A look back, and a vision for 2024

It’s been almost a year since I was sworn in as a Placer County Supervisor. 2023 was filled with memorable moments both personally and professionally. While on a personal front, my husband and I are in a new phase of life with just one of our five children left at home, my work as a Supervisor keeps me very busy and fulfilled. I love my job so much, and truly enjoy serving our community in this role.

This past year, our Board worked on a number of initiatives and policies. We came to a four-year agreement with the Placer County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, providing an immediate 10% raise, as well as another 11% over the next few years. We increased library staffing, committed funding for broadband improvements in our rural areas, supported the permanent conservation of more than 1,000 acres of land in west Placer, and advocated for local control on issues like drug needle exchange programs.

2024 is just a few days away, and I wanted to share a few of my areas of focus for the year. While there will be a multitude of issues we work on as a Board of Supervisors, I’m intentionally focusing on a few key areas: fostering and supporting agri-business, enhancing the efficiency of planning processes and customer service, advocating for local control, and strengthening partnerships with our city leaders.

Agri-business is a cornerstone of our county, and in the coming year, I’m committed to nurturing its growth. Agriculture is not merely an industry; it is a way of life that sustains families and traditions. By investing in modern agricultural practices, supporting local farmers, and promoting sustainable methods, we can ensure that our agricultural sector remains robust and resilient in the face of evolving challenges.

Improving processes and enhancing clarity in our planning procedures are crucial steps towards creating an environment that encourages economic development. Our community deserves transparent and efficient processes that enable businesses to thrive while ensuring responsible development. Clarity in our planning processes will empower both existing businesses and new ventures to navigate our regulatory landscape with confidence.

Maintaining local control is a constant battle, and I will continue to be a staunch advocate for preserving and strengthening local control when at all possible. Our community knows its needs and challenges better than any external entity. By resisting unnecessary interference from higher levels of government, we can safeguard our ability to make decisions that are tailored to the unique character of Placer. Local control is not just about autonomy; it is about empowering our community to shape its destiny and ensuring that our residents have a voice in the decisions that impact their lives.

Collaboration is the key to unlocking our county's full potential. I’m committed to continuing strong partnerships with our city leaders, recognizing that the challenges we face are interconnected and require a united front. By working hand-in-hand with our municipal counterparts, we can pool resources, share expertise, and develop comprehensive solutions that address the needs of our entire community. Whether it's infrastructure development, public services, or emergency response planning, collaboration between the county and its cities will be the imperative to our success.

2024 holds the promise of growth, resilience, and community empowerment. As one of your county supervisors, I’m dedicated to serving our community’s needs and look forward to working together to cultivate a legacy of prosperity that will endure for generations to come.

Shanti Landon
Placer County Supervisor, District 2