Welcome to Sustainable Community Advocates, a company launched in 2010 by long-time community leader Steve Teshara to serve clients and support innovative initiatives throughout the Lake Tahoe-Truckee region.

As we head toward 2026, Steve has now been active in policy, planning, public-private partnerships, legislative advocacy, and project delivery for nearly 40 years. He continues to provide leadership and professional services for community-based businesses, special districts, and transportation organizations. Among these are the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber), the Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Management Association (TNT/TMA), and the South Shore Transportation Management Association (SS/TMA).

Over the years, working as a member of various collaborative efforts, Steve has helped secure millions of dollars in vital federal, state, and local investments for hazardous fuels reduction, forest health, and watershed restoration projects, as well as transportation and mobility infrastructure projects consistent with the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP). He has also been a leader in support of numerous community initiatives, currently including Eastern Placer Future, exploring municipal incorporation for the communities of North Lake Tahoe.

Steve’s experience includes more than 28 years as the chief executive for community and business organizations. He played an instrumental role in founding the TNT/TMA, serving as board chair for 22 years, currently supporting as a planning and management consultant. Steve also helped establish the SS/TMA, serving as board chair for 30 years, now the board’s Administrative Officer. During his tenure at the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association (now the North Tahoe Community Alliance), Steve co-founded the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee Leadership Program, in partnership with the leaders of other local business and community organizations. Steve continues to demonstrate his ability to successfully “connect the dots,” bringing people and organizations together to identify and develop solutions to the variety of needs and opportunities in communities throughout the Tahoe-Truckee region.

Sustainable Community Advocates recognizes that sustainability requires the balanced integration of environmental, economic and community-based solutions to address contemporary and longer-term challenges. SCA’s professional services are based on this important understanding.