Breadcrumb
Economic Development Finance
From Concept to Capital
Two years of regional finance work through California Jobs First and Redwood Region RISE are becoming a permanent council — keeping that expertise here for the long term. The RRRISE Economic Development Finance (EDF) Working Group connected local jurisdictions and economic development practitioners with the tools and support needed to turn promising projects into fundable realities, through expert sessions, technical assistance, and a growing resource library. As a permanent Regional Project Finance Council (RPFC), that work continues — giving our region a lasting source of finance expertise focused on the harder question: not just spotting opportunities, but getting deals done and keeping them going.
Background
The Economic Development Finance Working Group convened in 2024 as part of the Redwood Region RISE Collaborative, with a mandate to build capacity rather than distribute grants — giving the people already doing economic development here a working command of the tools that turn a good idea into a funded project.
Over two years, eighteen monthly expert sessions built a database of project funding and financing tools. What they surfaced was consistent: the region's constraint was rarely the idea. It was the assembly — knowing which tools stack, in what order, with which partners, and what a lender or tax credit investor needs to see before they'll move.
That constraint is a standing feature of development in a rural region, not a two-year problem. Making the Working Group permanent lets the support structure built for these projects keep doing what it was built for.
Regional Project Finance Council (RPFC)
The EDF Working Group's next chapter is the Regional Project Finance Council (RPFC), a standing advisory body hosted by North Edge. Building on the relationships and expertise developed across Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, and Mendocino Counties, the RPFC brings together lenders, tax credit and infrastructure finance specialists, Tribal economic development leaders, and regional practitioners to help move projects from concept to closing — and to keep that capacity in the region after California Jobs First funding ends in September 2026. The Council convenes for the first time in Fall 2026.
The Council...
Members review projects while the financing picture is still forming, when a structural problem is cheaper to fix.
Which tools actually fit — tax credits, CDFI debt, infrastructure programs, philanthropy — and which are not worth the effort at this scale.
Members bring standing relationships with lenders, funders, and program staff, and make introductions where the fit is real.
Expert Sessions Archive
Every EDF Working Group expert session is recorded and posted here with slide decks and supporting materials — eighteen sessions on the financing tools most relevant to this region. It remains a standing reference for anyone working on a project here, whether or not they ever come before the Council.
Great Redwood Trail & Regional Economic Development: From Trail Corridor to Economic Opportunity
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
This Expert Session explored the economic development potential of trail corridors as engines of regional opportunity. Featuring Elaine Hogan of the Great Redwood Trail Agency and Shawn Casey-White of the Napa Valley Vine Trail, the conversation examined how trail infrastructure can catalyze tourism, workforce development, small business growth, and investment-ready projects across rural communities. Drawing from both North Coast and statewide experiences, the session highlighted how corridor planning, partnership development, and strategic positioning helped translate place-based assets into broader economic and financing opportunities—offering models directly relevant to NCRP’s expanding Arts, Culture, and Tourism (ACT) network and regional implementation efforts.
From Regional Vision to Capital Readiness
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
In this Expert Session, participants explored how Working Lands and Blue Economy strategies can move from regional vision to capital-ready opportunities as the region transitions beyond California Jobs First. The discussion brought together regional and global perspectives on aligning place-based priorities with broader capital, industry, and implementation ecosystems. The session also introduced emerging approaches in blue finance and community development finance, including the concept of resilience triangulation, which aligns ocean health, local economies, and climate adaptation. Overall, the conversation highlighted that effectively connecting strategy to execution—and vision to investment—is critical for advancing impactful, finance-ready projects.
Getting Projects Finance-Ready
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
This expert session focused on the foundations of project feasibility and what it takes for projects to become finance-ready as initiatives across the Redwood Region transition from planning to implementation following Catalyst funding under California Jobs First. Ross Welch of North Edge: Business Financing & Community Development and Kirk Cohune shared complementary perspectives on the financial and practical dimensions of project readiness. The discussion explored how lenders and project developers assess feasibility, common pitfalls that prevent projects from attracting capital, and the importance of addressing early constraints related to planning, permitting, financial modeling, and stakeholder coordination. Together, the speakers emphasized that strong projects require early alignment between feasibility, risk management, and capital strategy to build a credible pathway to investment and successful implementation.
Capital Absorption Framework: From Transactional Deals to Investment Ecosystem
Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
The Economic Development Finance Working Group opened its 2026 Expert Session series with an in-depth discussion on the Capital Absorption Framework, led by Omar Carrillo Tinajero of the Center for Community Investment. Participants were introduced to the framework as a strategic tool for aligning community priorities with investment capital and strengthening regional readiness for funding. The conversation explored how to effectively blend philanthropic, government, and private capital; build local capacity to receive and manage resources; and develop systems that support long-term, equitable rural investment. The session was especially relevant for teams preparing for upcoming 2026 funding opportunities and working to build strong, investment-ready project pipelines.
Tribal & Regional Clean Energy Finance
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
The Expert Session on Advancing Tribal & Regional Clean Energy Finance brought a rich conversation on financing strategies to support investment-ready clean energy and climate resilience projects across rural and Tribal communities. Speakers included Matthew Marshall of Blue Lake Rancheria, who shared lessons from pioneering regional energy resilience initiatives; Todd Halvorsen of the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, who broke down the complexities of project finance and structuring for Tribal-led efforts; Craig Lammlin of Baker Tilly, who offered insights into leveraging tax credits and incentives across jurisdictions; and Rich Felice of the Mendocino Council of Governments, who highlighted the work of the Northern Rural Energy Network in supporting hard-to-reach communities. The session closed with reflections on momentum built in 2025 and opportunities to align upcoming projects with emerging funding pathways in the new year.
Project Development & Funding Strategies
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
This session empowered participants to strengthen project readiness, sharpen financial fluency, and position their teams for RRRISE-aligned funding opportunities. It set the stage for the RRRISE in-person Convening on November 5th, building momentum and energy around collaborative project development. Participants explored strategies for conducting feasibility studies, creating financial pro formas, and evaluating project and deal readiness—leaving with practical tools and insights to advance their initiatives.
Expert Session on Working Lands and Blue Economy
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
This Expert Session on Working Lands and Blue Economy sector finance brought together leaders from philanthropy, government, and international development to explore the power of cross-sector collaboration in driving transformational change, especially within rural communities. Attendees gained practical strategies for initiating and sustaining mission-aligned partnerships, and learned how trust, alignment, and shared outcomes are key to long-term success. Our panelists shared real-world insights and experiences that underscored the potential of strategic alliances to unlock funding, scale impact, and foster community resilience.
- Making Sense of Complexity
- North Coast Resources Partners:
- UC Berkeley Possibility Lab
- Side Porch:
Expert Session on Arts, Culture, and Tourism
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The webinar on Arts, Culture, and Tourism Financing provided an opportunity for participants to engage with representatives from arts councils, tourism boards, and economic development agencies. The session offered valuable insights into identifying investment strategies for creative sector infrastructure and tourism-driven economic development. Discussions highlighted the role of the arts, culture, and tourism sectors in job creation and enhancing quality of life, while also addressing potential challenges and strategies for further development.
The team explored the Redwood Region’s tourism potential, the impact of arts on economic growth, and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in the arts. The session also delved into fundraising strategies, the effectiveness of arts and parks projects, and the challenges faced by nonprofits in the region.
Expert Session on Health and Caregiving
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The EDFWG session on Health & Caregiving featured key insights into workforce development, funding, and partnership strategies:
- Leveraging Strategies: Rod Grainger and Miranda Ramos showcased the Incubate program, emphasizing collaborative investments in caregiving workforce development.
- Braided Capital: Connie Stewart highlighted the creation of a Behavioral Health Crisis Center through a public-private partnership model, illustrating the impact of blended funding sources.
- Funding Opportunities: Summer Nishio and Brock Lewis outlined CHFFA’s current funding and financing programs available to support health and caregiving initiatives.
The session provided attendees with actionable strategies, funding pathways, and collaborative models to strengthen caregiving systems across sectors.
Startup Incubators & Accelerators
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
April’s Expert Session on Startup Incubators & Accelerators featured insightful presentations from Kacie Flynn of Cal Poly Humboldt and Paloma Patterson of the West Business Development Center. Our presenters highlighted the Startup Humboldt Incubator and Startup Mendocino for their role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. These programs were also highlighted as accelerators dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs through mentorship and resources. The session underscored the importance of incubators and accelerators in driving regional economic development and building strong startup ecosystems in Northern California.
Grant Writing and Grant Management
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
This Expert Session on Grant Writing and Grant Management covered key topics such as grant application best practices, data-informed funding opportunities, alternative capital sources, and specific grant programs like Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Transportation, Housing, and Tech Hubs. Presenters Jim Robbins (Housing and Grants Manager, City of Ukiah), Andrea Trincado (Project & Grant Administrator Manager, City of Ukiah) and Kristin Cooper Carter (CEO, Grants Management Associates, Durham, CA) shared insights on municipal grant development, broadband expansion through grants, and strategies for securing funding. Attendees gained valuable knowledge on optimizing grant applications and funding strategies.
Rural Oriented Venture Capital
Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
This Expert Session focused on the opportunities and challenges in rural-oriented venture capital. The discussion also covered the efforts to promote entrepreneurship and business growth on the North Coast, the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing venture capital, and the potential for growth in various industries such as timber management and specialty crop agriculture. The session concluded with a broader discussion on rural entrepreneurship and technology transfer, emphasizing the importance of domain knowledge, concise messaging, and external knowledge for rural youth.
Opportunity Zones in California
Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
This month, the EDFWG hosted an expert session on Opportunity Zones in California, featuring insights from Mark Northcross, Principal at NHA Advisors LLC, and Brian Coleman, Project Financing Manager at GO-Biz. This impactful session delved into the potential and practicalities of Opportunity Zones (OZs) within the state. Participants gained valuable lessons from the experiences shared and explored how OZs align with local projects and priorities. The session provided actionable insights, leaving attendees better equipped to navigate and leverage Opportunity Zones for meaningful impact.
Community Development Block Grants
Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
The EDF Working Group held an informative Expert Session on Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) with presentations from Jeff Lucas of Community Development Services and Kelly Hansen from Mendocino County. Attendees gained a foundational understanding of CDBG, learning about the key objectives, eligibility requirements, and application processes. Jeff Lucas provided insights into how CDBG funds support local projects aimed at economic development, infrastructure improvement, and public services. Kelly Hansen shared firsthand experiences from Mendocino County, discussing best practices in managing CDBG-funded initiatives and strategies for maximizing community impact. Participants left with practical tips on how to navigate grant requirements and leverage CDBG funding to benefit their communities.
- LMISD Map Application 2016-2020 - Overview
- StatsAmerica
- Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) | California Department of Housing and Community Development
- CDBG Workshops and Trainings - YouTube
- CDBG Office Hours
- HCD E-mail Listserv Signup
- Register for CDBG and CDBG-CV Office Hours
Regional Collaboration for Funding (Grants & Debt Finance)
Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
The EDF Working Group held an Expert Session on "Regional Collaboration for Funding: Grants & Debt Finance," featuring Mark Northcross, Principal at NHA Advisors LLC. With over 40 years of municipal advisory expertise, Mark has been advising the SF Bay Area on climate change adaptation funding. During the session, he highlighted the stark contrast in federal funding for climate resilience—Texas receiving $30B, Florida $20B, and California only $200M—and emphasized the need for regional collaboration and unified strategies to secure funding. Mark shared success stories of collaborative efforts that have effectively attracted funding, providing valuable guidance from an expert in the field.
Climate Financing
Date: Wednesday, September 4, 2024
The Expert Session on Climate Financing featured key insights from organizations advancing ecological restoration and energy projects through innovative finance models. Blue Forest discussed the Forest Resilience Bond, a tool blending public and private funds to accelerate forest restoration and promote long-term resilience. They highlighted the CA Wildfire Innovation Fund and workforce development challenges for restoring millions of acres. Blue Lake Rancheria shared strategies for leveraging tax credits and state programs to finance energy projects, while IBank outlined its role in climate infrastructure financing through loans, credit enhancements, and greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Philanthropy
Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024
The RRRISE EDF Working Group's Expert Session on philanthropy explored the role of foundations in supporting community development, with insights from Humboldt Area Foundation and the Community Foundation of Mendocino County. The discussion emphasized the balance between aligning with community priorities and broader mission-driven goals. Case studies, such as the Tahoe Forest and Monterey Bay DART’s partnership with the Irvine Foundation, demonstrated how philanthropy can drive inclusive economic development and support sustainable job growth.
New Market Tax Credits (NMTC)
Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024
This Expert Session was led by Jon Penkower, Principal, Bridge Strategic Partners and was focused on New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) and their potential to stimulate investment in economically distressed communities. The session included an Overview of New Market Tax Credit 101 followed by a Q&A session and a deep dive into a local North Coast project that utilized NMTC. The session highlighted the importance of NMTC as a strategic financing option for driving economic growth and revitalization in underserved areas.
Tribal Funding Considerations
Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024
The Redwood Region RISE's EDF Working Group hosted an Expert Session focused on Tribal Funding Considerations. Each of the panelists shared impactful stories about successes and challenges they experienced while pursuing funding/financing for projects on Tribal Lands. You can watch the session recording below.
Tax Increment Financing
Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Are you interested to learn how Tax Increment Financing can advance economic development goals? Watch our Economic Development Funding "Expert Session" on Tax Increment Financing/Enhanced Infrastructure Finance Districts to receive insights and guidance around the value and process for establishing TIF to advance economic development goals and hear about the local Samoa Peninsula Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) project. This Expert Session features presentations from Scott Adair, Humboldt County Economic Development Director, and Joseph Dieguez, Vice President at Kosmont Companies, who supported the County in establishing the Samoa Peninsula EIFD.
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