From wildfire prevention and affordable housing to maintaining infrastructure and economic development, many of Nevada County’s biggest challenges would benefit from support at the state and federal levels. To strengthen regional advocacy efforts, Nevada County brought together local governments, public agencies, businesses and community organizations in October to identify shared legislative priorities and opportunities to pursue funding.
Each year, Supervisors adopt a Legislative Platform to support advocacy for the sustainable delivery of core public services, advance top priority objectives as adopted by the Board of Supervisors, and seek funding for infrastructure needs, capital projects, and programs.
One example of the platform in action is the County’s support for Nevada Irrigation District’s grant application for a needed replacement and repairs of the Scotts Flat spillway, built in the 1940s.
“A few years ago, we included water in our Legislative Platform because it’s essential to how our community functions,” said Supervisor Sue Hoek at the Sept. 15 Board meeting, when supervisors approved a letter of support for NID’s Proposition 4 grant application. “These kinds of partnerships are what we need to continue to build on.”
NID’s Assistant General Manager Greg Jones added, “Reliable water infrastructure is essential to the health, safety, and economic vitality of our region. Nevada County’s Legislative Platform reflects the strong regional partnerships needed to address critical infrastructure and resource challenges. The County’s support for the Scotts Flat spillway replacement project demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting water reliability, public safety, and long-term water security for our communities.”
In October, the County hosted its third Legislative Stakeholders Meeting, inviting community partners to share their organizations’ most pressing challenges, identify common priorities and explore opportunities to work together to secure funding and influence legislation.
The meeting represents an effort to broaden participation in the County’s legislative planning process. Representatives from a dozen organizations participated, including the City of Grass Valley, City of Nevada City, Town of Truckee, school districts, special districts, and other key community partners.
“Nevada County has always advocated for the needs of our community, but we recognize that we can accomplish more when we work together,” said County Executive Officer Alison Lehman. “By bringing our community partners into the conversation early, we can identify shared priorities and speak with a stronger, more unified voice when advocating for resources and legislative solutions.”
Among the regional priorities identified were water infrastructure, affordable housing, wildfire prevention, evacuation routes, affordable and accessible fire insurance, economic development and career pathways for the county’s youth.
One of the attendees was CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit Chief Jim Hudson, who said, “The CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit supports Nevada County’s 2026 Legislative Platform priority projects. This includes investments in wildfire prevention, evacuation corridor maintenance, and enhancements to the Nevada County Airport—home to the CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit’s Grass Valley Air Attack Base and Grass Valley Emergency Command Center. These shovel-ready investments will enhance operational efficiency and help protect lives, property, and natural resources in Nevada County and the surrounding region.”
Participants also discussed the challenges rural communities face in securing adequate state and federal funding, particularly when funding formulas and regulatory requirements do not account for the unique needs of smaller jurisdictions.
Other concerns included rising construction costs, unfunded state mandates, impacts on rural hospitals from federal funding changes and housing affordability.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for organizations to highlight projects that could benefit from coordinated advocacy or additional funding.
Projects discussed ranged from courthouse redevelopment, water storage improvements, and workforce housing to the Truckee Regional Library, interconnected trails, improvements to State Route 49, and expanded career technical education opportunities.
Nevada County staff will use the information gathered to inform the 2027 Nevada County Legislative Platform. Participants plan to follow-up with each other, build partnerships, and collaborate on the identified legislative and funding issues throughout the upcoming legislative session.