Redwood Region RISE Meeting Materials: Recaps

Thursday, February 26, 2026 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

AgendaPowerpoint Presentation

Meeting Recap

The February 26 Quarterly Collaborative Meeting of Redwood Region RISE focused on Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation. 

Updates

• RRRISE regranted $2.5 Million in philanthropic funding, to five high-impact, community-endorsed projects removing barriers for workers, strengthening training for construction trades and investing in clean energy. 
• RRRISE's Policy Working Group will deliver a draft Policy Platform and Implementation Guide by June.
• The Sustainability Working Group will also present a plan to continue RISE's coordination and collaboration beyond California Jobs First; expect a draft also in June. 
• Three Redwood Region projects advanced in the competitive $45M State Implementation Funding pool, with updates expected March 2nd. 
• RRRISE's Semi-Annual Report (July-December 2025) is now available.
• RISE's Equity Committee launched the Elevate Funds, offering $1,000–$3,000 micro-grants for new projects across the Redwood Region. Applications open through March 26; email lulu.mickelson@gmail.com with questions. 
• The Tribal Table is supporting Native youth workforce development and organizing a Tribal Cultural Gathering for June/July in the southern part of the region. 
• The Blue Lake Rancheria (Sector Coordinators for Renewable and Resilient Energy) is hosting a "Pathways to Trust" training on May 8 available (and encouraged!) for Collaborative members (contact mmarshall@bluelakerancheria-nsn.gov for more information).
• There will be a free West Business Development Center agritourism training “More Than a Farm”, and the Del Norte Healthcare Education & Workforce Summit on May 7, 2026. 

Arts, Culture, and Tourism (ACT): Sector Overview & Catalyst Projects

• Sector Investment Coordinator Calder Johnson presented a sector overview highlighting the region’s strength in outdoor recreation, film, agritourism and more. Challenges include undefined regional branding, aging infrastructure, and thin organizational capacity. 

Highlights from the Catalyst Project Portfolio

• The Del Norte Performing Arts and Civic Center has secured an additional $1 million through the U.S. Congressman Huffman’s Community Project Funding (CPF) and established youth programming, including an exchange with the Newport Jazz Festival.
• Blue Lake Rancheria's Carving a Legacy is turning forest restoration byproducts into economic opportunity through a new sawmill, kiln, and the launch of Blue Lake Tribal Manufacturing. 
• North Coast Food System Network (North Coast Growers Association), presented their work supporting culture and tourism via our local food systems. 

Upcoming Opportunities

• An ACT-specific Grant Workshop this spring with Capital Impact (stay tuned!).
• The Creative Business Series (April 1–May 13) from North Coast SBDC.
• The California Outdoor Recreation Partnership (April 14–15).
• Californians for the Arts (April 19–21).
• The California Outdoor Economy Summit will be hosted in the Redwood Region from June 3–5. 

To learn more, please view our sector Activation Plans and explore updates through our latest Semi-Annual Report. We look forward to seeing everyone in person in Del Norte County later this summer, stay tuned for more details!

Check our Calendar

Wednesday, November 5th (All Day) at Robinson Rancheria

Program Booklet

Follow-up Materials

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Meeting Recap

On November 5, 2025, leaders and partners from across the Redwood Region gathered at Robinson Rancheria for a full day of collaboration, learning, and connection — advancing shared priorities for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Updates

• Keynote speaker Connie Stewart, Executive Director of Initiatives at Cal Poly Humboldt, reminded participants that rebuilding rural California is generational work — and that RRRISE is building a new kind of table, rooted in belonging and shared purpose. Our Collaborative's immediate task: develop a compelling regional elevator pitch that communicates our value to funders.
• A Policy Working Group is forming to build advocacy skills and amplify the region's voice in Sacramento, led by Toni Symonds of Policy Works California. If you're interested in joining, email ccrp@humboldt.edu.
• Interest is being gauged for follow-up Healthy Partnerships sessions using the STAR framework introduced by Sarah Kerr (Pink Possum Consulting). Email ccrp@humboldt.edu if you'd like more tailored support for your partnerships.
• RRRISE has released a Follow-Up Packet featuring session highlights, key takeaways, and resources from every session — available at bit.ly/RISE-follow-up.

Session Highlights

• Policy Literacy, facilitated by Toni Symonds, grounded participants in the norms and language of public policy — and reinforced that our region has both the power and the capacity to advocate for itself effectively.
• Healthy Partnerships and Coalitions, facilitated by Sarah Kerr, introduced the STAR framework (Separateness, Tuning, Action, Reason) as a practical tool for building trust-based, resilient collaborative relationships — even through funding changes and organizational transitions.
• Strengthening Career Pathways, facilitated by Capitol Impact, introduced Talent Pipeline Management — a demand-driven, employer-led model that helps businesses and education partners co-design pipelines connecting learners to jobs and advancement.
• Turning Regional Plans Into Investable Pipelines, facilitated by Regional Government Services alongside our Sector Investment Coordinators, reinforced that our shared vision makes the Redwood Region a model for rural economic development — and that reframing our challenges as opportunities is key to attracting values-aligned investment.
• Grant Writing and Grant-Readiness, facilitated by Ursula Bischoff, reminded participants that grant writing is storytelling: turning passion into proposals that speak directly to funders' goals.

Collective Impact: County & Tribal Updates

• Del Norte County is advancing major infrastructure and affordable housing projects.
• Humboldt County is emerging as a hub for offshore wind energy and turbine assembly, with port redevelopment underway.
• Lake County is expanding renewable energy leadership, housing, small-business support, and workforce training.
• Mendocino County continues to build resilience across its wine, timber, cannabis, and tourism sectors.
• The Tribal Table is planning a Big Time gathering in summer 2026 — with days dedicated to Tribal community and days open to the broader region — centering economic, cultural, and community development.

Explore our Nov. 5th Convening Follow-Up Packet

Thursday, September 25, 2025 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 Agenda

Sept. 25 Powerpoint Presentation

Meeting Recap

The September 25 Quarterly Collaborative meeting of Redwood Region RISE, now in its implementation phase, focused on forest and fire resilience. The session opened with introductions, a land acknowledgment, and a “Redwood Reads” icebreaker where participants shared books that help them reflect on current challenges. Participants were reminded that these Quarterly Collaborative Meetings provide updates and shared learning, while decision-making takes place in RRRISE governance meetings.

Administrative Updates

Preparations are underway for the November 5 in-person convening in Lake County, which will highlight regional collective impact with working sessions, panels, and networking. The Collaborative welcomed Capitol Impact as the newest Sector Coordinator for capacity support and workforce development, providing technical assistance, career pathway mapping, and project readiness services. Sustainability planning beyond the California Jobs First grant has begun through a new working group and a consultant Request For Proposal.

Review the Sustainability Consultant RFP

Collaborative Bodies - Progress Updates

Governance updates included reseating Voting Members, updating bylaws, and making the Equity Council a permanent Equity Committee with expanded county representation. RRRISE leaders emphasized keeping equity at the foundation of RRRISE’s work. The Tribal Table introduced new facilitators from the Northern California Indian Development Council (NCIDC) and announced upcoming Tribal Table events. The Economic Development Finance Working Group plans to relaunched expert sessions on investment readiness, while Sector Investment Coordinators shared updates on Activation Plans and collaboration with Catalyst Awardees.

Sustainable Forestry & Fire Resilience: Catalyst Projects

The meeting’s centerpiece was a focus on sustainable forestry and fire resilience. Working Lands and Blue Economy Sector Coordinator Mary Anne Petrillo with West Business Development Center outlined strategies for workforce development, capacity building, market innovation, and pilot projects.

Working Lands and Blue Economy Activation Plan

Four Catalyst awardees then presented their work: Developing a Climate Forward Workforce & Innovation Pipeline for Forest and Community Resilience (Christy Prescott, Forest WRX Alliance), Carving a Legacy: Tribal Traditions, Woodworking, and Workforce Development (Michael Shackelford, Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe), Red Hills Bioenergy Facility and Central Wood Processing Plant (Jeff Durtschi, Omni BioEnergy with Scotts Valley Energy Corporation), and Career Pathways: Fire, Forest, Fish & Facilities (Damien Roomets, Trees Foundation). Together, these projects demonstrated how wildfire risk reduction can also drive economic opportunity, workforce development, and community resilience across the Redwood Region.

Explore all Catalyst Projects

Expert Panel

A panel featuring Karen Gaffney, Director of Strategic Planning & Communication with the North Coast Resource Partnership, along with Steve Frisch, President, and Emily Blackmer, Government and Community Affairs Director with the Sierra Business Council—both active in the statewide Wildfire Solutions Coalition—emphasized the urgent need for stable, multi-year funding of $3 billion annually to achieve California’s wildfire resilience goals. Panelists highlighted priorities such as clear career pathways, strong workplace cultures, and tribal-led workforce initiatives. They also noted opportunities through Proposition 4 and federal commitments, while urging stronger advocacy for biomass utilization and regional coordination. 

