I am writing to share exciting progress and insights from the Town of Truckee's recent self-assessment effort to better understand how we can continue to serve you effectively. We have completed three independent reviews focused on evaluating our services, gathering community feedback, and identifying areas for improvement. The findings were presented to the Town Council on May 13, 2025, and mark an important step toward shaping our future together.
The reviews include the Townwide Operational and Service Delivery Review by Baker Tilly, the Community Opinion Survey by True North Research, and the Development Processes Review by AirDiamond Creative Consulting. While conducted independently, the alignment in their findings underscores a shared vision and a collective commitment to making Truckee an even better place to live.
We were pleased to learn that the community recognizes and values our Town staff's dedication and hard work. You expressed high satisfaction with service delivery, and your top priorities- preserving Truckee’s unique character, nature, open spaces, trails, roads, and ensuring public safety- resonated clearly. At the same time, we heard your concerns about workforce housing, traffic, cost of living, growth management, and road maintenance.
Charting a Path Forward: Sustainable Growth and Enhanced Services
The feedback has given us clear direction: we must scale our services sustainably by focusing on staffing, organizational development, and strategic technological upgrades. This approach will help us address current challenges while preparing for the future. We are committed to balancing growth with preserving the essence of Truckee, which we all cherish.
We have already taken several important steps based on the recommendations:
- Free Planner Appointments: Launching the week of May 19 to make planning more accessible.
- Investment in Technology: Upgrades to our permitting and tracking software for improved efficiency and transparency.
- Strengthening Our Team: Actively recruiting for key positions to better serve our community, including Police, Administrative Services, Facilities, and Human Resources.
- Financial Planning: Enhancing property tax audits and projections to support long-term stability.
- Modernizing Internal Systems: Improving public records request tools and upgrading applicant tracking software.
- Support for Staff: An internal IT survey scored an impressive 9/10, reflecting our dedication to equipping our team with the tools they need. An internal Finance survey is also underway to identify how staff are being supported in finance processes.
A Collaborative Future
Our commitment to continuous improvement is unwavering. As we move forward, we will continue to prioritize transparent communication and collaboration with you, our residents, elected officials, stakeholders, and community partners. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Truckee.
I am incredibly proud of our Town staff for their openness to self-reflection and commitment to service. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this process and shared their thoughts with us. Your involvement is vital as we shape the future of Truckee with care, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Let’s continue to work together to build a community we can all be proud of.
Jen Callaway
Town Manager
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