Grass Valley, CA – Since joining the City Council almost eight years ago, Mayor Hilary Hodge and the City of Grass Valley have experienced many milestones that have shaped our community and its vibrancy. From economic development and infrastructure, to safety, quality of life, and regional reputation, Hodge has been a part of a renewed vitality and city culture for Grass Valley since elected to the City Council in 2018.
“I love our community,” says Mayor Hodge. “We live in a place where people understand that love is an action verb and that a community is built by the people who show up.” She adds, “Our community is something we all must work for, ‘community’ is something we are all responsible to foster and support.” Hodge has dedicated her career to strengthening western Nevada County through nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and public service. Recently hired as the Director of Development for Foothills Compassionate Care, Nevada County’s nonprofit hospice care organization, Hodge continues to serve Grass Valley and Nevada County and remains committed to working to ensure our rural community continues to have support and opportunities.
Hodge’s tenure on the City Council was met with a number of challenges. The city experienced the 2020 shut down, when the city stepped in to help support local businesses while navigating state and federal regulations. Many local people experienced job loss and uncertainty. The Center for the Arts in the heart of downtown Grass Valley celebrated their grand re-opening after an extensive renovation and then immediately shuttered for several months while the performing arts were devastated by the pandemic.
Following the pandemic, the passage of Measure E by taxpayers allowed the city to begin investing new local revenue in public safety and parks bringing the city several additional firefighters and allowing for the revitalization of Memorial Park and other public use projects. Positioning the city to be competitive for Federal and State grant funding, the City fostered and funded the construction and opening of a new skate park facility in Condon Park. The Measure B tax initiative, passed by a thin margin and not without opposition, has allowed the City to tackle fire safety mitigation with prevention and creative solutions. Recently, Grass Valley announced a $16 million grant partnership toward the expansion of the Wolf Creek Trail.
“I ran on a platform of issues that shape rural communities. Our beautiful natural environment, thriving arts economy, and local entrepreneurs continue to make our community a wonderful place to live. Rising housing costs and wildfire risk are still at the forefront of our challenges,” say Hodge. She continues, “While the rural-urban divide complicates statewide decision-making, for communities like ours, small businesses remain the backbone of our rural economy and supporting local business is essential to our community’s success.” Hodges adds, “We are fortunate to have successful key economic drivers in our local hospital and arts community along with generous philanthropic support for our local nonprofit businesses and trades organizations.” Hodge has served on a number of boards and commissions–currently as the City’s liaison to the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Association and also as the Vice President for the board of directors for KVMR Community Radio.
During Hodge’s tenure, the Mill Street Plaza in Grass Valley became the most transformative public investment Grass Valley has made in its historic downtown in decades. What began as temporary street closures during the pandemic, evolved into a permanent public plaza in the heart of the city’s historical downtown creating a public gathering place enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Businesses report increased sales and visitor activity as pedestrians spend more time exploring multiple shops and restaurants.The plaza has strengthened the downtown economy by encouraging strolling, window shopping, and spontaneous purchases, and renewed tourism along with a sense of place for residents.
Mayor Hodge reflects, “There is still so much work to do. I’m confident that the City of Grass Valley is in great hands and heading in the right direction.” Hodge recently participated in conducting interviews for a new City Manager for the City of Grass Valley. The city is still finalizing the decision and no formal announcement on a new city manager has been made.
“Serving on the City Council and as the Mayor of Grass Valley has been the greatest challenge and the greatest honor and joy of my life,” confesses Hodge. “The people, their ideas, and their dedication are what make Grass Valley remarkable. My role as Mayor has allowed me to highlight the incredible work of so many people in our community and has strengthened my view that we truly live in the best place.” Hodge adds, “We are fortunate to live in a place where we have so many people who love this community and want to serve in public office.”
As she looks toward the next chapter, Hodge says her decision not to seek re-election is not a decision to step away from service. “I’m not leaving this community, and I’m certainly not done working for it,” she says. “I’m excited to make room for different leadership, new ideas, and the next generation of people who will help shape Grass Valley’s future.” After eight years of service, Hodge leaves the City Council with gratitude for the opportunity to represent her neighbors and with confidence in the community she has helped serve. “Grass Valley has given me so much,” she says. “I will always be grateful for the people of this community, and I look forward to continuing to show up for the community I love.”
