JOB DESCRIPTION

THE OPPORTUNITY

For 55 years, TRPA has served as a national leader in innovative environmental planning. The agency's precedent-setting policies, landmark legal decisions, and unique regulatory framework have put Tahoe on the map as a model for balancing environmental protection with community vitality. The next Chief Planning Officer (CPO) will honor that legacy while leading TRPA boldly into the future.

Tahoe is at the forefront of a planning field that is rapidly changing. Wildfire risk, affordable housing, visitor management, and sustainable redevelopment are just some of the challenges that are reshaping what effective regional planning must accomplish. The next CPO is a strategic thinker with the creativity and courage to innovate, the technical understanding to lead science-based policy development, and the communication skills to build public understanding and trust in complex decisions.

The CPO works in a team environment as part of an Executive Leadership Team that fosters the culture and direction of the agency. The CPO will be a skilled relationship-builder and communicator, able to navigate a dynamic political landscape and a 15-member Governing Board with diverse perspectives.

The CPO roles and responsibilities include:

• Providing effective, inspirational leadership to advance TRPA's mission and oversee the agency's internal operations.
• Developing short and long-range strategies to achieve the vision of the Bi-State Compact and the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan. 
• Working with the TRPA Governing Board, Executive Leadership Team, Department Directors, and external partners to set the agency’s annual work plan, strategic priorities, and budget.
• Serving as the lead staff member of the 21-member TRPA Advisory Planning Commission.
• Serving as TRPA’s planning leader and primary liaison to TRPA Governing Board’s Regional Planning Committee, Transportation Committee, and Local Government Committee.
• Representing TRPA effectively at public meetings, professional forums, and community events.
• Fostering a respectful and positive work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of highly qualified people. Effectively influences agency morale and staff performance.

TEAM LEADERSHIP

The CPO is one of two TRPA Deputy Directors, providing management and oversight of approximately 78 full-time plus seasonal staff. The CPO leads TRPA's planning teams across several departments, with six direct reports. A central part of this role is mentoring staff and building a team culture that embraces innovation, continuous improvement, and a shared sense of mission. The CPO oversees the following departments:

Long Range Planning

This department guides the long-term vision of the Tahoe Region through implementation of the Regional Plan and Code of Ordinances. Staff tackle emerging planning issues, ensuring the basin continues to evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities. Supporting housing affordability initiatives in the Tahoe Basin and working with local jurisdictions on local Area Plans are two top priorities of this team.

Transportation Planning and Implementation

As the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region, TRPA leads the development of the Regional Transportation Plan. This department works closely with the Tahoe Transportation District and local governments to plan and manage a transportation system that serves both residents and visitors, reduces environmental impact, and meets the unique needs of a high alpine mountain environment that spans multiple jurisdictions.

Permitting and Compliance

TRPA's largest department is the primary point of contact for property owners, project proponents, and local governments across the basin. A team of more than twenty staff provides responsive customer service, navigates urban, rural, shoreline, and wildland urban interface policy environments, and effectively moves more than 700 projects through review each year.

Reporting and Accountability

This team drives agency transparency through data management, performance reporting, and innovative technology. Public-facing dashboards and accountability tools ensure that TRPA's work is visible, measurable, and supports agency decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, landscape architecture, environmental studies, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. A master’s degree in urban planning or a related field is preferred.
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in urban or municipal planning, including a minimum of three (3) years in a senior leadership or executive role.
• Experience coordinating cross-sector initiatives and leading high-level, multi-disciplinary project teams is highly desirable.
• Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred.

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates a strong track record in strategic planning and collaborative leadership.
• Proven experience developing and implementing long-range, comprehensive plans in complex environments.
• Experience in both public and private sector environments, with strong knowledge of municipal systems, intergovernmental funding mechanisms, and community engagement processes.
• Deep understanding of the interconnected nature of land use, transportation, infrastructure, housing, economic development, and environmental resilience.
• Ability to navigate organizational and political dynamics with confidence and diplomacy while engaging stakeholders with integrity and clarity.
• Proven leadership ability to foster a positive and collaborative work environment while developing and mentoring staff.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences and build consensus through data-informed storytelling.
• Skilled at analyzing complex and often politically sensitive issues and preparing comprehensive reports and recommendations.
• Leads with humility and curiosity, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared ownership across departments and partner agencies.
• Ability to deliver presentations, facilitate workshops, and lead discussions on a wide range of planning topics.

THE AGENCY

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) was created in 1969 through a bi-state compact between the states of Nevada and California and ratified by the United States Congress. TRPA was established to protect and restore the environment of the Lake Tahoe watershed while supporting responsible development and vibrant communities within the region.

As the first bi-state planning agency of its kind, TRPA is responsible for regional planning, development and redevelopment oversight, regulatory enforcement, and implementation of environmental protection and restoration programs throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. TRPA is designated as the Water Quality Management Planning Agency for the Tahoe Basin through the Clean Water Act and is also designated as the Metropolitan Planning Organization under both Federal and California law.

Please see full job brochure posted here: https://www.trpa.gov/contact/employment/

BENEFITS

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

To view TRPA’s excellent employee benefits package, please refer to page 6 of the job brochure posted on our website here:

https://www.trpa.gov/contact/employment/