Follow Redwood Region RISE's California Jobs First initiative: Find out the latest news, announcements, and opportunities.
Redwood Region RISE Awards $9 Million to Catalyze Economic Growth
[Updated From April 29]
May 1, 2025
Redwood Region RISE has awarded $9 million to 10 transformative projects across Tribal Lands, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties through the Catalyst Funding program. Over 70% of the funding supports initiatives led by priority and disinvested communities, targeting sustainable food systems, renewable energy, affordable housing, workforce training, cultural preservation, and forest management. Explore the preliminary Catalyst Awardees here
Preliminary Catalyst Awardees
“The Catalyst Fund represents critical investment in the future of Redwood Region’s rural economies,” says Susan Seaman, Program Director of North Edge. “These preliminary awards mark the beginning of projects that will leverage our key industry sectors and foster inclusive economic development and job growth for all Redwood Region residents.”
Implementation Timeline
Preliminary awardees will undergo additional vetting before receiving funding, with implementation expected to begin in May 2025 and completion by September 2026. The initiative is supported by the statewide California Jobs First program and has informed the newly released California Jobs First Economic Blueprint.
Redwood Region RISE Seeks Contract Support for Fiscal Administrator
March 10, 2025
North Edge, the fiscal administrator for Redwood Region RISE (Resilient Inclusive Sustainable Economy), is seeking contract support services for up to 10 Catalyst Grant projects totaling $9 million to:
- Create contract templates for project recipients
- Develop scope of work and advanced funds templates
- Provide technical support to fiscal administrators
- Assist with the contracting process
Timeline
- RFP Proposals Due: 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2025
- Contract Work Period: March 24 - May 7, 2025
- Total Budget: $25,000
Successful applicants will demonstrate experience in contract writing and monitoring, coaching skills, and project management expertise.
You can submit your proposal by email to: susan@northedgefinancing.org or deliver to North Edge by mail or in person: 707 K Street, Eureka, CA 95501
Please share this opportunity with qualified professionals in your network who may be interested in supporting these important regional economic development projects.
State Tribal Funding Request For Proposal (RFP): Investing in Tribal-Led Economic Development and Climate Resilience
February 26, 2025
Alongside the State's Implementation RFP—but with a significantly broader scope—the State has launched its Tribal Investment Phase, providing $15 million in statewide competitive grant funding to enhance economic development, job creation, and climate resilience within Tribal communities.
The Tribal Investment Phase offers funding across three categories:
- Planning projects – Supporting Tribal economic development strategies, feasibility studies, and business planning initiatives.
- Pre-development projects – Financing infrastructure assessments, environmental surveys, and project readiness activities.
- Implementation projects – Enabling business creation, workforce development programs, infrastructure improvements, and clean energy initiatives.
Eligible applicants include California Native American Tribes, Tribal consortia, and Tribal-led non-profit organizations. All projects must demonstrate a commitment to equity, climate sustainability, and job quality—ensuring investments generate long-term economic resilience and meaningful workforce opportunities for Tribal communities.
Funding limits are set at $1 million for individual projects and $2 million for coalition-led initiatives. The application review process will occur in two rounds, with submission deadlines of April 30, 2025 (first round) and March 13, 2026 (second round).
State of California Launches First-of-Its-Kind Economic Blueprint
February 26, 2025
Governor Gavin Newsom has launched the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, a statewide strategy for sustainable economic growth, innovation, and job creation over the next decade. This Economic Blueprint was developed with input from the 13 regional Collaboratives' plans (read Redwood Region RISE's Regional Roadmap here!). The State's Blueprint serves as a data-driven, community-informed framework to help ensure every region contributes to and benefits from economic expansion.
As you review the Economic Blueprint, you'll notice differences between the sector terminology used by the State and what we've established in Redwood Region RISE. This reflects the State's effort to create a unified language across California's diverse regional plans. Having a shared statewide framework and vocabulary is valuable for coordinated economic development while acknowledging regional distinctions. Importantly, our Redwood Region RISE 10-year Regional Roadmap maintains its unique focus and priorities tailored to our specific regional and local needs, even as we align with broader state initiatives.
