The Plumas County CEDS... and how it can be used.

Written By Clint Koble

At first look, the Plumas County CEDS looks like a complicated 83-page document full of graphs, data, narratives, project identification, and much more. How can we make this intricate document work for us?

The CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) is a research-driven, data-rich, implementation-focused, strategy-driven plan for regional economic development. It is a reference, guide, strategy, priority outline, and resource that can be used by many entities in Plumas County for planning, capacity enhancement, infrastructure goals, and grant writing. It gives Plumas County, the City of Portola, and County non-profits the formal recognition and requirements to advocate their goals for the next five years through 2027. It is also a living document that will be constantly updated.

Why create a CEDS?

To identify and prioritize economic development opportunities.

What are the priorities of the EDA (Economic Development Administration), the Agency that oversees a CEDS and Economic Development Districts?

  • Equity Recovery and Resilience

  • Workforce Development

  • Manufacturing (production-based industries)

  • Technology-based

  • Environmentally Sustainable Development

  • Export & Foreign Investment

  • Grants that pursue these priorities will be more likely to be approved. The Indian Valley Innovation HUB’s mission, for example, focuses on exports by Plumas County product makers.

What forms of capital does a CEDS aim to increase for its goals:

  • Human Capital: Develop an inclusive and equitable workforce.

  • Economic Capital: Catalyze economic diversification (See PC Project List)

  • Social Capital: Create vibrant, healthy, and resilient communities.

  • Natural Capital: Build community resilience through climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

What Plumas County Profile Data does the CEDS include?

  • Age, Population, Education, Age Distribution

  • Median Age, Per Capita Income, Median Home Value, Race Distribution

  • Poverty Rates, Workforce Data by Industries, Employment Trends, Unemployment Rates

  • Wage Trends, Cost of Living Index

  • Grant applicants can use this data!

What Projects does the CEDS prioritize in Plumas County?

Currently, 26 projects have a potential impact across the County. More can be added, and their status reports are taken quarterly for improvement. For example, the Chester Town Center Project is prioritized for advancement.

What are Plumas County’s Pain Points? (Ugh! Do we have to cover this?!)

  • Lack of Diverse Employment Opportunities.

  • Declining Population Base. We need to change this!!!

  • Housing Shortage and Insurance Issues. Does the CA Fair Plan ring a bell?

  • Exposure to Climate Change. How can we adapt and become resilient?

  • State and County Budget Challenges. There may be Downstream Impacts!

What are Plumas County’s 21 Main Industries listed in the CEDS?

  • Agriculture/Forestry

  • Mining Utilities

  • Construction

  • Manufacturing

  • Wholesale Trade

  • Retail Trade Information

  • Transportation and Warehousing

  • Finance and Insurance

  • Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

  • Professional Scientific and Technical Services

  • Management of Companies and Enterprises

  • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services

  • Educational Services

  • Health Care and Social Assistance

  • Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

  • Accommodation and Food Services

  • Other Services (Except Public Administration)

  • Public Administration Unclassified

  • The CEDS provides the data of total workers in Plumas County by Industry (Great information for planning and grant writing)

  • Unfortunately, the 4th quarter of 2023 saw a negative number (We’ve got work to do!)

Where are Plumas County’s Opportunities?

  • In its talented and committed people

  • Foundations and Emerging CBOs (Community-Based Organizations): Sierra Institute, Indian Valley Innovation HUB, Chambers

  • World-class recreation destination (Connected Communities Program by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship)

  • Feather River College

  • Relatively good cost of living

  • Strong entrepreneurial sector

What are the CEDS Focus Areas?

Strengths and Opportunities to Leverage:

  • Small Business Support

  • Broadband Expansion

  • Outdoor Recreation

  • Nature-based Solutions

Risks to Mitigate or Manage:

  • Need for Affordable Housing

  • Curation of living-wage jobs

  • Wildfire Threats and Disaster Planning

  • Insurance Costs and Availability

Whether the CEDS sits on a shelf or not, there are many benefits to many entities in Plumas County

  • The CEDS opens the door for grant eligibility from more federal agencies.

  • The State of CA increasingly requires a CEDS for some of its grants.

  • Non-profits can use and refer to the CEDS in their grant applications.

  • Projects listed in the CEDS may score higher in grant applications.

  • The CEDS has a tremendous data source and profiles that grant writers can use.

  • The CEDS identifies the SWOT Analysis for Plumas County – see the complete CEDS document.

  • Plumas County is taking a more aggressive approach to writing grants for recovery and economic development purposes. The CEDS comes at an excellent time for these objectives, boosting Plumas County’s efforts.

  • As mentioned, the CEDS can greatly help planning and grant-writing efforts across Plumas County.

  • It will enhance collaboration in regional economic development.

Clint Koble

Clint Koble

Advocacy Director & Secretary

Clint, a recognized leader in rural development and small business support, has provided business owners with essential skills and resources. His passion for economic development and disaster recovery shone through his work during the Dixie Fire response, earning him the prestigious SBDC State Star Award in 2022.

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