Recap & Closing

The meeting concluded with a call to continue advancing equity, innovation, and partnership in building fire-resilient communities. Participants were encouraged to engage with Activation Plans, explore project updates, and register for the November convening to strengthen collaborative solutions for the Redwood Region.

Check out Calendar

Friday, June 27, 2025 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

June 27 Agenda

June 27 Powerpoint Presentation

Meeting Recap

Redwood Region RISE (RRRISE) held its second quarterly Collaborative meeting of 2025 on June 27th, focusing on the region's Health and Caregiving sector. The virtual session brought together our Collaborative bodies, regional partners, and community leaders to review progress on our Collaborative's implementation efforts, and spotlight innovative workforce development initiatives.

Key Updates and Milestones

Semi-Annual Progress Report Highlights: RRRISE reported significant progress aligned with our Theory of Change through the first half of 2025, including the awarding of $9 million in Catalyst Fund grants to 10 initiatives from 66 applications requesting approximately $57 million. RRRISE's Sector Investment Coordinators 'finalized' Sector Activation Plans as (ever-evolving) collaborative implementation guides and strengthened partnership infrastructure through a RRRISE Resource Toolkit, Partner Directory, and technical assistance for project proponents in the region.
 

Projects Map Launch: Our brand new Projects Map transitioned from spreadsheet format to a dynamic, interactive platform. The opt-in system allows qualifying regional projects to showcase their work and connect with potential collaborators and funders.

Explore Projects Map

Join the Projects Map 

Catalyst Funds Outcomes: RRRISE's $9 million Catalyst Fund awarded 10 innovative initiatives across five key areas: strengthening food systems, climate-forward workforce development, Tribal energy sovereignty, healthcare workforce growth, and arts and culture for resilience. These pre-development awards are designed to help projects build capacity, develop partnerships, and prepare for larger-scale implementation and funding opportunities.

Explore out Catalyst Projects

Health & Caregiving Sector Deep Dive

North Coast Health Improvement and Information Network (NCHIIN), serving as our Health and Caregiving Sector Investment Coordinator team, presented comprehensive data on regional healthcare workforce challenges. Key findings highlighted persistent shortages of nurses, behavioral health professionals, and allied health workers, with healthcare expenses accounting for 43% of median income and 59% of residents reporting inadequate access to childcare.

NCHIIN outlined strategic solutions including expanding educational pathways, workforce development programs, and infrastructure investments. The presentation detailed current and planned educational offerings across K-12, community colleges, and four-year institutions, emphasizing "grow our own" workforce development approaches.

Spotlight: HEART Hub Project

The meeting featured an in-depth presentation on the Healthcare Education and Regional Training Hub (HEART Hub) in Lake County, one of the Catalyst Fund recipients. Led by the Lake County Economic Development Corporation, this innovative project will establish a county-wide learning center serving students from grades 5-8 through adult learners.

HEART Hub has secured $1 million in initial funding, including $650,000 from the RRRISE Catalyst Fund and a $1 million in-kind property donation from Sutter Lakeside Hospital. The project aims to train up to 1,000 high school and adult learners annually while introducing over 4,500 students to healthcare careers.

Learn More About HEART Hub

Looking Forward

• The RRRISE Collaborative is looking forward to an in-person meeting on November 5, 2025, in Lake County (venue TBD), with 110 scholarships available for travel and lodging. Submit your ideas for our November 5th in-person meeting here.
• RRRISE has launched its After-Action Review process to gather lessons learned from the Catalyst Fund experience and improve future programming. Check out the After-Action Review FAQ.

Check out Calendar

Thursday, March 27, 2025 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

March 27 Agenda

March 27 Powerpoint Presentation

Meeting Recap

Catalyst Awards: Anticipation and Careful Consideration

Our March 27 Quarterly Collaborative Meeting was buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming RRRISE Catalyst Awards. While the announcement is just around the corner, our Voting Members are taking a meticulous approach to selecting a balanced portfolio with the most impactful projects for our region's future.

