Growing Rural Economies

Sonora, CA — A forum held Tuesday in Sonora focused on economic development in rural areas of the state.

State USDA Rural Development Director Dr. Glenda Humiston spoke about grants available designed to spur economic development and create sustainable communities. Topics she spoke about included value added livestock, broadband internet expansion and biomass. She also heard concerns from audience members about state and federal regulations that limit business, and the lack of timber made available for production from federal lands.

“There’s a certain amount of frustration regarding rules and regulations written for big cities, that don’t work so well in small towns,” says Humiston. “There’s also frustration about federal and state agencies not talking to each other, and it’s very real, and this is something we’re trying to fix.”

The meeting was held in the Sonora City Council Chambers. It was co-hosted by the Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority.