NEVADA CITY, Calif. February 11, 2020 – By a unanimous vote, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors (BOS) adopted the 2020 Board priorities. The priority objectives are the result of the annual BOS workshop, held in January of each year. Supervisors also directed the County Executive Officer to use the Board Objectives for the development of the 2020/2021 Fiscal Year budget, and the management of the County operations, programs, and services.

The eight priorities are:

  • Maintain the County’s financial stability and core services.
  • Reduce the loss of life during a wildfire by improving evacuation routes and early warning systems; creating more defensible space around private properties and driveways, building a network of maintained fuel breaks, engaging residents in emergency preparedness and fire-safe stewardship, and enhancing critical infrastructure.
  • Provide community leadership to prepare for and minimize the impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events on residents and local businesses by providing timely and accurate public information, prioritizing and advocating for the hardening of critical public safety and telecommunications infrastructure, and assisting people with disabilities and older adults.
  • Proactively support job-enhancing economic development by implementing business friendly data-driven policies, investing in broadband and infrastructure projects that enhance the quality of life for all Nevada County residents, and partner with private sector, non-profit, Grass Valley, Nevada City and Truckee leaders to collaboratively support local businesses and promote tourism.
  • Coordinate with local jurisdictions, developers and other partners to facilitate development of and access to affordable and workforce housing development.
  • Maintain and continue to improve the cannabis permitting and enforcement program to promote permitted cannabis activities while investigating options for additional supply chain license types and a compassionate use program.
  • In partnership with community providers and other jurisdictions, utilize housing first and continue efforts to prevent homelessness, provide emergency shelter, expand supportive services, secure housing, and enhance coordination to address the needs of the homeless population and to mitigate impacts on the community.
  • Promote community resiliency by implementing policies, cost-saving programs and best practices supported by the County’s Energy Action Plan.

Broad support from agencies, non-profits and public

This year’s board priorities reflect the continued commitment by Nevada County to improve wildfire preparedness throughout the county. Unlike previous years, the Board Chambers was filled with representatives from agencies, non-profits and local residents.

Mobile home owners voiced their support of affordable housing, pointing to increase in their land rents that could force some into homelessness. Hospitality House Executive Director Nancy Baglietto lauded the collaboration with the county, Grass Valley and others pointing to the achievements of the past year. Ana Acton, FREED’s Executive Director, recalled the impact of multiple PSPS blackouts and how they were able to reach out and assist seniors and disabled residents – thanks to a close partnership with county staff.

CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit Chief Brian Estes commended Nevada County for the efforts in 2019 and the renewed focus on emergency preparedness. His comments were echoed by Nevada County Consolidated Fire Chief Jim Turner who reaffirmed his district’s support for the county plans. Several board members of the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County expressed their gratitude and are looking forward to support the FSCNC leadership in their work with, notably, OES.

Now, the heavy lifting begins

With priorities established, staff now has to work up program initiatives, analyze the cost and efficiency of every program. Budget planning is starting soon and meanwhile existing programs continue to advance towards the projected targets.

Seeing a full BOS Chamber and hearing the applause from the public at the end might just make the work a little easier.