The Blueprint identifies key strategic industry sectors categorized into four areas:
- Strengthen – Sectors with a strong presence in California that need continued investment.
- Accelerate – High-growth industries where targeted investments can further expand.
- Bet – Emerging industries with significant potential to shape the future economy.
- Anchor – Foundational sectors that support regional economies and provide good-paying jobs.
The State has allocated $125 million for shovel-ready projects, with additional funds directed toward workforce training, apprenticeship programs, and business support. This funding seeks to leverage regional economic diversity to strengthen economic stability, create job opportunities, and maintain California's economic standing.
Visit the State's New California Jobs First Website The State's Blueprint At a Glance Explore The State's Full Economic Blueprint
Redwood Region RISE Tribal Table Seeks Youth Leadership and Business Development Leaders
February 21, 2025
Redwood Region RISE's Tribal Table Facilitator Northern California Indian Development Council (NCIDC) is seeking proposals for two competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQs) for Youth Leadership Development and Tribal Business Development serving the Redwood Region RISE's Tribal Table. The contract period runs from May 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
The Youth Leadership Development RFQ aims to strengthen future Tribal leadership through professional development, Youth Tribal Councils, organizational plans with bylaws and policies, curriculum development, and external resource connections. The Tribal Business Development RFQ focuses on professional development, business and marketing plans, website creation, online marketing, appropriate governance documents, training curriculum, and resource networking for long-term business growth. Both opportunities prefer comprehensive year-round programming.
Questions should be directed to Joe Davis, Tribal Table Facilitator and Rapid Response Coordinator (707-445-8451, joe@ncidc.org).
Proposals must be received by April 2, 2025 (postmarks not accepted), and must include a narrative description, program plan, budget details, staff qualifications, and supporting documents. NCIDC reserves the right to reject any non-responsive proposals. Submissions should be sent to NCIDC, 241 F Street, Eureka, CA 95501.
Download Tribal Youth Leadership RFQ
Call for Catalyst RFP Project Scorers: Apply Now!
November 27, 2024
Redwood Region RISE is recruiting 30 Project Scorers that reflect our region's diversity to help review Catalyst Pre-development Funds Request For Proposal (RF) applications. Selected scorers will:
- Assess 5+ project submissions (no need for specific expertise required—just regional knowledge and commitment to community development)
- Use a specialized Scoring Rubric developed by the Equity Council and Voting Members
- Get training and assistance to complete the work
- Receive $1,500 upon succesful completion
Applications open on November 21 and close at 5:00 p.m. on December 20, 2024, with project scoring taking place between January 21-February 14, 2025.
Redwood Region RISE Launches Catalyst Pre-development Fund: Request for Proposal (RFP)
November 18, 2024
The California Center for Rural Policy is excited to announce that Redwood Region RISE’s Catalyst Pre-development Funds Request for Proposal period is now officially open!
The Catalyst Fund will invest $9 million in pre-development activities to prepare projects in the Redwood Region that are aligned with RRRISE’s values and development strategies. The application deadline is Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to review the full application guidelines, eligibility criteria, and Scoring Rubric as they prepare their submissions.
Interested parties can contact the California Center for Rural Policy at 707-826-3400 or ccrp@humboldt.edu for additional information.
Release of Redwood Region RISE's Roadmap: Regional Strategies
October 2, 2024
Redwood Region RISE's Regional Convener, the California Center for Rural Policy at Cal Poly Humboldt, is thrilled to launch our collectively crafted 10-year “Regional Roadmap” for sustainable, equitable economic growth of Tribal Lands, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties.
Redwood Region RISE's 10-year Regional Roadmap consists of two parts that focus on research behind and strategies regarding 10 interconnected investment areas:
A baseline snapshot of the current economic state
Strategies for equitable and sustainable growth
Redwood Region RISE is excited to move towards implementing strategies and projects, and pursuing further investments that will help make our region a healing place where everyone belongs, with stable jobs, accessible healthcare, and a flourishing environment.