State Economic Blueprint: A Collaborative Vision

The State launched its Economic Blueprint, a first-of-its-kind 10-year economic plan that includes input from all 13 regional Collaboratives. This innovative blueprint strategically categorizes industries into four key sectors. Check out the visual

State Economic Blueprint at a Glance

Exciting Funding Opportunities

The State launched two California Jobs First funding opportunities:

1. State Implementation RFP

• Total Funding: $125 million for "shovel-ready" projects
• Focus Areas: Aerospace & Defense, Clean Economy, and High-Tech
• Competitive Funding: Targeting Accelerate and Bet sectors

2. Tribal Investment Funding RFP

• Total Funding: $15 million in competitive grants
• Grant Amounts: Up to $1 million for individual Tribes, $2 million for Tribal Consortia
• Focus: Economic development, job creation, and climate resilience
• Application Deadlines:
  • Round 1: April 30, 2025
  • Round 2: March 13, 2026

RRRISE Catalyst Pre-Development Fund Updates

We're getting very close to announce our Catalyst Pre-Development Fund Awardees:

• Total Project Proposals Received: 66
• Total Funding Requests: Approximately $57 million
• Thorough Review: Top 32 Project Proponents have been invited to showcase their initiatives
• Decision Timeline: Voting Members to make the final selection in early April

Meet Our Sector Investment Coordinators

Our dedicated team of Sector Investment Coordinators stands ready to support project development across critical sectors:

• Arts, Culture, and Tourism: Calder Johnson - calder.johnson@gmail.com
• Health and Caregiving: Tina Schaible - RRRISE@nchiin.org
• Renewable and Resilient Energy: Matthew Marshall - mmarshall@bluelakerancheria-nsn.gov
• Working Lands and Blue Economy: Mary Anne Petrillo - maryanne@westcenter.org

Financial Snapshot

• Total RRRISE Implementation Budget: $14 Million
  • Fiscal Administration: $1.5 Million
  • Regional Convener: $2 Million
  • Sector Investment Coordinators: $1.5 Million
  • Catalyst Projects: $9 Million
• Current Spending: Approximately 4%
• Stipend Budget: $20,199 spent out of $100,000

Review Our New Stipend Policy

Upcoming Events & Meetings

• Catalyst Awardees Announcement: Early April
• April 2: Economic Development Finance WG Expert Session
• April 11: Equity Council + Tribal Table Joint Session
• April 16: Economic Development Finance WG Expert Session

Checkout out Calendar

Thursday, November 21, 2024 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

November 21 Agenda

November 21 Powerpoint Presentation

Meeting Recap

At its November 21, 2024 first Quarterly Collaborative Meeting, that was interpreted realtime into Spanish, Redwood Region RISE outlined major developments in their Implementation Phase and announced several key initiatives. At the top of the meeting, the RRRISE Convening Team thanked North Coast Opportunities (NCO) and True North Organizing Network (TNON) for their valuable outreach efforts throughout the Planning Phase. 

Implementation: Shift to Action & Strategies

The Convening Team reminded everyone of changes to its operations as it has moved from Planning to Implementation. The team’s convening budget has been reduced from $5 million during Planning to $2 million in Implementation, reflecting a focus on action-oriented collaboration and strategy resourcing using the Collective Impact Model. RRRISE has set up a regular meeting schedule to support this work. Quarterly sessions will alternate between virtual and in-person formats. Governing bodies will meet quarterly, while the Leadership Team (including the Voting Members' Executive Committee, Sector Investment Coordinators, and the Convening Team) will meet monthly to keep things on track. Take a look at our calendar here.

Catalyst Pre-development Request for Proposal

Central to the meeting was the launch of the $9M Catalyst Pre-development Request For Proposal (RFP) on November 18, focusing on exploratory and near-implementation-ready projects that align with the RRRISE Regional Roadmap.

The RFP process, with applications due January 15, 2025, will be evaluated by up to 30 Project Scorers (compensated $1,500 each) using a rubric developed by the Equity Council and Voting Members (see Appendix B in the Request For Proposal). Scoring emphasizes feasibility, equity, economic development, and environmental impact, with additional points for priority community leadership and partnerships. Technical assistance is available through ccrp@humboldt.edu, with Fiscal Agent North Edge to provide budget guidelines through an FAQ document that will be shared shortly.

Regional Strategies informing a State Blueprint and Activation Plans

The meeting also introduced the State Blueprint 2025-2035, which consolidates strategic priorities from California Jobs First's 13 economic development regions. This comprehensive plan from the State aims to streamline regional economic development efforts to create family-sustaining jobs across California. On our end, four Sector Investment Coordinators (Arts, Culture, and Tourism; Health and Caregiving; Renewable and Resilient Energy; and Working Lands and Blue Economy) are developing Activation Plans to operationalize our Regional Plan Part 2 (our regional strategies). One draft Activation Plan is due January 31, 2025, and final plans for all four sectors are due June 30, 2025.

Last, but not least

Additional announcements included ongoing Public Comment for the Regional Roadmap through December 1, 2024, and the next in-person Quarterly Collaborative Meeting scheduled for February 27-28, 2025, with accommodations and travel support provided. To facilitate ongoing regional collaboration, a new online Partner Directory has been introduced.