UC Davis Explores Regional Science, Education and Community Hub in Tahoe City
Oct 21, 2026 11:42AM ● By Placer County News Release
The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Regents of the University of California, on behalf of UC Davis and the Tahoe Environmental Research Center, to jointly explore potential expansion into Tahoe City. Photo courtesy of Placer County
KINGS BEACH, CA (MPG) - University of California, Davis could soon bring hands-on community education and world-class scientific research to Tahoe City. The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Regents of the University of California, on behalf of UC Davis and the Tahoe Environmental Research Center, to jointly explore potential expansion into Tahoe City.
The proposed concept proposes a regional science, education, community and economic hub on county-owned properties in Tahoe City. TERC currently operates a Tahoe Science Center and UC Davis TERC Lab facility in Incline Village on the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe campus.
The agreement establishes a framework for the county and UC Davis to explore opportunities for activating underused properties, such as the former Tahoe City Fire Station 51, located along North Lake Boulevard on the Commons Beach property, the community center building and the 10,654-square-foot Bechdolt building opposite the fire station.
The board’s approval allocates $500,000 of the Tahoe Economic and Community Enhancement Fund to explore project scenarios. Future board considerations will include lease, construction and funding agreements.
Built in 1961, this station formerly served as the home of the North Tahoe Fire Protection District, which relocated to a new facility in 2012. Since then, the county has worked with community members and local organizations to explore options for the site’s future.
“For more than a decade, we have solicited input and worked hard to identify a meaningful, sustainable future for this property,” said District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “This partnership allows us to explore a concept that brings together environmental research, education and community activities while supporting Tahoe City’s year-round vitality and ensuring responsible use of county-owned land.”
Over the past two decades, the county and its partners have conducted multiple visioning, planning and community engagement efforts to identify potential reuse or redevelopment concepts. These efforts have included the 2011 West Commons Beach Alternatives Analysis, a Request for Information process conducted from 2017 to 2020 and subsequent discussions with the Climate and Wildfire Institute Inc. from 2022 through 2024.
One foundational priority is science and environmental protection. This includes advanced research, collaboration and the application of scientific knowledge to Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Basin.
Another foundational priority is public awareness, education and stewardship. Provide residents, students, families and visitors with opportunities to better understand and participate in protecting the region’s natural resources.
The last priority is community and arts spaces. To create opportunities for gathering, creative expression, cultural programming and community activities.
The proposed collaboration with UC Davis and TERC offers an opportunity to explore how these priorities could be integrated into a coordinated vision for the proposed site. Any future development or implementation would be subject to further planning, evaluation and applicable county processes.
Learn more about UC Davis TERC here: https://tahoe.ucdavis.edu/.