Watch this video to get a sense of our Regional Roadmap priorities
Newly Launched Requests for Proposals: Tribal Table Lead and Equity Resource Specialist
September 12, 2024
Redwood Region RISE's Equity Council seeks an Equity Resource Specialist to support its ongoing efforts, facilitate meetings, and maintain communication with the broader Collaborative. Meanwhile, our Tribal Table is looking for a Tribal Table Lead with expertise in planning and project development on Tribal Lands to assist both federally and non-federally recognized Tribes within Redwood Region RISE. The Tribal Table Lead will identify needs, offer technical assistance, and connect Tribal interests with regional initiatives.
The submission deadline for the Equity Resource Specialist and Tribal Table Lead Requests for Proposals is Friday, October 11, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Please don't hesitate to reach out to ccrp@humboldt.edu if you have any questions.
Learn more about each Request for Proposals:
State Announces Public Comment Period for Tribal Investment Initiative
August 16, 2024
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), in partnership with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency and the Employment Development Department, invites your feedback on the Tribal Investment Initiative’s proposed Solicitation for Proposals (SFP). The Tribal Investment Initiative is associated with the Regional Investment Initiative (formerly Community Economic Resilience Fund).
The Tribal Investment Initiative provides up to $15 million to California Native American Tribes to support building equitable and sustainable Tribal economies across California and fostering long-term economic resilience while transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy.
SFP Link
Submitting Public Comments
The Employment Development Department will be accepting public comment on behalf of the Tribal Investment Initiative and will consider all public comments received by August 29, 2024. Submit all comments by email to WSBCERF@edd.ca.gov, and please include “Tribal Investment Initiative – Draft SFP” in the email subject line.
Technical Assistance Available for Project Initiators
August 15, 2024
Project Mapping Tool - Request for Proposal
August 7, 2024
North Edge and The California Center for Rural Policy (CCRP) are seeking an organization/individual with Geographic Information System (GIS) and economic development project development knowledge to develop a "Phase 1 Interactive Digital Project Inventory Map (IDPIM)" –or Project Mapping Tool– that showcases–in a dynamic, visually engaging, and informative way–Redwood Region RISE’s pipeline projects. This interactive project mapping tool will serve to make visible economic development projects from Tribal Lands, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties that align with the goals of the Redwood Region Resilient Inclusive Sustainable Economy (RISE) Collaborative.
The submission deadline for this Request for Proposal is Wednesday August 14, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.
Fresh off the Press - Request for Proposal: Regional Roadmap Dissemination
August 5, 2024
North Edge (formerly AEDC) and The California Center for Rural Policy (CCRP) are seeking collaboration with a marketing and/or communications agency to disseminate Redwood Region Resilient Inclusive Sustainable Economy (RISE)’s "Regional Roadmap” (Plan Part 1 and sections of Plan Part 2) to ensure these qualitative and quantitative data reports are accessible for and resonates with various audiences in and beyond the Redwood Region.
The entity selected for this role will possess subject matter expertise and will be responsible for disseminating Regional Plan Part 1 as well as selected sections of Plan Part 2 into tailored materials that enable 1. priority communities, 2. advocates for priority communities (CBOs, grassroots organizations), and 3. policy makers to grasp quickly and effectively the Roadmap's essence and key insights. Tailored, engaging disseminations materials will help create more regional and state-wide awareness of our communities’ often overlooked, unique, rural experiences amidst growing wealth for more urban regions in the state.
The submission deadline for this Request for Proposal is Monday August 12, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.
Looking for Reviewers of Redwood Region RISE Regional Plan (Request for Proposals)
August 2, 2024
North Edge and The California Center for Rural Policy (CCRP) are seeking up to six short-term contractors to review and provide input to the RRRISE Roadmap. The entities selected for this role will possess subject matter expertise and will be responsible for reviewing strategies and tactics for inclusive economic development drafted by the RRRISE Collaborative and convening team members against state guidance and providing constructive feedback on opportunities to strengthen the report. North Edge has up to $15,000 for each reviewer.
The contracts will be based on cost reimbursement for services provided. The submission deadline for this Request for Proposals is August 12, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.
