We are thrilled to share details about a transformative initiative underway in Plumas County: a strategic plan to deliver high-quality, attainable workforce housing across our communities. This crucial project is spearheaded by Plumas Rural Services (PRS), working in partnership with The Almanor Foundation (TAF), Plumas County, and the Plumas Housing Council.
The Case for Workforce Housing: Why Now?
Plumas County is facing a critical housing shortage, particularly for essential workers. While new hospitals and expanding employers signal economic growth, workforce housing must keep pace to support this expansion.
The reality for many of our neighbors – including healthcare professionals, teachers, hospitality, public safety and many blue-collar worker – is challenging: they often earn too much for traditional low-income housing, yet still cannot afford market rates. This issue is compounded by the fact that Plumas County ranks #80 of 82 CA counties in Area Median Income (AMI). Addressing this gap is critical to securing our economic future.
The Solution: Quality, Privacy, and Community
The Strategic Housing Plan aims to create up to 40 attainable rental units countywide. The program design emphasizes quality of life, privacy, and security over high-density apartments.
The solution focuses on building single-family homes with attached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), creating a duplex-style model. Each two-bedroom, two-bath unit is 800 square feet and includes important features such as landscaping, a private deck, secure storage, and a fenced yard.
The primary focus areas for development are within the Dixie Fire burn scar, including Greenville and Indian Valley. Additional sites are planned for Chester, Quincy, and Portola.
Who Will This Housing Serve?
This housing is designed for qualified renters whose household incomes are 70% Average Median Income (AMI) or less. Specifically, the target audience includes workers earning approximately $24 – $35/hour or less.
This provides stable housing for the essential workers who are the backbone of our community.
The Funding and Partnership Behind the Project
This is a major $13 million development project. Plumas Rural Services (PRS), an established 501(C)3 non-profit dedicated to empowering communities through human services, secured an $8.75M federal CDBG-DR grant. PRS expects to match this grant with a 35% local match, funded through private grants, loans, and gifts.
PRS has partnered with key organizations to make this possible, including the Plumas Housing Council, The Almanor Foundation, CA Housing & Community Development, Dixie Fire Collaborative, and Plumas County.
Project partners are also working with experienced developer/builder partners, Reconstruction & Recovery Advisors (RRA) and Paradise Affordable Homes. RRA brings over 40 years of experience in construction and development, and has successfully built, developed, and sold more than 43 low-cost homes to survivors of the 2018 Camp wildfire and other first-time buyers. RRA is dedicated to bringing new technologies, products, and development strategies to Plumas County.
Timeline and The Urgent Need for Developable Lots
To meet state grant deadlines, construction must begin by Spring 2026. The full project buildout is scheduled for Fall 2027. Once sites are approved, development will move quickly, with an expected rate of two new homes starting each month.
A critical early step is securing the land: at least 20 certified lots are required before construction can launch. All potential sites must undergo a NEPA environmental review and certification to ensure compliance with federal standards and confirm they are hazard-free. PRS is actively working with local realtors to find developable lots, specifically prioritizing sites with existing utility access or those within the Dixie Fire burn scar.
How You Can Help: Partnering with Success
Your partnership is essential to the success of this initiative. We invite property owners to play a direct role in creating stable housing for our workforce:
Sell Your Property: We encourage property owners to sell developable lots to PRS at fair market value.
Donate: Property owners can consider a tax-deductible donation of land or proceeds.
Funding Support: PRS welcomes loans, grants, and donations from businesses, private individuals, and other organizations.
This is a vital opportunity to support the future of Plumas County and the workers who keep our communities strong.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To discuss property sales or donations, or for general project information, please contact:
Paula Johnston Executive Director, Plumas Rural Services (PRS) (530) 283-2735 #875 [email protected]
Or:
Josh Huddleston, Housing Chair, The Almanor Foundation, [email protected]
