A few topical updates from all the good things happening in the County.
Economic Snapshot
Placer is doing well compared to the rest of the State in key areas such as unemployment, income, home prices and education. We are also doing well in kindness, as donations of over
$600,000 were collected for the River Fire, Mosquito Fire and Winter Storms.
The County General Fund Budget is $1.2 billion with the biggest driver of funding from property tax. There was a dip in 2009 through 2011, back up in 2012 then went up 9.1% last year.
The General Fund Sales Tax revenues are better than almost all other counties in growth during Covid. There is a small downturn this year but still ahead of sales tax revenues of four years ago.
Prop 19 allows for the tax basis from a previous county to be applied when people move here. This results in $456,000 less tax revenue for the county as there are 28 filings per week. This also impacts schools and special districts.
Placer County ranked 2nd in the State in new business growth with an 8.5% growth rate over the last three years. The state average was 3%. Placer is fourth in the state for overall business investment.
CDRA Department Update
Placer Commerce Center
Buzz Oates entered into an agreement for 393.7 acres in western county near the landfill and Thunder Valley. A Commerce Center is being proposed including an Innovation Center and an Entertainment/Mixed Use Center. It will generate up to 5,000 new jobs. and will be in keeping with the long-term plan of County.
5.1 million square feet of warehouse space and warehouse and 1.29 million square feet of research & development use.
Housing/Homelessness
Placer is the first county to receive the Pro-housing designation from the State for infill and development. The designation makes Placer eligible for State assistance. Monies are used for the seeding of cities and the county for development of housing.
Housing encampment before and after.
Thirty-three people filed claims through an attorney for civil rights violations in being moved. Showers, potable water, shade, warming center are now being provided. Forty-four people moved into the new low-barrier shelter area. Six didn’t move and now will be required to move in or leave. The low-barrier shelter requires no alcohol/drug use, no weapons. Some good came from the settlements in helping people get back on their feet. Others were reunited with family.
The Probation Department has a significant presence in working with the shelter participants to get back into society. There were 107 campers and that is now down to 44.
Work continues with the cities on a larger solution. The next report will be out this spring. Our area has a much lower number of homeless per capita than others in our region.
Upcoming Topics
Major issues with fires and storms, traffic and development. Code enforcement has been a recent priority with the County updating ordinances and increasing fines to motivate compliance.
The County has filed a class action lawsuit against PG&E related to the impacts of the Mosquito Fire.
LAFCO - is working on proposed annexations in Lincoln and fire district consolidations.
The breadth and depth of issues in the County is quite amazing to consider.
If you have questions of the State, let Cindy or Sophie know and they will help you get answers.
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