Newly Released Request for Proposals: Four Catalyst Sector Investment Coordinators
July 26, 2024
The California Center for Rural Policy--Redwood Region RISE's Regional Convener--is releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for up to four Catalyst Sector Investment Coordinators to support the RRRISE Collaborative in execution of Catalyst Program awarded to the region. The contract term is through September 2026 with a maximum amount of $250,000 awarded per contract.
Catalyst Sector Investment Coordinators Coordinators will play a key role in the RRRISE Collaborative, focusing on prioritized industries identified during the Planning Phase. Their responsibilities will include cataloging and categorizing projects to support industry growth and job creation, collaborating with GO-Biz staff and partners to secure funding, aligning projects with federal funding opportunities, and building a supportive ecosystem by liaising with various interest holders. They also provide or procure Technical Assistance to support these initiatives, ensuring a comprehensive approach to regional economic development within specific sectors.
The submission deadline for this Request for Proposals is August 31, 11:59 p.m. We will hold an Information Session on August 8 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Zoom, for which you can register here. Please don't hesitate to reach out to ccrp@humboldt.edu if you have any questions.
Requests for Proposal: Equity and Project Development Expert and Regional Housing Development Strategy Developer
July 11, 2024
The California Center for Rural Policy (CCRP) is seeking a short-term researcher to contribute to Redwood Region RISE's Regional Roadmap, and an Equity and Project Development Expert for the California Jobs First initiative in the region. If you are interested in one of these positions--or know anyone who might be--click on the buttons below to find out more.
Equity and Project Development Expert RFP
Short-Term Researcher for Regional Housing Strategy Development RFP
Join Our Strategy Feedback Sessions in Your Neighborhood
July 9, 2024
Strategy Feedback Sessions
Redwood Region RISE is excited to host four in-person and one Zoom Strategy Feedback Sessions in late July and early August to discuss regional economic development strategies and gather input on our 10-year "Regional Roadmap" for sustainable job creation in Tribal Lands, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties. Sessions will include a presentation on sector strategies, as well as key cross-cutting strategies that underpin economic development, such as workforce development. We will also discuss economic mobility and community development strategies.
After the presentations we'll open up the floor for questions and feedback, followed by a Networking Lunch (food and beverages provided).
More details coming soon!
Release of Regional Plan Part 1: A Data Snapshot of Our Region
July 2, 2024
We are excited to share our newly released report, Redwood Region RISE's "Regional Plan Part 1". This report provides a baseline snapshot of the current state of the Redwood Region’s economy, key industries, labor force characteristics, climate resilience, and public health issues that impact communities’ well-being. Throughout the report, key metrics are highlighted to enable tracking of the region’s progress towards creation of an inclusive, climate-forward economy. The plan serves as the foundation for a community-driven Regional Roadmap (to be released at the end of August 2024) aimed at guiding equitable and sustainable economic growth and resilience.
Redwood Region RISE's Gathering: Key Follow-Ups
June 4, 2024
As we close in on our three critical deliverables set for the end of August, we’ve synthesized the work the Collaborative accomplished during our recent In-Person Gathering at the Bear River Tish Non Community Center at the end of April into a comprehensive, actionable follow-up packet.
The follow-up packet outlines key takeaways from work conducted during the In-Person Gathering during the breakout sessions, the Equity Toolkit workshop, plenary sessions on climate change and food insecurity, a joint session of the Voting Block and Sector Tables, and the RRRISE Project Matchmaking Fair.
The second section of the packet maps work that was shared and completed by the RRRISE planning tables during the gathering in alignment with content required for the RRRISE Regional Plan Part 2 due in August, to highlight progress and areas requiring further development. The final section presents actions for consideration proposed by RRRISE planning tables.
Between now and August 2024, Redwood Region RISE is actively seeking feedback from our Collaborative members and the community at large--specifically those often left out of economic development planning. Your voices are paramount in shaping our collective vision and ensuring our strategic approach resonates with our region's diverse needs and aspirations. Stay tuned for more information.
Redwood Region RISE's Collaborative Gathers On April 29-30 In Humboldt
April 5, 2024
We are thrilled to meet with you at our RRRISE In-Person Collaborative Gathering on April 29-30* at the Bear River Tish Non Community Center in Loleta, Humboldt County. Over the last few months, several members of our Collaborative have requested time to gather in person to network, connect, and collaborate. We agree that while Zoom is great for initiatives that span large geographical areas such as ours, it is not the same as working together in the same space. So…Let’s gather!
- Date & Time: Monday, April 29, 8:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. to Tuesday, April 30, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Location: 266 Keisner Rd, Loleta, CA 95551 (Bear River Tish Non Community Center)
- Invitees: Members of our Equity Council, Tribal Table, Sector Tables, Voting Members, as well as community leaders and residents from our Tribal Lands and four counties.
Please note that hotel accommodations, meals, beverages, and snacks are included for participants, and reimbursements for travel and childcare are available. This event will be in-person only, there will not be a hybrid option.
*Update: Our RSVP deadline was April 23, 5:00 p.m. If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to RISEoutreach@ncoinc.org
We look forward to seeing you in-person!
Redwood Region RISE Awarded $14 Million in Catalyst Pre-Development Funding Through California Jobs First
March 19, 2024
Redwood Region RISE (Resilient Inclusive Sustainable Economy) has officially been awarded $14 million in Catalyst pre-development funding. As one of the 13 “California Jobs First” regions–and especially as a rural region comprising Tribal Lands and Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties–the Catalyst funding will help us bridge the gap between planning and implementing our regional economic development strategies and investments. These funds will enable the Redwood Region to develop ready-to-go projects that can compete for funding opportunities from federal, state, and private sources.
“For rural and under-capitalized regions like ours, getting projects ready for implementation is often held up by the expense and workload of the pre-development phase. After a year of figuring out our planning and governance structure for Redwood Region RISE, this next phase will be where the rubber hits the road and we start to move some funding to those projects that will have the best chance to receive implementation funds from the state, or that will be attractive to other funding agencies.”
— Susan Seaman, Program Director, AEDC (RRRISE’s Fiscal Agent)
Tribal Engagement Grant: New Deadline February 20, 2024
January 31, 2024
Tribal Governments in the Redwood Region RISE are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $20,000 to participate in the California Jobs First Planning Phase. The purpose of California Jobs First is to create high-paying jobs, build carbon-neutral economies, and to provide access to priority communities. All applicants must participate in Redwood Region RISE activities, which may include outreach to Tribal communities. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 20, 2024. Return completed applications to RISEoutreach@ncoinc.org.
- If you would like more information, please watch the recording of our informational webinar regarding the Tribal Engagement Grant. Passcode: 2Hz%1R!S
- Additionally, If you would like to have technical assistance for the grant application or discuss ideas, we encourage you to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Roseanne Ibarra, Director of Community Wellness at North Coast Opportunities. Please reach out to RISEoutreach@ncoinc.org or give her a call at (707) 467-3200 to schedule.
Redwood Region RISE: Regional Summary Part 1 Launched
January 24, 2024
The RRRISE convening team submitted our 470-page Regional Summary: Part 1 to the State Interagency team at the end of 2023. This report lays the groundwork for examining economic development strategies that CA Jobs First will potentially fund in our region. We've since received feedback from the State and are currently revising the report. We look forward to sharing our revised report in May-June 2024.
As we're revising the report, we are also developing a set of short & sweet topical “policy briefs” with accompanying slide decks, videos, and social media content to allow our community to easily digest the reports’ key findings.
If you have any questions about these reports, please reach us at ccrp@humboldt.edu.
Mini-Grant Opportunity for Humboldt, Lake & Mendocino
January 9, 2024
The Outreach & Engagement Team through North Coast Opportunities (NCO) invites community-based organizations to apply to receive a mini-grant of up to $10,000 to assist the team in Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino in outreach activities*.
NCO is reaching out to grassroot organizations and nonprofits. Here is an example of some of the activities we’d love your help with:
Help engage with priority communities to encourage participation;
Conduct empathy interviews and listening sessions; and
Hold focus groups and/or community meetings.
