Headwaters Fund Board

Foggy forest

Regular Meetings

All meetings of the Headwaters Fund Board (HFB) are open to the public. Any person is allowed to make public comment regarding the business of the committee. HFB meetings are subject to reasonable restrictions by the committee Chair as to order of presentation, length of time and subject matter.

Meetings are held quarterly at 507 F Street, Eureka, CA


Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. Current and previous agenda and meeting minutes can be found here:

Agendas

Committee members, date appointed & term expiration dates
Member Appointed Term Expires
Elizabeth Cameron June 13, 2023 June 30, 2026
 Walt Geist November 5, 2024 November 5, 2027
Walter Gray III November 5, 2024 November 5, 2027
Michael Fields January 24, 2023 August 17, 2026
Rusty Hicks November 5, 2024 November 5, 2026
Scott Davies October 28, 2025 October 28, 2028
Taylor Bowes October 28, 2025 October 28, 2028

Committee Appointments

The Headwaters Fund Board is a seven-member volunteer board appointed by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors to provide oversight and strategic guidance for the Headwaters Fund, one of the county’s primary economic development resources. Board members represent a broad cross-section of the community and bring experience from business, nonprofit organizations, education and other professional sectors. The board serves in an advisory role, reviewing funding proposals, recommending budgets and policies and helping guide investments that strengthen Humboldt County’s economy and quality of life.

History

The Headwaters Fund was established in 1999 as part of the settlement that protected the Headwaters Forest. Humboldt County set aside $18 million to create a permanent fund dedicated to supporting economic opportunity and community vitality. Today, the fund supports economic development through competitive grants, mini-grants, the Community Investment Fund for infrastructure projects and a revolving loan fund that helps finance local businesses. These programs encourage investment, support job creation, and help diversify and strengthen the regional economy.

Investing in Our Future

Working with the County’s Economic Development Division, the Headwaters Fund Board helps ensure that these resources are invested strategically. The board reviews project applications, recommends funding for grant and community investment programs, advises on policies and procedures, and prepares annual reports on fund activities and outcomes. Final decisions on budgets, policies and project funding are made by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.

The board consists of seven members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Members typically serve an initial two-year term and may serve up to two additional three-year terms, for a maximum of eight years. Board meetings are open to the public, with agendas posted in advance and approved minutes made available afterward.

Connect With Us

The Economic Development Division is here to help community members, businesses, entrepreneurs and investors in Humboldt County. Whether you are looking for a job, launching a business, expanding operations, or exploring ways to invest on the North Coast, we’re here to help. Call us at 707-445-7745 or Email us.