Applications are open for the 2026 Washoe Tahoe Academy, a free three-day program connecting Incline Village and Crystal Bay residents with the people, agencies, and organizations serving our community.

One of the things I have learned from living and working in Incline Village is that understanding how our community works is not always as simple as it seems.

Incline Village and Crystal Bay are part of Washoe County, but many of the services we rely on and decisions that affect life here involve a combination of county government, special districts, regional agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations. Knowing who does what, where to find reliable information, and who to contact with a question can take time to figure out.

The Washoe Tahoe Academy offers residents an opportunity to better understand those connections firsthand.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Academy, which will bring approximately 25 Incline Village and Crystal Bay residents together for three full days, September 23rd-25th. The program is free for those selected, and applications are due August 20th. [LINK]

The Academy is a collaboration among Washoe County, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, and the Incline Village Crystal Bay Community & Business Association (IVCBA). Participants learn about local government and community services while meeting many of the people working within the agencies and organizations that serve Washoe Tahoe.

I had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Washoe Tahoe Academy last year, and I came away with much more than a better understanding of local government.

I met representatives from agencies and organizations throughout our community and learned more about their respective responsibilities, the services they provide, and some of the challenges unique to our part of Washoe County.

Just as valuable were the relationships I developed with other residents in my cohort. Many of those connections continued after the Academy ended. Several participants have since become people I turn to when brainstorming new projects, researching community issues, or trying to better understand a complicated local topic. We share perspectives, exchange information, and help connect one another with people who may have answers.

That network has become one of the lasting benefits of participating.

For me, being involved in the community and understanding how it works also matters professionally. Real estate is about far more than knowing homes, neighborhoods, and market statistics. When someone is considering making Incline Village or Crystal Bay home, questions quickly extend beyond the property itself. People want to understand the community they are joining, the services available to them, and the local issues that may affect life here.

The more connected and informed I am, the better resource I can be for the people I work with.

The Academy is open to residents of Incline Village and Crystal Bay who want to learn more about their community. Previous experience in government or civic organizations is not required. What matters is curiosity, a willingness to participate, and the ability to commit to all three days of the program.

The Academy is nonpartisan and is not intended as a forum for promoting businesses, advocating personal policy positions, or advancing political campaigns. Active candidates for elected office and sitting elected officials are not eligible.

Applicants must live in Incline Village or Crystal Bay. Working or owning a business here without being a resident does not meet the eligibility requirement.

The 2026 Washoe Tahoe Academy will be held Wednesday through Friday, September 23rd-25th, and there is no cost to participate.

If you live here and have ever wondered who is responsible for a particular service, how decisions affecting our community are made, or how you can become more informed and involved, I encourage you to apply.

I joined the inaugural Academy hoping to better understand the place I call home. I left with new knowledge, new relationships, and a much better appreciation for the many people and organizations working behind the scenes to serve our community.

Applications for the 2026 Washoe Tahoe Academy are open through August 20th. [LINK]

----


Kristie Wells is a real estate agent specializing in Incline Village and Crystal Bay on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. She offers buyers and sellers expert guidance, market insight, and a thoughtful approach to Tahoe real estate, along with a curated perspective on local homes, hidden gems, and life in the mountains.