Economic Development Finance (EDF) Working Group

Welcome to Redwood Region RISE's Economic Development Finance (EDF) Working Group page. Here, you will find information on upcoming and previous meetings and expert sessions, informational video's on how to finance projects in the Redwood Region (within and beyond the statewide California Jobs First project), and much more.

How To Make Funds Go Further

The Economic Development Finance (EDF) Working Group is embarking on an education and capacity building process that aims to empower the Region with the ability to think about Economic Development Finance in a way that:

  1. Enhances the participants' existing expertise and;
  2. Equips them with the tools to make them more effective in pursuing state and federal funds, philanthropy, and other sources of revenue to help make projects viable.

The EDF Working Group main deliverables will include: assessment of existing use of EDF tools in the region; development of a stakeholder engagement and training plan; creation of a regional EDF tool-use database and funding matrix; and development of a cross-sector capital analysis plan, further enhancing the integration and utilization of EDF tools within the Region. The EDF Working Group is occurring in two phases with Phase 1 happening Jan-June 2024, and Phase 2 following directly through December 2024.

Receive Meeting Agendas

Would you like to be notified about EDF Working Group's activities and receive agendas prior to meetings? Please email Abigail at ascott@rgs.ca.gov to join our mailing list. And check out the RRRISE Calendar to see when meetings and activities take place. We hope to see you soon!

 

EDF Working Group Meetings

Regular EDF Meetings

EDF Expert Sessions

EDF Working Group Meetings are working meetings for EDF members to identify educational opportunities and to share potential funding sources and structures that can support projects, when the request is brought to us. The public is welcome to attend the meetings, but the topics discussed at working group meetings are not necessarily topics that span the Collaborative or educate members. We use the Expert Sessions for that purpose. EDF Working Group meetings are not recorded.

Expert Sessions are special topic-focused meetings that feature subject matter experts and example projects from within the region. Topics are identified in the regular Working Group Meetings and scheduled according to availability of speakers. All EDF Expert Sessions meetings are recorded and resources posted below. 

EDF Working Group Meetings take place bi-monthly on the third Wednesday of the month on Zoom from 3:30-5:00 p.m.

The expert sessions are scheduled every first Wednesday of the month on Zoom from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Join through this Zoom link: 
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88494254215 Meeting ID: 884 9425 4215
Join through this Zoom link: 
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84170241362 Meeting ID: 841 7024 1362

Meetings for 2025 will be: April 16; May 21; July 16; September 17; November 19

Sessions for 2025 will be: May 7; June 4; July 2; Augustus 6; September 3; October 1; November 5; December 3

EDF Expert Sessions:

More About RRRISE

Upcoming Events

Take Our Survey

We've created a survey to get a sense of the regional Economic Development Finance capacity. Click on the button below to take the survey. Thank you!

Go to the Survey

View EDF Working Group Meeting Recordings

EDF Working Group Meetings occur bi-monthly on the third Wednesday of each month. View previous meeting recordings below.

Watch Videos Here

Redwood Region RISE - Economic Development Funding Working Group

Expert Session on Working Lands and Blue Economy

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

This Expert Session on Working Lands and Blue Economy sector finance brought together leaders from philanthropy, government, and international development to explore the power of cross-sector collaboration in driving transformational change, especially within rural communities. Attendees gained practical strategies for initiating and sustaining mission-aligned partnerships, and learned how trust, alignment, and shared outcomes are key to long-term success. Our panelists shared real-world insights and experiences that underscored the potential of strategic alliances to unlock funding, scale impact, and foster community resilience.
 

Startup Incubators & Accelerators

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

April’s Expert Session on Startup Incubators & Accelerators featured insightful presentations from Kacie Flynn of Cal Poly Humboldt and Paloma Patterson of the West Business Development Center. Our presenters highlighted the Startup Humboldt Incubator and Startup Mendocino for their role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. These programs were also highlighted as accelerators dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs through mentorship and resources. The session underscored the importance of incubators and accelerators in driving regional economic development and building strong startup ecosystems in Northern California.
 

Opportunity Zones in California

Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024

This month, the EDFWG hosted an expert session on Opportunity Zones in California, featuring insights from Mark Northcross, Principal at NHA Advisors LLC, and Brian Coleman, Project Financing Manager at GO-Biz. This impactful session delved into the potential and practicalities of Opportunity Zones (OZs) within the state. Participants gained valuable lessons from the experiences shared and explored how OZs align with local projects and priorities. The session provided actionable insights, leaving attendees better equipped to navigate and leverage Opportunity Zones for meaningful impact. 

Opportunity Zones Slide Deck

Climate Financing

Date: Wednesday, September 4, 2024

The Expert Session on Climate Financing featured key insights from organizations advancing ecological restoration and energy projects through innovative finance models. Blue Forest discussed the Forest Resilience Bond, a tool blending public and private funds to accelerate forest restoration and promote long-term resilience. They highlighted the CA Wildfire Innovation Fund and workforce development challenges for restoring millions of acres. Blue Lake Rancheria shared strategies for leveraging tax credits and state programs to finance energy projects, while IBank outlined its role in climate infrastructure financing through loans, credit enhancements, and greenhouse gas reduction efforts.

Download the Climate Financing Slide Decks (Combined)

Tribal Funding Considerations

Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024

The Redwood Region RISE's EDF Working Group hosted an Expert Session focused on Tribal Funding Considerations. Each of the panelists shared impactful stories about successes and challenges they experienced while pursuing funding/financing for projects on Tribal Lands. You can watch the session recording below.

