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Economic Development Finance
From Concept to Capital
The Redwood Region RISE Economic Development Finance (EDF) Working Group connects local jurisdictions and economic development practitioners with the expertise, tools, and resources needed to turn promising projects into fundable realities. Through expert sessions, technical assistance, and a growing resource library, the group helps project leaders navigate the complex work of braiding capital, attracting investment, and closing deals that stick. The focus is deliberately practical — not just identifying opportunities, but answering the harder question: how do we get this done and keep it going?
Our 2026 Focus Areas
Through Q2 2026, the EDF Working Group is focused on:
- Rapid Response Support — A team of finance and economic development professionals available to provide targeted project funding and financing assistance across the region.
- Sustainability Planning — Information resources and governance advisory to support the region's long-term financial sustainability conversations.
- Project-Specific Analysis — Direct analytical support and recommendations for key regional projects and programs.
- A Durable Resource Library — Consolidating expert sessions, regional project examples, resource guides, and reports into one lasting reference for the region.
- Expert Sessions through May 2026 — Focused on the topics most critical to advancing Sector Activation Plans and sustaining projects after California Jobs First funding ends.
Stay Connected
Working Group Meetings are held bi-monthly on the third Wednesday of each month, 3:30–5:00 p.m. on Zoom. These are working sessions for EDF members to identify educational opportunities and share potential funding sources and structures for projects brought to the group. The public is welcome to attend, though topics are specific to working group business and meetings are not recorded.
Expert Sessions take place on the first Wednesday of the month, 3:30–5:00 p.m. on Zoom. These are topic-focused meetings featuring subject matter experts and regional project examples. Topics are identified through Working Group Meetings and scheduled based on speaker availability. All Expert Sessions are recorded and resources are posted below.
To receive meeting agendas and updates, email Abigail at ascott@rgs.ca.gov. View previous session recordings below and check the RRRISE Calendar for upcoming dates.
Expert Sessions
Each month, the EDF Working Group brings in subject matter experts and regional practitioners to dig into the financing topics most relevant to advancing economic development across the Redwood Region. Browse past sessions below — recordings and resources are available where noted.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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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