Business Synopsis
Sustainable Community Advocates (SCA) was established to assist clients with the development and advocacy of strategies, initiatives, action plans, and project delivery designed to support and ensure the sustainability of communities and regions. We recognize that sustainability requires the balanced integration of environmental, economic, and community-based solutions to successfully address needs and goals and the challenges of the 21st century. Our services are based on this important understanding.
SCA Services
Engagement with Regional and Local Planning
SCA Principal Steve Teshara has extensive experience in both regional and local planning in the Lake Tahoe-Truckee region. He assisted clients during development of the TRPA Regional Plan Update (RPU) and the companion Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) adopted by the Agency’s Governing Board in December 2012. Steve is active in the local government process of developing “Area Plans” consistent with RPU Code Chapter 13 and subsequent updates of the Regional Transportation Plan, TRPA Code Amendments, and the plans and projects developed and approved by other regional agencies and local governments.
Many businesses, organizations and others realize they have a stake in the outcome of Tahoe’s regional and local planning processes. However, most do not have the staff, background, or time to participate in a sustained and consistent manner that will positively influence outcomes. SCA Principal Steve Teshara can provide this service, based on a specific negotiated Scope of Work and Contract for Services, customized for the client.
Project Advocacy and Delivery
Visioning, planning, developing, funding, and delivering projects is a challenging task in today’s environment. Steve Teshara has successfully navigated a variety of projects from start to finish. These include community-based initiatives, transportation, transit, multi-use trails, watershed restoration, and other projects, providing leadership, experience and advocacy as part of a team approach to success. SCA provides services to clients based on a customized Scope of Work and Contract.
Community Sustainability Initiatives
The State of California and the federal government have policies in place that encourage, in some cases require, local governments and regions to prepare and adopt Sustainable Communities Strategies. With adoption of the RPU and RTP/SCS, such strategies are required at Lake Tahoe. These strategies are designed to help local and regional officials prepare and adopt land use plans that integrate land use, transportation, housing, infill development, economic revitalization, and conservation and energy efficiency initiatives that can transform communities and create long-term sustainability and prosperity. These directions create opportunities for business and community organizations. SCA develops strategies and offers grant writing, public outreach, and related services in support of sustainability action initiatives and plans.
Writing and Editing
SCA offers writing and editing services for planning, project development, and advocacy activities. SCA Principal, Steve Teshara, has successfully partnered with a variety of agencies, organizations, and other consultants in the development and completion of such activities.
Public and Media Relations – Community Engagement
Steve Teshara began his career as a working journalist, and, over the years, has served as a public and media relations specialist for both employers and clients. He brings over 40 years of experience in the important areas of public and media relations and community engagement to the needs of SCA clients.
Basic Rate Schedule
The basic billing rate for the services of the Principal is $120.00 per hour. SCA publishes this rate, subject to adjustment, based on project circumstances such as duration, magnitude, complexity, and risk of the expected effort. The basic hourly rate is also adjustable for those hours necessary for travel, as may be agreed to by the client and SCA. SCA also takes on long-term efforts on a retainer basis. Certificates of Insurance and policy endorsements are provided to clients as required. A list of experiences and references pertinent to a project proposal or projects accepted will be provided upon request.
Sustainable Community Advocates in a Nevada based Partnership, duly registered with the office of the Nevada Secretary of State. Steve Teshara is the Principal. Penny Teshara serves as Business Manager.
