2026 Tahoe Economic Summit Highlights Collaboration, Innovation, and Regional Solutions

On May 7, more than 130 regional leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, agencies, nonprofits, students, and community members gathered at the Tahoe Blue Event Center for the 2026 Tahoe Economic Summit hosted by the Tahoe Prosperity Center.

This year’s Summit focused on the opportunities and challenges shaping Tahoe’s future — from workforce housing and transportation to entrepreneurship, environmental innovation, and regional collaboration. Throughout the day, one message came through clearly: Tahoe’s long-term resilience will depend on stronger partnerships across sectors, communities, and state lines.

The Summit opened with keynote presentations from Kate Gordon, CEO of California Forward, and Dr. Fred Steinmann, Director of the University Center for Economic Development at the University of Nevada, Reno. Their presentations explored the intersection of climate, economic resilience, workforce development, and regional innovation — challenging attendees to think beyond traditional silos and toward more integrated, place-based solutions.

A fireside conversation moderated by TPC Executive Director Sarah Schmidt connected these broader themes directly to Tahoe, exploring workforce housing, economic diversification, tourism, clean energy, and the importance of cross-state collaboration in addressing shared regional challenges.

Attendees then moved into breakout sessions focused on:

Connecting Housing, Transportation, and Opportunity in the Tahoe Basin

From Idea to Expansion: Navigating Business Growth in Tahoe

Environmental Innovation & a Regenerative Economy

Across sessions, speakers shared practical examples already underway in the region — from long-term rental incentive programs and expanded transit solutions to bilingual small business advising, workforce training pathways, maker education, and Tahoe Wood’s efforts to support forest health through local wood-based business opportunities.

This year’s Summit also featured an expanded Innovation Exchange space showcasing local businesses, nonprofits, and community initiatives aligned with TPC’s mission to advance a connected and resilient economy through regional collaboration, community-led decisions, and environmental stewardship.

For the first time, the Summit was paired with the Tahoe Chamber’s Go Local Business Expo, creating a full day of connection and community engagement. Attendees were able to move between policy conversations, economic development discussions, and hands-on interaction with Tahoe businesses, entrepreneurs, makers, and local organizations — all while enjoying a true “taste of Tahoe” through the Expo’s many local food and beverage offerings.

The collaboration between the two events received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. One participant shared:

“The combination of the Summit and Go Local Expo was fantastic. It connected the bigger regional conversations with the businesses and people actually making Tahoe work every day.”

Another attendee reflected:

“This was one of the best regional events I’ve attended in Tahoe. The conversations felt real, collaborative, and solution-oriented.”

Survey feedback highlighted strong appreciation for the keynote conversation, breakout session variety, networking opportunities, and the Summit’s focus on actionable ideas and cross-sector collaboration. Many attendees also emphasized how valuable it was to hear perspectives from both California and Nevada leaders in the same room.

One attendee noted:

“The Summit created space for the kinds of conversations Tahoe needs more of — honest discussions that connect the environment, economy, housing, transportation, and education together instead of treating them separately.”

The Tahoe Prosperity Center extends sincere thanks to all speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, partners, and attendees who helped make this year’s Summit such a meaningful and energizing gathering for the Tahoe Basin.

The conversations sparked at the Summit will continue throughout the year as TPC works alongside partners across the region to advance practical, community-driven solutions for Tahoe’s future.