Redwood Region RISE Outreach: Training Opportunity
January 9, 2024
Our facilitation partner ThinkPlace West will offer free training for individuals and organizations interested in learning how to do Empathy Interviews to assist outreach in the Redwood Region. The training will be held on Zoom on January 19, 2024 from 9am-12pm. Please email us if you are interested in receiving a calendar invite at RISEoutreach@ncoinc.org.
Call For Photographers/Videographers: Capture The Stories Of Redwood Region RISE's Diverse Communities
December 6, 2023
Redwood Region RISE is launching a Request For Proposal (RFP) for up to two Photographers/Videographers in our Region. In this position, the Photo/Videographer would create content photography and/or videography for Redwood Region RISE’s storytelling, digital communications, and project mapping purposes. Between January-June 2024 (for a six-month period), the Photo/Videographer will work with the California Center for Rural Policy's Communications Associate to develop a visual content strategy to ensure photo/video materials are inclusive, representative, accessible, and help foster a shared vision for economic development in the Region that aligns with Redwood Region RISE's objectives: to develop a community-led, climate-forward economy.
The photo/videographic content should make tangible and bring to life the economic development projects and initiatives taking place within Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino Counties and Tribal Lands, and highlight our diverse communities’ lived experiences, challenges, and opportunities.
You can apply to submit a proposal for the position of Photographer, Videographer, or both. Please send your proposal to Leoni Fohr, Communications Associate via email to ccrp@humboldt.edu and include “Proposal for Videographer/Photographer” in the subject line.
We are accepting proposals until January 1st, 2024, 11:59 p.m.
California Jobs First: When & What Projects Are Eligible For Funding
November 2, 2023
The State shared with us a "Project Readiness" document (below). The document describes how California Jobs First (formerly CERF) will invest up to $450 million statewide ($162M in the Predevelopment/Catalyst Phase and $268M in the Implementation Phase) in projects that support a community-led, climate-forward economy. The document states: "Through the Predevelopment Phase, regions will develop a portfolio of projects designed to attract additional federal, state, and private investment while building the economy envisioned by each California Jobs First Regional Collaborative. Implementation Phase investments will fund projects that directly support the investment strategies identified in each Regional Plan."
California Economic Summit & CERF Rebrand: "California Jobs First"
October 13, 2023
The 12th annual 2023 California Economic Summit took place in Indian Wells, from October 11-13. Nearly 1,000 attendees from around the state gathered in the Coachella Valley to discuss solutions to California’s most pressing issues, including housing and homeownership, arts and the creative economy, climate resiliency and more. Representing Redwood Region RISE was California Center for Rural Policy's Director of Research and Policy, Amanda Peçanha Hickey.
During the Summit, state representatives from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and others from the administration announced the rebranding of the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) to California Jobs First. The statewide initiative is an opportunity for the 13 regions throughout the state to be empowered to chart their own course.
“Having accessible language is crucial and ‘Jobs First’ helps us to build that shared purpose within our collaborative,” said Amanda Peçanha Hickey. “For rural California in general, we have seen some of California’s growing prosperity pass us by. We are embracing the opportunity to examine this critically and right the course for our communities.”
Check Out Our Collective Meeting & Events Calendar
September 26, 2023
What's happening, where and when? Our Calendar (through 2023) will give you insight in our scheduled meetings for our High Road Transition Collaborative (HRTC), Equity Council, Tribal & Local Planning Tables, and Sector Planning Tables. We will also include other relevant events and occasional working sessions for our Voting Member Block - but the bulk of the Voting Members' work will take place during our monthly HRTC Meetings. Please note this calendar is subject to change.
If you have anything you think should be added to this calendar, please reach out to ccrp@humboldt.edu. Thank you!
Highlights From Our High Road Transition Collaborative's Launch Event
September 25, 2023
We are still reeling from last week’s hybrid “High Road Transition Collaborative (HRTC) Launch Event” and following Annual Economic Development Summit in Ukiah - we loved meeting many of you “in the flesh”, and engaging more in-depth with so many others through Zoom. In case you weren’t able to join (in-person or through Zoom) or would like to revisit what we discussed: please find the meeting recording, agenda, and presentation here. And if you haven’t yet, please fill out our Partner Survey - we have 44 respondents so far, and we’re looking for many more!
