Keep Homewood Public

Overview

Keep Homewood Public is a nonprofit organization focused on preserving public access to Homewood Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe, California. The coalition consists of local residents, second homeowners, small businesses, and visitors who aim to protect the resort's recreational spaces from private development.

History and Mission

The organization was formed in response to a development proposal by JMA Ventures and Discovery Land Company, which aimed to create an exclusive residence club at Homewood. This raised concerns about the potential loss of public access to the resort. Keep Homewood Public's mission is to ensure that Homewood remains accessible to the public for recreational activities, adhering to the guidelines set in the 2011 Master Plan and subsequent updates.

Activities and Advocacy

• Legal and Outreach Efforts: The organization engages in legal research and outreach to develop strategies that support the preservation of public access to Homewood.
• Community Engagement: Keep Homewood Public works closely with local communities, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure that the promises of public access are kept by developers.
• Monitoring Development: The organization monitors developments at Homewood to ensure that the agreed-upon plans for public access are implemented.

Contemporary Developments

As of 2025, significant developments include the approval by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) of a revised Master Plan and a permit for a new gondola, with conditions ensuring public access. Keep Homewood Public continues to advocate for adherence to these plans, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the public nature of Homewood Mountain Resort.

Concerns and Challenges

The group remains cautious about the intentions of developers, given past experiences with Discovery Land Company at other locations, such as CordeValle, where public access was significantly restricted despite initial commitments. Keep Homewood Public seeks enforceable mechanisms to hold developers accountable for maintaining public access to the resort.

Public Impact

The preservation of Homewood as a public resort is crucial for maintaining the region's recreational opportunities and preventing further traffic congestion in the Resort Triangle area. The organization's efforts are part of broader concerns about the increasing privatization of public spaces in the Lake Tahoe area, which could set a precedent for other resorts.