As we step into 2025, I am honored to serve once again as chair of the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. With each passing year, we have the opportunity to reflect on our achievements and set ambitious goals for the future. This year, I’m excited to dedicate our focus to what I’m calling the Year of Youth—a year centered on empowering the next generation and ensuring the work we do today sets the foundation for decades to come.
Nevada County has a proud history of supporting our youth. Whether it’s through our libraries, youth programs, or community initiatives, we’ve consistently prioritized investments in the future. In 2016, voters overwhelmingly passed a ¼ cent-sales tax to sustain our libraries and youth programs. And daily, County staff, nonprofits, schools, and businesses partner to uplift young people across our county.
This momentum has only grown. In August, we launched our second year of the Nevada County Youth Commission with 18 passionate young leaders. Over the past year, these youth commissioners have delved into the issues facing their peers, from mental health to housing. In June, they will present their recommendations to the Board; I am eager to translate their insights into meaningful policy action.
Additionally, we’re expanding opportunities for young people to gain on-the-job experience. Internships are a critical steppingstone for career development, and I’m proud of the strides we’ve made. Each year, we’ve hosted more high school and early-career interns, empowering them to tackle vital community issues like emergency preparedness. This year, we aim to double the number of youth interns working with Nevada County departments. Youth will be working with our Office of Emergency Services, Building Department, Environmental Health and more.
We also hope to broaden our Youth Service Corps Program in partnership with community organizations. Since its inception, this program has provided over 115 youth with job skills training and coordinated 175 internships, with 10 participants securing permanent paid positions. It’s proof that investing in our youth yields tangible results.
But empowerment goes beyond professional development. Housing and food security remain critical challenges for many of our families. Inspired by our progress to house more than 60 homeless veterans in our “functional zero” campaign, we’re exploring similar goals for children and families experiencing homelessness. We’re also exploring how we can expand our recruitment efforts for resource families (also known as foster families) knowing what an instrumental role these families provide for our youth. In 2024, programs like the Youth Service Corps provided 500 meals during the summer, alongside 8,500 meals offered through our Lunch at the Library program. We plan to continue to pursue funding for these essential initiatives in 2025.
The Year of Youth is a commitment to listen, support, and act. It’s about creating a Nevada County where every young person feels empowered to dream big, contribute meaningfully, and thrive. I look forward to partnering with our community to turn these aspirations into action, ensuring that 2025 is not only a Year of Youth but a year for all of us to be inspired by their potential.