Why Economic Recovery Matters — and Why This Investment Arrives at the Right Time
When the Dixie Fire swept through Northern Plumas County in 2021, it didn’t just burn homes and forests. It disrupted the economic fabric of entire communities—the small businesses, recreation economy, workforce, and everyday places that make a town feel alive.
More than four years later, recovery continues. Negotiations for additional funds, led by Plumas County District Attorney David Hollister, resulted in a $4 million commitment from PG&E to support long‑term recovery and resilience in the aftermath of the fire.
From that total, The Almanor Foundation has been selected to administer $1.5 million to establish the Northern Plumas Economic Development Fund—a major milestone for communities still rebuilding. This fund will strengthen jobs, small businesses, recreation, workforce development, and community resilience across the areas most severely impacted.
We want to share openly what this fund is designed to support—and why economic development is a critical part of long-term recovery.
What This Fund Will Support
The Northern Plumas Economic Development Fund will focus on projects that:
- Create or sustain local jobs
- Support small businesses and entrepreneurs
- Strengthen recreation and tourism
- Build community capacity and resilience
- Enhance infrastructure that makes communities livable
These priorities reflect what residents and partners have voiced for years: recovery must include rebuilding the economic ecosystem that makes communities viable.
Why TAF
TAF was selected because the burn scar communities needed a trusted, neutral, regionally rooted institution — one that serves the whole county, not a single jurisdiction.
As a community foundation, we bring regional neutrality, professional fiscal management, cross-sector convening power, broad funding authority, and a proven track record in housing, workforce, recreation, and community development.
Community Voices at the Table
Funding recommendations will be made by the North Plumas Advisory Council — a group of local leaders committed to elevating community priorities. Their role is to surface needs, identify opportunities, and provide guidance that reflects the perspectives of the people who live and work here. Final funding decisions rest with The Almanor Foundation’s Board of Directors, ensuring fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and alignment with the Fund’s mission.
What Comes Next
As projects advance and community priorities evolve, we will share updates publicly. Our commitment is simple:
Every dollar will be invested where it can create the greatest and most lasting impact for the burn scar communities.
— Susan Bryner President & CEO, The Almanor Foundation
