The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues related to the Lake Tahoe region. The meeting featured a presentation from Devin Middlebrook, the government affairs manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), who outlined a request for the state of California to recognize Lake Tahoe's Federally Designated Population Figure for state funding programs.

Middlebrook emphasized the importance of aligning California's funding formulas with federal law, which has been in place since 1969. He highlighted the need for sustainable transportation funding to protect Lake Tahoe's environment and support its economy. The TRPA is seeking to increase the recognized population figure in California from 40,000 to 145,000, reflecting both full-time residents and the significant number of visitors to the area.

The proposed change would not require new funding or alter existing financial formulas but would instead allow the Department of Finance to acknowledge the updated population figure. This adjustment is expected to secure a substantial portion of the $20 million annual funding commitment for transportation needs in the region, with California's share amounting to $4.5 million.

Middlebrook acknowledged concerns regarding potential impacts on other regions of the state due to the increased population figure. To address these concerns, the TRPA supports a phased implementation of the population increase over several years, which would help mitigate any adverse effects on other state transportation agencies.

Following the presentation, committee members expressed general support for the proposal, recognizing the significance of Lake Tahoe as a California resource. They appreciated the TRPA's willingness to phase in the population increase to minimize impacts on other agencies. The meeting concluded with a consensus that further discussions would continue as the committee moves forward with the request.