District 5 Newsletter | A New Year of Community Engagement in District 5

Banner


DISTRICT 5 NEWSLETTER 

A New Year of Community Engagement in District 5

As we begin a new year, I invite you to join myself and our team in setting priorities that strengthen our communities and reflect the values of District 5. You are always welcome to reach out to our office and consider attending one of the many public meetings we hold to engage with our residents and neighbors throughout the District as outlined below.   

BE PART OF THE PROCESS 

One of my ongoing commitments is encouraging meaningful public participation in the decisions that shape Placer County. While our county serves more than 400,000 residents, only a small number regularly engage in meetings, workshops, and advisory groups. Our best decisions are made when a wide range of voices and perspectives are at the table, and your involvement truly matters! 

The year ahead brings important opportunities to engage on issues that impact our daily lives and long-term future, including land use and long-range planning, transportation, forest health, wildfire resilience, and housing. Opportunities are available to take part in our commission and committee meetings, Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meetings, community forums, and other public engagement opportunities whenever possible. These forums play a critical role in shaping recommendations that ultimately come before the Board of Supervisors. 

Placer County also relies on residents who are willing to serve. There are many volunteer opportunities on boards, commissions, and advisory councils across the county. Serving in these roles isn’t always easy, but it is deeply meaningful and helps ensure our policies reflect community needs. 

I encourage you to explore the current openings and review upcoming agendas and topics to see where your interests align. Whether your passion is housing, environmental stewardship, public health, or youth services, there is a place where your voice can make a real difference. 

STAY CONNECTED 

You’re already taking an important step by subscribing to this newsletter, thank you! To stay even more informed, you may also wish to subscribe to the Eastern Placer Bulletin, the Countywide Newsletter, or updates on specific topics of interest. I also encourage everyone to sign up for Placer Alert, the county’s emergency notification system, so you receive timely information when it matters most. 

I remain committed to connecting with residents in person throughout the year, whether at local businesses, neighborhood gatherings, or community events. If you’re interested in hosting a coffee chat, site visit, or other opportunity to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. 

Thank you for staying engaged and invested in District 5. I look forward to working alongside you in the year ahead and welcome your ideas, feedback, and vision for our community. Together, let’s make this a year of collaboration, progress, and shared success. 

In service,
Cindy Gustafson
District 5 Supervisor


D5 MEETINGS/EVENTS + CASEWORK SUMMARY

2026

The past month we attended: 

17 Internal Meetings
• 19 External Meetings
• 8 Board/Commission Meetings
• 2 MAC Meetings/ Forums/ Town Halls 
• 10 Community Events

We assisted: 38 Constituents 

View Calendar + Request Assistance 


EVENTS, NEWS & RESOURCES

DISTRICT 5 RECOGNIZED

Best of the best

We’re honored that Supervisor Cindy Gustafson was recognized as Best Supervisor in the Auburn Journal’s 2025 Best of the Best Awards. This recognition reflects not only her commitment to the community, but also the collaboration and support of residents, staff, and local partners who make positive change possible throughout District 5. Check out all the winners here.


RED SAND PROJECT RAISES AWARENESS TO PROTECT VULNERABLE YOUTH

red sand

Placer County families and community groups are invited to take part in the Red Sand Project, a countywide effort during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month to raise awareness about human trafficking and its impact on children. Led by the Children’s System of Care and local partners, the project uses red sand poured into sidewalk cracks to symbolize victims who are often unseen. The main event will be held January 15 at the Royer Park Pedestrian Bridge, with additional activities and trainings offered throughout the month. LEARN MORE


CDRA USER FEE STUDY: PUBLIC WORKSHOPS

CDRA Workshop

Placer County’s Community Development Resource Agency has completed a comprehensive User Fee Study to evaluate the costs associated with development-related services and fees. To share the findings and answer questions, CDRA will host two virtual public workshops on January 14 and January 21, both from 4:00–5:30 p.m. The study will also be presented to the Board of Supervisors on February 17, 2026, and community members are encouraged to attend a workshop to learn more and provide input. Jan. 14 Webinar + Jan. 21 Webinar


RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE — FREE & EASY

Tree

After the holidays, Placer County offers free Christmas tree drop-off locations to help keep trees out of the landfill. In the Auburn area, residents can drop off undecorated, non-flocked trees at the Auburn Transfer Station (12305 Shale Ridge Road) now through January 31. Additional drop-off sites are available throughout the county. please remove all lights and ornaments before recycling. LEARN MORE


COMMITTEE OPENINGS IN DISTRICT 5

Apply now

There are several open opportunities on local committees and commissions in District 5, offering a chance to get involved and help shape important decisions in our community. If you're passionate about making a difference, consider applying and contributing your voice to local governance. VIEW VACANCIES + APPLY TODAY


Placer Alert

Placer Alert notifies residents about emergency events and other important public safety information via phone call, text or email.  SIGN UP


211

Free, confidential, multilingual and available 24/7. Connect to resources for housing, food, transportation, healthcare, heat safety resources and more. Your source for non-emergency disaster information. LEARN MORE


Ready Placer

Stay informed with the ReadyPlacer Dashboard! Access current conditions, incidents, road closures, power outages, sandbag locations, and more—all in one place. Visit the dashboard to stay up to date and prepared. CHECK THE DASHBOARD

Placer County logo


[DISTRICT 5 WEBSITE]

+
SUBSCRIBE HERE
District 5 Newsletter
East Placer Bulletin


UPCOMING
MEETINGS & EVENTS

January 8
• North Tahoe Forum

January 13
• North Auburn MAC

January 20
• Board of Supervisors

January 21
• Local Area Formation Commission

January 26
• Board of Supervisors

January 28
• Tahoe Regional Planning Agency 

February 2-3
• Board of Supervisors (Tahoe)


[VIEW PLACER'S

ONLINE CALENDAR]