In service,
Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor

The Placer County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a balanced budget totaling $1,221,251,032 for fiscal year 2022-23, representing a 19.2% increase over FY 2021-22. The increase is attributed to inflationary costs and the addition of staffing to deliver services in key strategic areas of county operations. These cost increases are primarily offset with additional property and sales tax revenues related to the growing local economy. State and federal grant revenues have also increased to offset the growing cost of health and human services and public safety programs. Also included in the budget is an increase of $99.1 million in capital projects, which are funded by bond financing, capital reserves and state grants. LEARN MORE

I am proud that our county is in a strong financial position and can adequately serve its residents by providing comprehensive county services. Our state partners are pessimistic about the economy in the coming fiscal year and it’s imperative that we be prepared to backfill our services with reserve funds should the state decrease its budget allocations to counties.

Increasing the variety and affordability of housing in Placer County’s developed unincorporated areas is the goal of a series of policy changes approved Tuesday by the County Board of Supervisors. The proposed updates would align county code with sweeping changes to state law in recent years intended to address the growing housing affordability crisis in California. They would also allow innovative housing types like moveable tiny homes and co-housing or “cottage home” developments. While Placer County has for years been working to reduce barriers to housing construction, the Board of Supervisors and community members alike sought an extensive public engagement process to ensure a balance between meeting state requirements and preserving the character of existing communities through this broad update to Placer’s housing policy. LEARN MORE

The estimated number of unhoused community members in Placer County remains relatively steady compared to 2020, according to results of the 2022 Point-in-Time homeless census released today by the Homeless Resource Council of the Sierras. Placer County will use data from the count to inform its ongoing efforts to address homelessness, including a regional planning effort that is now entering its second phase. Results showed that the overall estimate of homeless individuals increased by less than 1% from 2020 to 2022, from 744 to 750, although the rate of homelessness per 10,000 people declined slightly during that time period. LEARN MORE

There will be over 180 positions available on various local city councils, school boards, parks, fire, water and utility districts in Placer County this November. Citizens who are interested in serving their community and are registered voters are qualified to run for local office but may not know how to go about it. The Placer County Elections Office is holding a candidate workshop July 23 to take the mystery out of running for office. Prospective candidates and their supporters are encouraged to attend. Members of the media and the general public are also invited. The workshop will explain many of the details involved in running for public office including campaign financial disclosure filing, campaign techniques and working with the media. Guest speakers will include a successful candidate, a campaign consultant, member of the media, Placer County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters Ryan Ronco, and knowledgeable elections staff. Candidate filing for the November 2022 general election will open July 18 and close at 5pm on August 12. LEARN MORE

The Board of Supervisors recently approved $700,000 over two years to continue the expanded pilot Residential Chipper Program with the Placer County Resource Conservation District.

The Chipper Program is a good use of public funds because it provides a low-cost residential chipper service for Placer residents, incentivizes fuels reduction on residential properties, and promotes defensible space. LEARN MORE

We live in a beautiful, but fire danger critical area - it is ALL our responsibility to ensure we are fire-prepared. Please be vigilant with your actions and evacuation plans. SIGN UP FOR PLACER ALERT - it is the single best way to stay informed in an emergency.

IMPORTANT WILDFIRE RESOURCES: