Communities across the state—and country—are grappling with the complex issue of homelessness. While Placer County has the lowest rate of homelessness in Northern California, our Board, staff, and community partners are working diligently to address this issue and support the long-term health and wellbeing of Placer County communities.

The causes of homelessness are multifaceted, and the County approach reflects that. In December of 2021, Placer County Probation unveiled their Probation Outreach Vehicle to serve unhoused individuals. In August of last year, the County opened the Lotus Center, a 24/7 respite center for individuals in crisis. In April, the County secured funding for 82 units of permanent supportive housing and services. And the County continues to participate in the Regional Homelessness Response working group, having conversations with representatives from all six cities to find countywide, collaborative strategies.

The County also enacted a camping ordinance to prohibit camping in certain areas of County property. Last spring, homeless camping on the Placer County Government Center grew to a size and scale that we couldn’t continue to allow. It wasn’t safe or healthy for those camping there, it wasn’t safe for the public and the staff who need to access the site, and it impacted neighbors in the area. After enacting its camping ordinance, the County lawfully required individuals camping on the Government Center to relocate. Unfortunately, a number of those individuals filed a class claim against the County. Since September, the County has been working to resolve those claims, and in January a settlement was reached. Part of that settlement requires establishing a mobile temporary shelter at 11517 F Avenue on the Placer County Government Center. READ PRESS RELEASE

HIGHWAY 49 BUSINESS ASSOCIATION was founded to give local businesses a networking opportunity to promote their businesses, to be a resource for local happenings and to give a voice to local businesses in political and economic activities. 

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
 • President: Peter Konrad
 • Vice President: Jerry Picaman
 • Treasurer: Irene Yamasaki
 • Secretary: Madonna Anglin
 • Past President: Monique Hall
 • Director: Tony Ferrari

PLACER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION recently hosted a donor appreciation dinner where I had the honor to speak. The blaze spread nearly 77,000 acres in Placer and El Dorado County with 4000 firefighters assigned to the fire - resulting in the largest evacuation in Placer County history, with 6000 people facing up to 11 consecutive days of evacuation. Placer Community Foundation established the Mosquito Fire Relief Fund, raising $314K which was distributed to an estimated 2500 households. Similarly, Placer Community Foundation raised $258K for the River Fire and $20K for the Winter Storms. LEARN MORE

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA is celebrating their 50th anniversary of operations this season! This past weekend I was excited to partake in the celebration which included 3 fun-filled days with live music, ice sculptures, a drone show, operations showcase, and so much more. LEARN MORE

Based on the recommendation of the Capital Advisory Projects Committee, eight capital improvement projects have received funding in eastern Placer County. On Tuesday, January 24, the Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the allocation of $4,493,818 in Tourism Occupancy Tax funds consistent with CAP Committee recommendations to fund these eight projects for the 2022-23 fiscal year. LEARN MORE

I’m thankful for the CAP Committee’s deliberation and commitment to recommending these projects in our region.There are many important needs in our area and I’m so thankful the committee reserved funds for future projects that could go to addressing critical housing and transportation issues.

Placer County Health and Human Services is now providing free tax assistance to eligible individuals and families, in cooperation with the IRS and United Way, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA helps wage earners with the highest need receive their earned income tax credit, a refundable federal and state income tax credit for low-to moderate-income working individuals and families. Anyone earning income up to $65K in 2022 is eligible for this free program. LEARN MORE