Sierra Jobs First �Local Government Subcommittee

June 21| 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

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Meeting Agenda

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Welcome & Goals

Implementation Advocacy Letter

Draft strategies review

• Social & Physical Infrastructure
• Governance & Land Tenure
• Housing

Next steps in the process

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 3

Summary Definition

The basic physical structures required for an economy to function and survive such as water, sewer, telecommunications, broadband, electricity, gas and transportation routes. Also refers to the physical availability and quality of public facilities, including the number of facilities, facility amenities and resources, the distribution of facilities, and the appropriate mix of facility types to meet population health needs.

STRATEGY AREA:

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

OUTCOME STATEMENTS

• All residents and visitors have access to sustainable, efficient, modernized infrastructure and utilities to serve their needs.
• Integrated, reliable, high-speed, last-mile broadband connections provide equitable access for residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Modernized wastewater and water management systems and infrastructure will mitigate drought-related water shortages and support economic and population growth over the next 20 years.
• Roads throughout the Sierra region are maintained.

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 4

STRATEGY AREA:

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

• Conduct an asset inventory of all buildings, infrastructure, and related assets for all jurisdictions in the Sierra Jobs First region.
• Develop a sustainable infrastructure master program plan for incorporation into the SRTI “Visitor Connection Package” to educate residents, visitors, and workers about Sustainable Recreation and Stewardship, tribal culture, climate change hazards, and historical and interpretive opportunities within the Study Area.
• To educate the community and gather feedback, create a regional forum and online dashboard of infrastructure improvement projects and opportunities.

POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

DRAFT STRATEGY 1

Develop a regional infrastructure improvement plan that identifies climate resiliency/sustainability co-benefits and addresses future economic demands across the Sierra Jobs First region.

• Establish a regional collaboration of leaders across all sectors, including tribal and disinvested communities, to provide ongoing direction for physical infrastructure improvement projects. This includes updating each county's current capital improvement process and adding cross-county collaboration.
• Prioritize potential upgrade investments for the region’s roadways, focusing on opportunities to enhance road safety (e.g., pull-out areas along mountain roads and passes, passing lane opportunities, highway road shoulders, road asphalt conditions, lane lines, and road signage if necessary).

DRAFT TACTICS

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 5

California Public Utilities Commission • Other Internet And Cell Phone Service Providers • Pacific Gas & Electric Company • Public Works Departments • Volcano Communications Group • Water Districts

STRATEGY AREA:

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

• Accelerate efforts for underground utility lines and 21st-century technologies such as fiber optic cable, electrical systems, and water retainment systems.
• Develop robust satellite internet and mesh network systems for mountainous communities.
• Identify fiber locations and map potential for low-cost, high-efficiency wireless mesh networks.
• Infrastructure companies, agencies, and partners collaborate to share project development areas such as trenches and roadways to combine efforts for underground installation projects.

POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

DRAFT STRATEGY 2

Accelerate the progress of underground broadband and utility lines projects and last-mile connections by working with existing broadband and utility companies and leveraging existing middle-mile fiber.

• Leverage federal, state, and local funding sources and incentives that remove barriers to investment for broadband and utility infrastructure improvements.
• Maintain landlines so people without cell phones can remain connected in mountainous areas.
• Provide incentives to homeowners and property owners to establish easements for broadband and utility companies to install continuous networks of underground utility lines.
• Support redundancy of service to withstand natural disasters and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.

DRAFT TACTICS

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 6

Broadband Coalitions • California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection • Civil Society Organizations • County Governments • Current Internet Service Providers • Edison Electric • Homeowners Associations • Joint Powers Agencies • Other Internet And Cell Phone Service Providers • Pacific Gas & Electric Company • Regional Broadband Consortia • US Forest Service • Volcano Communications Group

STRATEGY AREA:

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

• Conduct a region-wide assessment of water sources, water quality, water infrastructure, and water delivery systems to identify priority areas for modernization and improvement.
• Work with counties, cities, and landowners to improve water conservation efforts across the region.
• Offer tax-based incentives/savings for water conservation efforts to property owners.

POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

DRAFT STRATEGY 3

Modernize wastewater and water management systems and infrastructure to mitigate drought-related water shortages and support economic and population growth over the next 20 years.

DRAFT TACTICS

• Modernize, improve, and expand wastewater treatment plants in each county.
• Provide free well water evaluations and recommendations to communities who rely on well water for drinking and sanitation efforts on properties.
• Create region-wide initiatives to address landscape water usage and provide incentives for installing drought-tolerant landscapes requiring little to no water.

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 7

Bureau of Land Management • City Councils • County Water Agencies • East Bay Municipality District • Edison Electric • US Forest Service • Watershed Conservation Organizations

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Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 8

Summary Definition

How humans use land for economic and cultural activities and how property rights are allocated, used, transferred, and managed for that land.

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STRATEGY AREA:

LAND USE & TENURE

OUTCOME STATEMENTS

• Local communities and federal and utility land managers collaborate to achieve mutual goals.
• A roadmap for land exchanges or divestiture of infill properties exists (not necessary for agency operations).
• Primary beneficiary agencies and corporations are partners in investing in local community prosperity and resource stewardship.

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 9

STRATEGY AREA:

LAND USE & TENURE

• Establish long-term shared stewardship agreements and other agreement toolkits with land management agencies to align priorities and share resources.
• Invest in local small businesses and NGOs to provide third-party contract staff capacity to support gaps in agency funding (plan, environmental permitting, and project implementation).
• Identify mechanisms to invest in infrastructure improvements on public lands.

POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

DRAFT STRATEGY 1

Strengthen regional partnerships with local governments, large land management organizations, and major area employers to co-develop strategic plans addressing mutual infrastructure needs and capacity gaps.

• Develop land exchange and divestiture plans to transfer infill and other opportunity sites to private ownership.
• Engage LADWP/landowners to prepare for potential land transfer if the water resource management of the land is no longer needed.

DRAFT TACTICS

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 10

Bureau of Land Management • California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection • Community Colleges • Land Trusts • Local Governments • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power • National Park Service • Special Districts • Tribes • US Forest Service

STRATEGY AREA:

LAND USE & TENURE

• Work with land management agencies to improve community connectivity through a regional trail network.
• Work with land management agencies to develop environmentally and economically sustainable agriculture plans.

• Ensure that federal and state agency plans and projects incorporate local priorities (e.g., Caltrans highway improvements should incorporate local Main Street improvement goals and plans).

POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

DRAFT STRATEGY 2

Work with federal and other public land management agencies to develop collaborative plans to address local community and economic development needs.

DRAFT TACTICS

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 11

Bureau of Land Management • California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection • California Department of Transportation • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power • National Park Service • Special Districts • Tribes • US Forest Service

STRATEGY AREA:

LAND USE & TENURE

• Identify State and Federal resources for technological innovations in ecosystem services and climate resilience.
• Integrate California 30x30 plan in land use planning. Engage Tribal communities in 30 x 30 planning.
• Investigate the feasibility of partnering with conservation finance organizations to fund ecosystem management projects leveraging downstream beneficiaries.

• Advocate as a region for State policies recognizing future carbon credits for fuel mitigation projects.
• Collaborate with metropolitan utility providers to be partners and financial stakeholders in watershed management, wildfire resiliency, and local community development needs.
• Develop an impact fee system for resort corporations (Vail Resorts and Alterra) that benefit from local services such as law enforcement, healthcare, and public transportation.
• Ensure Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and other financial compensations are commensurate with the value of ecosystem services provided to out-of-area users.

POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

DRAFT STRATEGY 3

Advocate as a region to establish regional environmental justice plans and policies that retain the benefits of resource exportation in the communities of origin.

DRAFT TACTICS

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 12

Alterra Mountain Company • California State Association Of Counties • County Board Of Supervisors • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power • Rural County Representatives Of California • San Francisco Public Utilities Commission • Southern California Edison • Vail Resorts • Whitebark Institute • Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions

STRATEGY AREA:

LAND USE & TENURE

• Establish career training programs in forward-looking jobs in water management and electricity production (including biomass, hydroelectric, and geothermal).

POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

DRAFT STRATEGY 4

Collaborate with metropolitan utility providers to localize workforce development.

DRAFT TACTICS

• Establish training programs to support professional careers in land management and ecosystem services, including land use and environmental planning, engineering, sustainable recreation, agriculture, technology, clean energy, etc.

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Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 13

California Department of Transportation • Community Colleges • Coso Operating Company • Hetch Hetchy • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power • Ormat Technologies • Pacific Gas & Electric Company • Public Works Departments • Southern California Edison • Tribes

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Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 14

Summary Definitions

Housing refers to the usage and construction of shelter as living spaces, individually or collectively. It is a basic human need and human right, and plays a critical role in shaping the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities

Placemaking is a collaborative process that involves planning, designing, and managing public spaces to create quality spaces that people love and feel connected to.

STRATEGY AREA:

HOUSING & PLACEMAKING

OUTCOME STATEMENTS

• Communities and visitors across the region benefit from enhanced access to local attractions and public services.
• Local governments and non-governmental organizations have the capability to promote economic development.
• Residents have access to a variety of housing options regardless of their income levels.
• Revitalization plans for downtown areas in communities address limited planning, policy, infrastructure, and funding to create appealing downtown cores that welcome residents and visitors, contributing to the region's desirability.

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 15

Community �Development

STRATEGY AREA:

HOUSING & PLACEMAKING

• Develop regional housing needs assessments and strategies that address workforce housing needs across all income levels.
• Identify policies and processes for land management agencies to make lands available for local community and economic development needs.
• Identify policies and sites for federal and other public agencies, such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, to develop workforce housing on their lands to support their employees.

DRAFT STRATEGY 1

Build collaborations with federal and utility land managers and other large regional employers to identify land, exchange sites, and develop divestiture plans for lands not used for operational purposes and workforce housing plans.

• Leverage quantified workforce housing needs to develop relationships with investors and developers to attract resources and expertise into the Sierra region.
• Work with Federal and other non-local land management agencies to develop land exchange and divestiture plans

SUGGESTED TACTICS

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POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

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Alterra Mountain Company • Bureau of Land Management • Community Development And Planning Agencies • County And Local Governments • Healthcare Districts • Los Angeles Department of Water and Power • Regional Planning Organizations • US Forest Service • Vail Resorts

Community �Development

STRATEGY AREA:

HOUSING & PLACEMAKING

• Establish accessible public rest areas, improve and expand public restrooms, and provide safe drinking water and family facilities near downtown attractions.
• Involve philanthropic organizations in community projects and set up a revolving loan fund to support new development, business improvements, and marketing strategies.
• Review all existing zoning to identify limits to infill reuse and redevelopment, mixed-use or additional height and density.

• Apply urban design and planning best practices to enhance downtown areas for residents, visitors, and businesses.
• Create safe walking paths from downtown to local parks, expand parking including accessible parking, install security systems like cameras and lighting, and ensure pedestrian areas meet ADA compliance.
• Engage residents and visitors in creating downtown revitalization plans and blueprints to enhance commerce centers, in coordination with regional collaborative governance as needed.

DRAFT STRATEGY 2

Initiate a region-wide main street and downtown revitalization campaign to centralize community economic activity.

DRAFT TACTICS

More Tactics and Potential Implementation Partners On Following Slide

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 17

Community �Development

STRATEGY AREA:

HOUSING & PLACEMAKING

• Secure additional staff to develop and implement downtown revitalization plans.
• Support core drivers of cultural tourism such as the arts, Indigenous history preservation, and locally sourced products.
• Invest in placemaking initiatives that preserve the region's rich history, including historic buildings, natural and cultural aspects, public art, and additional public space.

DRAFT STRATEGY 2

Initiate a region-wide main street and downtown revitalization campaign to centralize community economic activity.