IRS's Tribal Business Structure Handbook

Choosing Tribal Business Structure

Guidebook to the Inflation Reduction Acts's Clean Energy and Climate Investment in Indian Country

Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program

Expert Session on Arts, Culture, and Tourism

Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

The webinar on Arts, Culture, and Tourism Financing provided an opportunity for participants to engage with representatives from arts councils, tourism boards, and economic development agencies. The session offered valuable insights into identifying investment strategies for creative sector infrastructure and tourism-driven economic development. Discussions highlighted the role of the arts, culture, and tourism sectors in job creation and enhancing quality of life, while also addressing potential challenges and strategies for further development.
The team explored the Redwood Region’s tourism potential, the impact of arts on economic growth, and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in the arts. The session also delved into fundraising strategies, the effectiveness of arts and parks projects, and the challenges faced by nonprofits in the region.
 

Grant Writing and Grant Management

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

This Expert Session on Grant Writing and Grant Management covered key topics such as grant application best practices, data-informed funding opportunities, alternative capital sources, and specific grant programs like Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Transportation, Housing, and Tech Hubs. Presenters Jim Robbins (Housing and Grants Manager, City of Ukiah), Andrea Trincado (Project & Grant Administrator Manager, City of Ukiah) and Kristin Cooper Carter (CEO, Grants Management Associates, Durham, CA) shared insights on municipal grant development, broadband expansion through grants, and strategies for securing funding. Attendees gained valuable knowledge on optimizing grant applications and funding strategies.
 

Community Development Block Grants

Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

The EDF Working Group held an informative Expert Session on Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) with presentations from Jeff Lucas of Community Development Services and Kelly Hansen from Mendocino County. Attendees gained a foundational understanding of CDBG, learning about the key objectives, eligibility requirements, and application processes. Jeff Lucas provided insights into how CDBG funds support local projects aimed at economic development, infrastructure improvement, and public services. Kelly Hansen shared firsthand experiences from Mendocino County, discussing best practices in managing CDBG-funded initiatives and strategies for maximizing community impact. Participants left with practical tips on how to navigate grant requirements and leverage CDBG funding to benefit their communities.

Community Development Block Grants 101 Slides

Community Development Block Grants Matrix Code

Philanthropy

Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024

The RRRISE EDF Working Group's Expert Session on philanthropy explored the role of foundations in supporting community development, with insights from Humboldt Area Foundation and the Community Foundation of Mendocino County. The discussion emphasized the balance between aligning with community priorities and broader mission-driven goals. Case studies, such as the Tahoe Forest and Monterey Bay DART’s partnership with the Irvine Foundation, demonstrated how philanthropy can drive inclusive economic development and support sustainable job growth.

Slide Deck: Philanthropy's Role in Economic Development Finance

Slide Deck: Community Foundation of Mendocino County

Tax Increment Financing

Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Are you interested to learn how Tax Increment Financing can advance economic development goals? Watch our Economic Development Funding "Expert Session" on Tax Increment Financing/Enhanced Infrastructure Finance Districts to receive insights and guidance around the value and process for establishing TIF to advance economic development goals and hear about the local Samoa Peninsula Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) project. This Expert Session features presentations from Scott Adair, Humboldt County Economic Development Director, and Joseph Dieguez, Vice President at Kosmont Companies, who supported the County in establishing the Samoa Peninsula EIFD.

Financing District Overview Slide Deck

Samoa Peninsula EIFD Slide Deck

Samoa Peninsula Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Plan

Expert Session on Health and Caregiving

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

The EDFWG session on Health & Caregiving featured key insights into workforce development, funding, and partnership strategies:
  • Leveraging Strategies: Rod Grainger and Melinda Ramos showcased the Incubate program, emphasizing collaborative investments in caregiving workforce development.
  • Braided Capital: Connie Stewart highlighted the creation of a Behavioral Health Crisis Center through a public-private partnership model, illustrating the impact of blended funding sources.
  • Funding Opportunities: Summer Nishio and Brock Lewis outlined CHFFA’s current funding and financing programs available to support health and caregiving initiatives.
The session provided attendees with actionable strategies, funding pathways, and collaborative models to strengthen caregiving systems across sectors.
 

Rural Oriented Venture Capital

Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025

This Expert Session focused on the opportunities and challenges in rural-oriented venture capital. The discussion also covered the efforts to promote entrepreneurship and business growth on the North Coast, the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing venture capital, and the potential for growth in various industries such as timber management and specialty crop agriculture. The session concluded with a broader discussion on rural entrepreneurship and technology transfer, emphasizing the importance of domain knowledge, concise messaging, and external knowledge for rural youth.
 

Regional Collaboration for Funding (Grants & Debt Finance)

Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024

The EDF Working Group held an Expert Session on "Regional Collaboration for Funding: Grants & Debt Finance," featuring Mark Northcross, Principal at NHA Advisors LLC. With over 40 years of municipal advisory expertise, Mark has been advising the SF Bay Area on climate change adaptation funding. During the session, he highlighted the stark contrast in federal funding for climate resilience—Texas receiving $30B, Florida $20B, and California only $200M—and emphasized the need for regional collaboration and unified strategies to secure funding. Mark shared success stories of collaborative efforts that have effectively attracted funding, providing valuable guidance from an expert in the field.

Download the Regional Collaboration for Funding Slide Decks

New Market Tax Credits (NMTC)

Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024

This Expert Session was led by Jon Penkower, Principal, Bridge Strategic Partners and was focused on New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) and their potential to stimulate investment in economically distressed communities. The session included an Overview of New Market Tax Credit 101 followed by a Q&A session and a deep dive into a local North Coast project that utilized NMTC. The session highlighted the importance of NMTC as a strategic financing option for driving economic growth and revitalization in underserved areas.

Slide Deck New Market Tax Credits (NMTC)