Over the course of July and August of 2024, the Redwood Region RISE Convening Team traveled and met with representatives from Tribal Lands, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties. Attendees included grassroots community members, government agencies, Tribal government, and local community benefit organizations.
Each session was in-person—hosted in and by the communities of each area—for the purpose of gathering feedback on the regionally drafted proposed economic development strategies. Additionally, the Convening Team created a virtual opportunity for feedback through a Zoom Strategy Feedback Session hosted on August 22. You can learn more about Strategy Feedback Sessions by visiting: ccrp.humboldt.edu/strategy-feedback-sessions
The RRRISE Collaborative has identified two categories of regional sustainable growth opportunities: "Cross-Cutting Strategies" and "Sector Strategies." During the Planning Phase, the Collaborative emphasized that these Cross-Cutting strategies are essential for fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth (see the complete slide deck for the Strategy Feedback Sessions here).
Consequently, the communities helped craft a strategic vision for the following topics:
Broadband
Entrepreneurship
Food Security and Access
Housing
Social Determinants of Health
Transportation
Workforce Development
The team then presented and refined the Sector Strategies identified by the Sector Planning Tables and the broader community as priority industries for the Redwood Region:
Arts, Culture, and Tourism
Health and Caregiving
Renewable and Resilient Energy
Working Lands and Blue Economy
The goal of these sessions was to give community members and organizations a platform to share their perspectives and ensure their voices are well-represented in the Regional Roadmap. The sessions provided a deeper understanding of the region, its shared agenda (and where differences lie), people’s thoughts, and where approaches need adjustment. We still want to hear from you! Share your thoughts using this Mentimeter.
Huge gratitude is also due to the Outreach and Engagement partners, North Coast Opportunities (NCO) and True North Organizing Network (TNON), for their support with these sessions. All the feedback gathered will inform the Regional Roadmap (Plan Part 2)—a community and data-driven 10-year vision to bring good, sustainable jobs to the communities in the region.
Here are some examples of the feedback received:
“When thinking about entrepreneurship, we should be thinking about employee-owned and operated businesses, nonprofits, food hubs, and other ideas to build and share resources.”
“We need to create a culture of cooperation and collaboration. Instead of doing a new thing, how do we reinforce what we already have? Existing businesses of all sizes need support.”
“Community resilience hubs are another example of a space that creates opportunities for people to build/establish hyper-local networks.”
“Housing has the highest correlation with life span. And touches all other themes–broadband, workforce, healthcare, entrepreneurship, etc.”
“Considering the elevated rates of folks with disabilities in our region, it will be crucial to adequately train people with (mental) disabilities so they can meaningfully participate in the workforce and get paid fairly.”
“Facilitation of apprenticeship programs”
“There is a balance between community wellbeing and tourism. How are we making the community richer and providing for them through tourism.”
“Our region has desirable and vibrant communities. Doctors stay and practice here because they are called to working with Rural and Tribal communities. We need to emphasize the purpose and passion of the work when recruiting.”
“Our region needs more education to get the youth involved and excited about working lands.”
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