Lake Tahoe is one of Nevada’s greatest treasures. As lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session, an important question is emerging: How do we balance tourism, economic development, public safety, and environmental stewardship?

Lake Tahoe welcomes millions of visitors each year, but growing traffic, wildfire evacuation concerns, aging infrastructure, and increased strain on emergency services are raising important questions about the future of the Basin. Legislators are expected to revisit proposals related to tourism funding, transportation, infrastructure, and development.

At the same time, Northern Nevada continues to make major investments in tourism and economic growth. The nearly $1 billion transformation of Reno-Tahoe International Airport can strengthen tourism, create jobs, and improve connections between Northern Nevada and the rest of the country.

But growth does not happen in isolation.

More visitors and economic development also intersect with housing affordability, transportation, workforce needs, wildfire preparedness, emergency services, water, and the environmental health of the Tahoe Basin.

As people of faith, we believe the common good requires thoughtful stewardship. Economic development matters, but so do safe communities, transparent governance, care for creation, and investments that serve both residents and visitors.

The choices made in Carson City, Reno, and around the Tahoe Basin will not just shape our tourism economy. They will shape the resilience of our communities and the future of one of Nevada’s greatest treasures for generations to come.

As we look toward the 2027 Legislature, we should be asking: How can Nevada ensure that public safety, environmental protection, economic opportunity, and thriving communities remain at the center of Tahoe’s future?