SIERRA POPULATION GROWTH
“The population in the Sierra’s is likely to triple in the next 35 years,” so says, Joan Clayburgh, the current director of the Sierra Nevada Alliance. This growth would have a great impact on many of the already strained services now in use, such as sewer, water, electricity, police, real estate and schools.
The population growth in itself is not necessarily bad, but how it is allowed to happen will be the key. 600,000 people presently live in the 20 most affected counties, with El Dorado, Placer and Nevada having the most impact since they are the closest commute to Sacramento. 10 years from now, the population is estimated to double, and by 2040, it is estimated to triple.
My family and I moved to Truckee 22 years ago when a newer 2000 S.F. home cost $175,000. Today that same house would cost approximately $550,000. Should we expect the next 20 years to triple the cost of housing? What will the cost of infrastructure upgrades and services cost the citizens? The providers of these services are not likely to absorb these costs.
Truckee, as a vibrant Sierra town, has an active economy and will be a target of much growth and will receive much interest as people consider a place to move in the Sierras. Many of the available Truckee properties have already been purchased for homes, so the ability to house its’ share of 3 times the predicted growth will be limited. Truckee is probably a town that has made the most preparations since its’ general plan has already adopted a 10 year update. The majority of the 20 other counties are using outdated general plans. To regulate growth will be the key to protecting this sensitive mountain environment.
Don Schaller
Broker/Owner
Schaller Family Realtors
Dickson Realty, Truckee
