CATT, the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe, was formed in 1998 by a few contractors in the Truckee-Tahoe region. These founders had two priorities: address the impacts of local agencies on the building trade and improve the overall professionalism within the industry. Through discussions, this small group realized that many other contractors were feeling the same frustrations. The Articles of Incorporation were signed June 24, 1998 by Mitch Clarin, Embree Cross, Pat Flora, Robert Gelso, Richard Loverde, Brian Marsh, Ted Owens, Eric Reamer, Dennis Schlumpf, and Matt Williams. The corporation was chartered as a regional, non-profit trade association and received recognition as a tax-exempt organization. Governing Bylaws established a 15-member board and that Board quickly began soliciting membership support. In July of 1998, the first staff person was hired and in October 1998, the first golf tournament fundraiser was held. Also in 1998, CATT absorbed the Tahoe Independent Contractors Association of North Tahoe.

In 2001, CATT announced an affiliation with the Nevada County Contractors Association, and other affiliations followed, including reciprocal memberships with the North State Building Industry Association, Sierra Green Building Association, Builders Association of Northern Nevada, Builders Association of Western Nevada, and Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors.

Over the years, CATT also branched out and created a 501(c)3 charitable arm, CATT Community Project, which focuses on building or restoring community structures, and CATTPAC, a registered Political Action Committee.