What is Keep Truckee Green?

It is the Town of Truckee’s sustainability, solid waste, and resiliency program. We coordinate the planning and implementation of our Town’s waste reduction and climate change actions. In partnership with our community, we foster culture to proactively address climate change and lead by example.

Our Keep Truckee Green team is guided by an interdisciplinary Sustainability Committee, which includes staff from all Town divisions.

Sustainability Committee

Alfred Knotts

Alfred Knotts

Transportation Program Manager, Engineering/Transportation Division

I oversee the planning and development of an integrated multi-modal transportation network that places an emphasis of “moving people, not cars.” In doing so, I oversee the day to day operations of the Truckee TART transit system as well as TART Connect and BCycle bike share programs. I work collaboratively with our regional public and private partners to provide regional transportation solutions that complement Truckee’s unique natural and human environment.

I make a conscious effort to practice what I preach by taking public transit (especially to the resorts), biking and walking, and/or carpooling as much as possible. When I do drive I avoid peak hour congestion to reduce idling and “trip chain” to accomplish as many errands or task with one vehicle trip.  I also routinely shame my kids when they give me excuses for why transit “doesn’t work for them.” 😊

Bret Albert

Bret Albert

Fleet and Facilities Manager, Public Works Department

I help oversee all of our Town buildings and have helped to implement many energy saving retrofits. Additionally, I oversee our fleet and have integrated biofuels into our fuel usage when possible.

Bronwyn Roberts

Bronwyn Roberts

Communications Program Manager, Town Manager Department

I work in communications to educate our residents and visitors about what we are doing, how they can help, and the opportunities they can have in shaping our goals.

Our household has adopted many package free products, everything from shampoo, toothpaste to laundry detergent. We have implemented many reusable products that reduce single use shopping and ziplock bags, plastic wrap, wipes, straws and cleaning supplies.  We are constantly looking at better, more sustainable ways to live our lives.

Carmen Lopez

Carmen Lopez

Sustainability Program Analyst, Keep Truckee Green Division

I work on sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the usage of single-use plastic water bottles in Truckee and lowering the carbon emissions of buildings.

I love using reusable mesh produce bags when I go to the grocery store!

Conor Drewes

Conor Drewes

IT Systems Analyst, Information Technology Division

In addition to supporting long term planning/sustainability for the Town and Police department, I assist with the redirection of retired IT infrastructure/equipment to the community and internal staff to prevent functional equipment from ending up in e-waste, and maximize useful life.

I am passionate about volunteering for hiking/biking trail building and maintenance to encourage alternate forms of transportation + fostering connection with nature, and additionally have been plant-based for nearly half my life.

Deverie Acuff

Deverie Acuff

Support Services Manager, Police Public Information Officer; Police Department

Fleet purchase decisions, utilizing technology to capture data for future Department decisions.

We educate our kids on the importance of protecting the planet through sustainable living.

Drew Jack

Drew Jack

GIS Analyst, Engineering Division

I make maps and mapping applications to aide in decision making, to inform the public, and to facilitate dialogue between staff and the community.

I love to bike. Whenever possible I replace car trips with heart healthy and emissions free bike trips.

Erica Mertens

Erica Mertens

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager, Assistant to Town Manager Department

As the previous Recycling Program Manager, I established and implemented the Town’s recycling programs, including carts and food waste collection. I also bolstered our waste reduction initiatives by developing the reusable green box program and hosting Fixit Clinics. Now, I’m working to ensure the Town provides equitable solutions for our most vulnerable populations as we implement climate adaptation policies.

Our household banished the use of paper towels and many other single-use products. We save old t-shirts and towels to use as rags, which work so much better than a weak paper towel anyway!

Erin Brewster

Erin Brewster

Sustainability Program Manager, Keep Truckee Green Division

I manage the Keep Truckee Green Division, which implements climate action and sustainability initiatives for the Town.

