Region receives $5 million to plan economic improvements

A two-day economic summit in Ukiah was part of the early phases of a statewide program to recover from the pandemic years. Mendocino County is part of the four-county Redwood Region that’s received a $5 million planning grant to improve the local economy in the face of covid, climate change, and widening income gaps.

Senator Mike McGuire spoke about funding to support clean energy jobs and firefighters, and ideas about easing insurance woes. Two professors shared demographic data and research supporting their thesis about the importance of investing in systems that promote high-level services for all. Minal Shankar, a local venture capitalist who took on the Palace Hotel, spoke about her love for her new community, and panelists discussed climate change, renewable energy, and disaster preparation.

Susan Seaman of the Arcata Economic Development Corporation chaired the regional summit planning committee and spoke with kzyx during the lunch hour on Friday.