We are currently gathering and digitizing the thoughtful input that you all provided during our hybrid meeting, and we will get back to you on our (initial) findings soon. We also want to note that we appreciate all the evaluation forms that have been submitted, and we are deeply committed to make our next gathering even better than this one! If you'd also like to let us know your thoughts, please send us an email at ccrp@humboldt.edu.
Would you like to get more information on our HRTC Launch Event?
Have You Filled Out Our New "Partner Survey" Yet?
September 12, 2023
If you've been involved in Redwood Region RISE's efforts for a little while, you might remember our "Onboarding Survey", in which we asked whether you'd be interested in engaging with our Region's CERF initiative. The many responses helped us create our High Road Transition Collaborative's Governance Structure. Now that our Collective has been taking shape, we are gearing up for our next steps. This includes creating our research deliverable—the Regional Summary Part 1—which will inform the strategies and projects put forth by our Collective at the end of our Planning Phase.
Our new 'Partner Survey' is a required part of our Region’s plan, and your responses are crucial. Your survey responses will help us learn more about community members and organizations interested and/or available to participate in economic development planning and decision-making in Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino Counties and Tribal Lands. We will use the survey results to prepare these parts of our regional plan:
- A searchable directory of people and organizations interested and available to participate in the Redwood Region RISE planning process.
- Graphics and charts that illustrate all combined survey responses.
- A written analysis of the take-aways.
If you're not representing an organization/affiliation, this survey will take about five minutes to complete. For those representing an organization/affiliation it will take about twelve minutes to complete this survey.
If you'd like to participate, please complete our survey by October 15, 2023. Thank you so much!
Join Our Informational CERF Webinar (And Spread The Word!)
September 8, 2023
It is easy to get tangled up in CERF’s ambitious scope and objectives - especially if you’re new to economic development! That’s why we are organizing a regional CERF Webinar on September 14 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Zoom. This Webinar will be especially relevant to those new to our efforts, and for folks interested in joining our Local Planning Tables. That’s why we’re asking you to please forward this webinar invite to anyone in your organization, community, or personal circle. It will be the perfect opportunity to get a more personal introduction to CERF - and Redwood Region RISE specifically.
- What? CERF Webinar
- When? September 14 from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Where? On Zoom
- Why? We will go over all you need to know about CERF, our efforts so far, next steps, and ways for you to get involved.
Call For Up To Four Industry Development Sector Experts To Convene Planning Tables
August 25, 2023
Redwood Region RISE is seeking up to four organizations to facilitate industry Sector Planning Tables as part of the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) Regional Planning process. The entity/entities selected for this role will possess sector experience and will be responsible for convening the necessary partners to advance industry development across the Redwood Region–Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino counties, and Tribal Lands.
The Sector Table Coordinators will lead working sessions to surface strategies and projects that can grow their respective sectors, with emphasis on approaches that are environmentally sustainable and create thriving wage opportunities for workers. Our Region's four Sector Planning Tables are:
1. Arts, Culture, and Tourism
2. Health and Caregiving
3. Renewable and Resilient Energy
4. Working Lands and Blue Economy
You can apply to submit a proposal for Coordinator of one or more (or all) of the Sector Tables. We request that the bidder submit a notice of intent to ccrp@humboldt.edu by Friday, September 8, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
Proposals should be submitted by Friday, September 15, 2023 by 11:59 p.m. and should be addressed to Amanda Hickey, Director of Research & Policy via email to ccrp@humboldt.edu and include “Proposal for Sector Table Coordinator” in the subject line.
News On The CERF Catalyst Program
August 25, 2023
The State received over 140 unique pieces of feedback by 300+ organizations and individuals during the Public Comment Period for the Catalyst Program. This impressive volume of comments informed a thorough revision and the creation of Catalyst Program 2.0. This program is an investment in project pre-development for all 13 CERF Regions. The Program also aims to help communities access billions of dollars in additional federal, state, and private funds.
