Fortuna council backs community-led economic development work group after six-month outreach

Fortuna City Council on June 1 received a community-led economic development presentation and voted to receive and provide conceptual support for a newly formed lead work group that volunteers say will craft a strategic economic vision for the city.

The presentation, led by John Sapper and Martha Spencer, summarized six months of outreach and survey work involving more than 100 community members and 64 business respondents across nine industry sectors. "For the first time in over 140 years, the industries that provided economic security and stability for families, businesses, and the city are no longer economic anchors," Sapper said, noting timber'sector decline and a collapse in cannabis activity in 2021 that both contributed to reduced taxable sales and a population decline of "almost 5% in the last 3 plus years." (John Sapper was introduced to the council by staff.)

Spencer, who identified herself as a retired county planner, said respondents repeatedly praised Fortuna's "small town character" and natural assets but described structural economic weaknesses, including housing affordability, permitting friction and downtown vitality problems. "We heard that over and over," she said, listing housing availability and permitting process improvements among "low-hanging fruit" the city could address.

The volunteer lead work group described to the council will draft a new economic vision and a community brand, identify and oversee topic-specific community work groups (downtown revitalization, tourism, business development, remote-worker attraction, workforce development and housing strategy) and engage residents and business owners. Sapper read a list of initial volunteers who had stepped forward, including Kevin Bradley (Creations Auto), Tina Christiansen (Coldwell Banker), John Egan (developer, rancher) and others who said they would lead or support work groups.

Public commenters supported the effort. "We have some real infrastructure problems and very costly infrastructure problems that we need to do something about," said Tina Christiansen, who identified herself as a member of the city's planning commission and asked the council to prioritize infrastructure alongside promotional efforts. Shannon McWhorter urged residents and council members to back the volunteer effort and participate.

Following the presentation and public comment, Mayor Pro Tem Trent moved and the council seconded to receive and file the community materials and provide conceptual support for the proposed collaboration; the motion carried. The presenters said the lead work group intends to meet within roughly 30 days to establish scope, priorities and early "quick wins."