DRAFT TACTICS

POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 18

California Department of Transportation • Chambers Of Commerce • Community Banks • Community Development And Planning Agencies • Community Development Departments • Community Foundations • County And Local Governments • Historical Societies • Local Government Economic Development Agencies • Main Street Businesses And Communities • Non-Governmental Organizations Partners • Regional Planning Organizations

Community �Development

STRATEGY AREA:

HOUSING & PLACEMAKING

• As a region, collectively advocate for modified state policies and metrics, as well as more flexible Area Median Income standards to access state funds for affordable housing, reflecting rural community needs and enabling missing middle housing.
• Develop local policies to encourage workforce housing opportunities for seasonal and agricultural workers.
• Develop regulations to limit short-term rentals and incentives for making housing stock available for long-term rentals.
• Identify resources to assist businesses, property owners, and homeowners in bringing aging buildings up to code and address deferred maintenance.

• Identify state and local policy barriers to housing development, including California energy and building code standards, and advocate for rural strategies to achieve standards within the region.
• Streamline local planning approvals for housing development.
• Support policies and opportunities that promote accessory dwelling units (ADUs), including creating pre-approved plans and providing educational resources to make building accessory dwelling units more accessible.

POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

DRAFT STRATEGY 3

Identify solutions to address and remove policy barriers hindering the development of housing and communities.

DRAFT TACTICS

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 19

Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency • Calaveras Mariposa Community Action Agency • Community Development And Planning Agencies • County And Local Governments • Eastern Sierra Community Housing • Housing NGO partners • Inyo Mono Advocates For Community Action • Regional Planning Organizations

Community �Development

STRATEGY AREA:

HOUSING & PLACEMAKING

• Advocate as a region for property tax exemptions for infill housing strategies such as ADUs to incentivize development.
• Develop a toolkit of local, state, and federal funding for developer incentives for housing development.
• Develop sustainable funding models for non-governmental housing agencies.
• Establish and fund first-time homebuyers’ assistance programs.
• Provide multilingual education programs for first-time homebuyers.

• Establish low-interest or grant programs to optimize existing housing stock
• Establish regional housing trusts or land banks.
• Establish a Sierra regional Housing Finance Authority / Community Development Finance Authority (CDFI).
• Explore rent control policies.
• Investigate the feasibility of fee structure for vacant buildings, short-term rentals, and second homes.
• Partner with tribal entities to leverage funding for housing on and off reservations.

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POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

DRAFT STRATEGY 4

Identify new financial tools and capacity models to support housing development.

SUGGESTED TACTICS

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 20

Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency • Business Associations • Calaveras Mariposa Community Action Agency • California Department Of Housing And Community Development • California Student Aid Commission • Chamber Of Commerce • Community Development And Planning Agencies • County And Local Governments • Eastern Sierra Community Housing • Homeowners Associations • Housing NGO partners • Inyo Mono Advocates For Community Action • Regional Planning Organizations • Rural County Representatives Of California • State Legislators

Community �Development

STRATEGY AREA:

HOUSING & PLACEMAKING

• Conduct needs assessments to identify and prioritize gaps and deficiencies in water, sewer, and other infrastructure needed to support current and future community development.
• Leverage state incentives to consolidate rural service districts into modernized, centralized service areas where feasible. Leverage regional collaborations for project development and implementation.

• Identify State and Federal funding sources to address infrastructure deficiencies.

POTENTIAL �IMPLEMENTATION�PARTNERS

DRAFT STRATEGY 5

Invest in engineering plans and environmental permitting to develop a pipeline of shovel-ready infrastructure projects to support community and housing development.

DRAFT TACTICS

Sierra Jobs First Draft Strategy Review Packet • sierrajobsfirst.org • 21

Community Development And Planning Agencies • County And Local Governments • Public Works Departments • Special Districts • USDA Rural Development • Water Quality Control Boards

Community �Development

Report Out

Close & Next Steps��Visit sierrajobsfirst.org/strategic-plan

To provide more input on the Draft Strategies on 6/21

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Thank you.

Follow up info:

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Eric Robins

Kara Bechtle�Sierra Jobs First

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Email: jobsfirst@sierrabusiness.org

Website: sierrajobsfirst.org

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