The Catalyst Program 2.0 includes up to $14 million per Region to bridge inclusive economic planning with project and program implementation:
- Up to $2 million in HRTC operations
- Up to $1.5 million towards Sector Investment Coordinators
- Up to $9 million for project pre-development activities
- Up to $1.5 million towards grant administration and compliance (Fiscal Agent overhead)
In their communications, the State noted: "The Community Economic Resilience Fund is designed to spur systemic change to build a more equitable, resilient economy. The Catalyst Program funds will support HRTCs to invest in pre-development activities, enabling regions to develop projects and maximize investment opportunities while reserving implementation funds for ready-to-go projects."
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to WSBCERF@EDD.CA.GOV.
Presenting Our New Governance Structure
August 23, 2023
Thanks everyone for providing input and thought partnership to help establish Redwood Region RISE's governance structure. To center the community voices that don't always participate in or benefit from economic development planning processes, we are establishing a regional-level, formal participatory governance structure designed to shift power to, and lift up, marginalized voices within and beyond the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF). This document provides a "bird's eye view" on CERF, our timeline, a Planning Phase "Flow Chart" and description of our High Road Transition Collaborative' bodies, and lists our priority communities and partners.
Announcing HRTC Launch Event: September 20th in Ukiah
August 12, 2023
After months of emails, online meetings and digital dialogue… We are thrilled to announce a hybrid Redwood Region RISE (Resilient, Inclusive Sustainable, Economy) High Road Transition Collaborative (HRTC) meeting!
This get-together will be the official launch of our Collaborative, and prepares us for the next part of our Planning Phase. To help us navigate our community outreach efforts, we are looking forward to a training, and much more. We will share the meeting agenda shortly.
- Who: Members from our Voting Block, Sector Tables, and Equity Council are welcome to join us in-person. All are welcome to engage via Zoom.
- Date: September 20th, 2023
- Time: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Location: 200 S School St, Ukiah (Ukiah Valley Conference Center)
- Join via Zoom: We will set up video conferencing equipment for Zoom. Please also note we’re planning to hold our second in-person gathering in March of 2024, in Del Norte County.
Call For Skilled Facilitators
August 11, 2023
Redwood Region RISE is seeking proposals for facilitation of round tables across our Region: Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino Counties. Facilitation will be from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024 for the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) Planning Phase. Facilitator(s) will be responsible for assisting community members to dialogue, make decisions and produce a regional roadmap for economic recovery that centers equity and the transition to carbon neutrality.
You can submit your proposal here by August 24th at 5:00 p.m.
If you have any questions regarding this RFP, please reach out to riseoutreach@ncoinc.org no later than August 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Please share this RFP broadly with your contacts.
Download Request For Proposal Proposal Form & Budget Governance Structure
Join Our Team: We're Looking for a Project Coordinator in Del Norte County
July 18, 2023
Redwood Region RISE's Outreach and Engagement lead North Cost Opportunities (NCO) is seeking a Project Coordinator to help implement regional community engagement strategies for building equitable and sustainable economies. Are you highly collaborative, creative and able to think strategically, and committed to use your skills and knowledge to empower communities to authentically participate in economic development planning? As NCO's Project Coordinator for CERF, you may be called upon to act as a liaison to local, regional, state, or federal partners, as well as engage with clients and members of the community, requiring a high level of professionalism and emotional intelligence, and the ability to be an effective presenter. In some cases, the Project Coordinator may be primarily responsible for management of an overall project budget, including any required tracking and reporting. Find out more and apply today!
Call for Nominations: Equity Council
July 10, 2023
Redwood Region RISE is calling for nominations for our Equity Council (formerly called 'Community Outreach & Engagement Advisory Committee'). This Equity Council will include up to twenty community members representing priority population groups and shall provide guidance on community outreach and engagement. Stipends will be available based on eligibility and meeting the requirements stated in the Commitment Form and Stipend Policy, which will be released shortly.
Would you like to—or know someone who should—join our this council? You can use the Nomination Form below to nominate someone, or fill out the Commitment Form yourself. Send your fully completed form(s) to Radhika Misri at rmisri@ncoinc.org.