40 Under 40: Joe Irvin
Tahoe Chamber | August 4, 2021 | 40 Under 40 • Uncategorized
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“South Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place with amazing recreation amenities. As City Manager I am afforded the opportunity to help make Tahoe even better.”
Joe is City of Lake Tahoe’s City Manager beginning in 2020. He is a hardworking and dedicated leader pushing through new and existing City challenges during a pandemic.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Joe Irvin!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
The City of South Lake Tahoe operates within the Council-Manager form of government. This follows a representative system where all power is concentrated in the elected council as a whole and the council hires a professionally trained City Manager to oversee the delivery of public services. As City Manager I am the Chief Executive Officer of the City, and I am responsible to the City Council for the administration and execution of all affairs of the city. I am responsible for the implementation of policy and procedures as directed by the City Council through coordination and supervision of operations in all City departments. While there have been many accomplishments during my tenure in my current position, I would like to highlight the following items:
i. The passage of Measure S which is a general sales tax measure approved by the South Lake Tahoe voters during the November 3, 2020, election. This one-cent sales tax took effect on April 1, 2021, increasing South Lake Tahoe’s sales tax rate from 7.75 percent to 8.75 percent.
ii. I was able to facilitate the development of the City’s 5-year 2021 – 2026 Strategic Plan. The strategic plan is designed to state the direction for the community while identifying strategies, goals and action plans which will help guide work programs and work efforts for the city. Having the strategic plan in place to help guide us as we come through COVID-19 pandemic and on a road to recovery while building a stronger community is exciting and a great opportunity for us all.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Starting a new job during a pandemic was challenging, however, I am proud of our response efforts and financial management leadership. We continued to balance our budget, maintained all staff levels, completed capital projects, and supported our business community and non-profits in an effort to stabilize our local economy and maintain basic needs for our residents. Also, working with the community and the City Council to adopt the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you try to live by?
People matter (treat others with respect, dignity, and compassion)
Leadership exists at all levels (create a culture where innovative thoughts are welcomed)
Be a High Performing Organization (strive to find ways to do more, with less and faster)
Continuous Improvement (learn from past actions and improve)
Results matter (the organization’s priorities are everyone’s priorities)
Who is your role model?
Steve Burkett, Retired City Manager, and a dear friend of mine.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
South Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place with amazing recreation amenities. As City Manager I am afforded the opportunity to help make Tahoe even better.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I currently serve as a Board of Director for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, where the mission is “to maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and inspire stewardship and preserve access to the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe Region.” I also recently joined the Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love a good game of cribbage and I am always open to teaching folks to play. I enjoy hiking, mountain biking and boating as well.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
You can find me in the lake or on the slopes. Specifically, I enjoy South Shore beaches, Emerald and Rubicon Bays and Heavenly Ski Resort.