The County of Humboldt’s upcoming efforts to update its broad economic development strategy is hitting the road and community meetings will be held in all corners of the county for input. Six public meetings will be held later in August and September, and all community members are invited to attend.
Ultimately, these public meetings will result in an updated and Board of Supervisors adopted Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, or CEDS, which is a plan that helps guide local economic development efforts and a requirement for certain federal grants. It also serves as a proactive and collaborative strategy for driving economic growth, balancing equity, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Humboldt County produces a new CEDS every 5 years and the county’s current CEDS was created in 2018. Since COVID-19 is expected to alter the current economic strategy, modifications and revisions need to be made to the most recent CEDS. The County of Humboldt’s Economic Development Division was recently awarded $218,000 in federal Community Project Funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development to update the county’s CEDS. Funding for this project, in particular, was prioritized by Congressman Jared Huffman and Senator Alex Padilla in the current federal budget.
The CEDS is the county’s framework to grow a diverse and thriving economy, outline a plan for regional resilience, and improve residents’ quality of life. To ensure the Humboldt’s CEDS reflects the needs of all community members, the Economic Development Division will host a series of CEDS Public Engagement Roadshows throughout Humboldt County.
Upcoming CEDS Roadshow dates include:
Southern Humboldt: Wednesday, August 24 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Redwood Playhouse, 286 Sprowl Creek Road, Garberville
Eel River Valley: Monday, August 29 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the River Lodge Conference Center, 1800 Riverwalk Drive, Fortuna
North East County: Tuesday, August 30 from 5:30-7 p.m.at Azalea Hall, 1620 Pickett Road, McKinleyville
Greater Eureka/Humboldt Bay: Wednesday, September 7 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Eureka Sequoia Conference Center, 901 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka
North County: Thursday, September 8 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity Street, Trinidad
Willow Creek : Friday, September 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Willow Creek Vets Hall (Ironside Post 9561), 20 Kimtu Road, Willow Creek
The County of Humboldt’s Economic Development Division supports livelihoods and prosperity for all persons in all Humboldt County communities by administering programs and initiatives relevant to the county’s CEDS. Humboldt County residents are encouraged to visit HumboldtRising.com to learn more and share input on economic development in Humboldt County.
For more information regarding the CEDS, please visit HumboldtRising.com or contact Economic Development Coordinator Dianna Rios at drios@co.humboldt.ca.us or call (707) 476-4809.
For more information about Humboldt County’s Economic Development Division, please visit gohumco.com.
