River Revitalization

Birds- eye view of Truckee River facing east, parallel to East River Street

The Truckee River is intricately woven into the fabric of our community. The Downtown River Revitalization Strategy was adopted by the Town Council in 2005 and sets a vision for development and restoration along the Truckee River from the confluence of Donner Creek to the intersection with Trout Creek. The River Revitalization Steering Committee (R2SC) is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the river by creating a plan for revitalizing and activating lands around the river, restoring environmental degradation and providing access and opportunity to interact with the river for the benefit of the entire community. 

The Draft R3 Playbook

Representing two years of community and committee work, the draft Action Plan has been named "The R3 Playbook,” which stands for Revitalize, Reconnect, and Reimagine. The draft plan expected to go to Town Council for consideration this fall and is available for review: 

Themes of the River Revitalization Action Plan

Three “themes” have been developed by the committee since their work began are Restore, Revitalize, Reimagine.

  • Restore: Relates to river health and access. The goal is to have a thriving ecosystem including protected water quality, restored riparian zones and habitats for wildlife and fish, abundance of native plant species and appropriate recreation access.
  • Revive: Involves community vitality and connectivity. The draft vision is for a connected, eclectic mix of thriving local businesses and housing with a mixed use of commercial, residential, light industrial, open space, public places, sidewalks, and bike paths.
  • Reimagine: Is all about what it feels and looks like in the river corridor – the vibe and character of the place. To desire is to have an authentic, attractive place that honors Truckee’s history: a mix of modern and historic, natural and built, a love of place and respect for "Truckee Funk". 

Catalyst Projects

Early action with real impact! The Catalyst Project concept came out of the work of the Economic Vitality Action Team. Partnering with property owners along the river that are ready to explore revitalization will help R2SC learn and help inform updates to the Playbook for the betterment of the entire corridor. Three sites were selected through a public process aligned with the R2SC goals, and with a timeline of five years. Town staff, consultants and property owners of selected sites will be working together collaboratively toward revitalization including improved river health and river-oriented development.

River Health and Access

River health and access is a high priority for R2SC and a continued theme that was prevalent in community outreach feedback. R2SC formed an Action Team dedicated to river health and access, reviewing current conditions of the Truckee River, specifically within the West and East River corridor, and bringing back recommendations and considerations for R2SC. River Health and Access Action Team recommendations were incorporated into the R3 Playbook.

River Health and Access Action Team recommendations and suggestions are available for review:

Economic Vitality Action Team

The R2SC Economic Vitality Action Team was busy talking to business owners along the river corridor to better understand their needs. In the video below BAE Urban Economics consultant, Aaron Nousaine, and Jeff Menasco, Action Team Chair and Director of Aviation for the Truckee Tahoe Airport District discuss the work the Action Team has undertaken. They talk about the work they have been doing with local businesses, the feedback received and what’s next for the river street corridor.

Restore Revive Reimagine Concepts: What if?

A photo of the Truckee River with snow on banks, dirt and rocks up the hill to row of tractors.

Rendering of Truckee River area- including a wall to block equipment & habitat restoration.

Rendering of West River Street- road with powerlines, parking lot and square sheds,

Rendering of West River St- park area with trees, brewery, bike lane, no powerlines above.

Photo of West River St parking lot full of cars with multiple businesses from street vie.

Rendering of West River St with bike lane, cafe, walkable trail, plants and seating area.

Please note that the renderings in the slideshow above illustrate possibilities for the future and a general approach to improvements. They represent ideas and are not specific design solutions, plans, or promises of specific elements. They are only examples of different ways to achieve the defined goals. 

R2SC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

See the Agendas and Minutes page.

Note that as of July 2025, regular R2SC meetings are on hiatus while Catalyst Project work moves forward. 

Stay up to date!

You can find more information about the committee members by visiting the River Revitalization Steering Committee page. Visit the Notify Me page and select "R2SC".

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