I’m an avid bike commuter, and try to make most of my local trips via bike. I love using Truckee’s paved trail network year-round to avoid traffic and enjoy the beautiful scenery on my way to work!

Hilary Hobbs

Hilary Hobbs

Assistant to the Town Manager

As the department head overseeing the Keep Truckee Green program, I support efforts to align Town operations and policies with our climate and waste reduction goals. I also developed the Town’s sustainability dashboard to track and communicate Truckee’s progress toward Keeping Truckee Green.

Outside of my role with the Town, I practice sustainability as an enthusiastic gardener, worm farmer and beekeeper! We feed our household’s food waste to a basement vermicompost bin, where hard-working worms turn it into rich compost for our garden. Our garden in turn provides rich habitat for bees and other pollinators, while also yielding delicious produce.

Jen Hunt

Jen Hunt

Administrative Technician, Town Clerk Department

I provide administrative support to the Town Clerk and Engineering Departments. Some examples of sustainability practices include: continuing to digitize paper systems, purchasing from local vendors and following state requirements for paper purchasing/recycled content standards.

I have been focused on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Stewardship since I was a kid. We compost all food waste at home.

Jordan Salas

Jordan Salas

Administrative Technician, Police Department

I actively assist the Truckee Police Department in implementing sustainable practices by advocating for environmentally-conscious decisions. I focus on strategies aimed at minimizing printing and paper consumption within the department.

My commitment to sustainability extends to my personal choices, such as driving an electric vehicle.

Lucas Kannall

Lucas Kannall

Assistant Planner, Community Development Department

As a Planner, all projects are required to go through an environmental review for conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act or CEQA. Beyond that I have worked on the Climate Action Plan section of the 2040 General Plan Update.

My family has replaced plastic items within our household with alternatives that use sustainable materials such as wood and natural fibers. We compost all of our food waste and bicycle whenever possible to avoid using our cars.

Lynn Baumgartner

Lynn Baumgartner

Program Analyst II, Housing Division

Housing and sustainability are inextricably linked. The goal of the Town’s Housing Program is to strengthen our community, economy, and environment by increasing the inventory of homes our local workers can afford to rent and buy. For example, by creating and preserving housing in Truckee for our local workforce, we reduce commuting vehicle miles traveled (VMT).

I serve on the Board of Directors of a local environmental non-profit, the Sierra Nevada Alliance. Since 1993, the Sierra Nevada Alliance has been protecting and restoring Sierra lands, water, wildlife, and communities. Our vision is that every Sierra ecosystem and community is healthy, resilient, and collectively cared for through thriving partnerships as a legacy for future generations.

Melanie Conti

Melanie Conti

Sustainability Program Analyst, Keep Truckee Green Division

I help businesses and resident reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. I also work on zero waste projects including implementing Truckee’s Single-Use Foodware Reduction Ordinance and reusable takeout container program.

I avoid food waste by using food scraps to make vegetable stock for cooking and composting for use in my at-home garden.

Riley Morrison

Riley Morrison

Street Maintenance Manager, Public Works Department

I oversee our street maintenance, including the application and removal of sand to our roads. With our efficient street sweeping, we are able to capture sediment that would otherwise be detrimental to our watershed.

Part of sustainable living is infill development of housing units. I built a granny unit ADU (accessory dwelling unit) in my backyard to help with our affordable living crisis.

Riley Powers

Riley Powers

Engineering Technician, Engineering Division

As an Engineering Technician, I review and inspect residential development to ensure that every home built in Truckee conforms to erosion control standards that help keep our waterways and waterbodies clean and clear. I also assist in various Capital Improvement Projects that are directly connected to wildfire safety, transportation, and infrastructure.

I try my best to not drive my car when possible and I clean up trash along the river while fishing as well as participate in yearly river clean ups.

Email signup

If you would like to stay up-to-date on Truckee's sustainability efforts or sign up for trash and recycling pick up day reminders, submit your info here!