Government Affairs

Government Affairs Committee

The Committee is comprised of both board and community members working on behalf of Chamber members and organizational goals.

Our Commitment

Consistent with the adopted Tahoe Chamber Vision, committee members help inform and guide the annual development and execution of Chamber advocacy priorities. Monthly meetings and on-going communications with the Chamber’s Director of Government Relations are conducted to share updates, identify new issues, and maintain our dedication to effective advocacy outcomes.

The Challenge

Operating in a bi-state region with multiple local governments, regional agencies, and significant federal and ownership and management, our challenge is to keep abreast of the complex issues and governmental interactions that may or do impact our members and the economic sustainability of the community we serve. Throughout each year, it is imperative that we maintain many relationships and strategically target our advocacy engagements.

 Priority Advocacy Issues

•   Business Climate – Regulatory Overreach

•   Local Government Budgets and Capacity to Provide Services

•   Federal and State Funding and Emerging Policy Changes

•   Local and Regional Planning

•   Housing Affordability

•   Educational Quality (pre-school through college and workforce training)

•   Highway and Roadway Operational and Safety Improvements

•   Community Transit Services and Mobility Infrastructure

•   Policies, Community Facilities and Infrastructure that Integrate Tourism and Community Quality of Life

Partial List of Tahoe Chamber Government Affairs Partners and Resources

• Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

• California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber)

• Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce

• El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce

• Team Tahoe federal advocacy network

Government Affairs Blog

Advocacy Efforts | Project Updates | Election Information

2025 Committee Members

John Packer, Individual Member

Todd Poth, Sales Executive

Jude Wood, Educational Professional

Kili Rahbeck, Real Estate Professional

Ryn Muat, Tourism Industry Professional

Gary Whitehouse, Conservation Professional, Chamber Board Member

Katie Sheehan, Non-profit Community Service Professional, Chamber Board Member

Chris Proctor, Health Care Professional, Chamber Board Member, Past Chair

Jenay Aiksnoras, Fitness Professional, 2025-26 Chamber Board Chair

Cristi Creegan, Chamber CEO

Steve Teshara, Director, Tahoe Chamber Government Relations