learning.

• Mobility Hub Project: Through Measure F funding and a valued partnership with TTD and Liberty Utilities (among others), placed a Mobility Hub on the LTCC campus, bringing the first electric buses to South Lake Tahoe and increasing reliable transportation for students.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Enhancements: Significant upgrades across campus have improved accessibility, ensuring that all students can navigate and utilize campus facilities comfortably. Additional improvements to the outside areas of campus, including enhanced vehicle circulation and traffic flow, and safer pathways and outdoor areas through heated walkways, also contribute to campus accessibility.

• Recreational Facilities: Enhancements to the campus recreational infrastructure have enriched campus life, promoting wellness and community engagement among students and residents alike. The on-campus soccer facility, including the turf field and grass fields (in partnership with the city of South Lake Tahoe), along with updated pedestrian corridors and bike paths, including the Greenway Trail Bridge linking miles of bike paths to the south entrance of campus, are just a couple of examples of such projects.

Strategic Partnerships, Community Projects, and Addressing Housing

Collaboration has been at the heart of LTCC’s approach, leading to several impactful partnerships:

• Tahoe Basin Public Safety Training Complex (PSTC): Awarded $8.6 million from the state, with $7 million earmarked for construction, complemented by $6 million from Measure F and additional LTCC and federal support, the PSTC will establish the region’s first comprehensive training facility for public safety students and professionals, including fire, forestry, and emergency medical services. The PSTC is the last major project specifically tied to Measure F and is slated to break ground this May and be completed in 2027.

• Lisa Maloff University Center: A generous $5.7 million donation from Lisa Maloff, combined with Measure F funds, facilitated the creation of a center that expands higher education opportunities locally while also serving as a meeting space rented by numerous community groups. The college is continuing to seek partnerships with four-year institutions to help students “transfer in place” and complete their higher degrees right here at home. The next such partnership on tap will bring an on-campus bachelor’s degree from CSU Chico to the Maloff Center, with a targeted launch in the fall term of 2027.

• Early Learning Center: The establishment of a permanent home for the Tahoe Parents Nursery School, serving the community for more than 60 years, alongside programs like the Bridge Language Academy, underscores our commitment to early childhood education and the children and families of South Lake Tahoe.

• On-Campus Student Housing: By utilizing Measure F funds for planning, LTCC was well-positioned to secure nearly $40 million from the state. LTCC constructed a 100-bed residential housing facility that opened to its first student residents in fall 2025. This initiative is designed to help address the affordable housing crisis and support student success. It is another exciting way we can now help students succeed and achieve their dreams, living and learning in affordable, high-quality on-campus housing.

These efforts are a few of the concrete results produced by the trust placed in LTCC to deliver innovative and collaborative solutions for the campus and community.

Economic Impact and Community Benefits

The infusion of $125 million into campus projects has also helped stimulate the local economy, providing jobs in construction and related sectors. The ripple effect of this investment has benefited local businesses, from restaurants to retail, contributing to the overall economic vitality of South Lake Tahoe. A recent economic impact report estimates that Measure F projects have generated $86.5 million in local economic impact and 36 new jobs per year over the last decade.

Conclusion

As LTCC nears completion of Measure F projects and the PSTC approaches, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the South Lake Tahoe community. Your support, trust, and patience have been fundamental to these achievements. Thank you to everyone who helped with LTCC’s first-ever bond campaign to spark this reality. And a special thanks to all of those endearingly known as “Measure F’ers” who worked tirelessly on the campaign. Together, we have not only fulfilled the promises we made in 2014 but have also laid the foundation for a dynamic and resilient future at LTCC. My vision for the future of LTCC is a vibrant residential campus where students can learn and live, with all the advantages of a high-quality educational environment, engaged faculty, robust support resources, and a modern, sustainable campus surrounded by the beauty of Lake Tahoe. I have personally been on the Measure F planning and implementation journey for 14 years, and I am thrilled that, with the PSTC project about to begin, we are heading into the home stretch of fulfilling and exceeding the goals of Measure F. Thank you for believing in the promise and potential of Lake Tahoe Community College.

Jeff DeFranco is completing his 10th and final academic year as superintendent/president of LTCC and he has served as a senior administrator on campus since 2012 working on Measure F since its inception.