To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Economic Development Collaborative
Staff Name and Phone Number: Bradley Johnson 707-565-6456
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Approve the Appointment of Nicholas Schwanz to the Sonoma Mendocino Economic Development District Board of Directors for a term beginning September 10, 2024, and ending on September 9, 2028. (Countywide)
End
Executive Summary:
The Board of Supervisors are responsible for appointments to over 75 Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces. Vacancies and upcoming expiring appointments are posted on the County’s list of Boards, Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces website: <https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/boards/w/808bd6e42edf8e0f>.
Rule 50 of the Board Rules of Procedures states that the Clerk of the Board shall convene staff to review prospective countywide appointments and make appointment recommendations to the Board. The current item recommends appointment of Nicholas Schwanz to the Sonoma Mendocino Economic Development District Board of Directors for a term beginning September 10, 2024, and ending on September 9, 2028.
Discussion:
In August 2014, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors authorized a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to form an economic development district with Mendocino County called the Sonoma-Mendocino Economic Development District (SMEDD). The United States Economic Development Administration (EDA), which designates such districts, requires that the district governing bodies be “broadly representative of the principal economic interests of the region”.
The current SMEDD Board of Directors consist of nine seats:
• Four appointees from Sonoma County
• Four appointees from Mendocino County
• One at-large appointee
Per the JPA, Sonoma County shall appoint four Directors. Three of the Directors shall be from the Sonoma County business community, the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative Advisory Board, or the Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board. This item requests that the Board appoint Nicholas Schwanz from the Economic Development Collaborative Advisory Board as a Director to serve on the SMEDD Board of Directors, for a term beginning September 10, 2024 and ending on September 9, 2028.
Nicholas Schwanz has extensive experience working at the intersection of business and the environment. His recent work has focused on agricultural innovation, including projects like methane capture on dairy farms and the introduction of climate-friendly crops, aligns closely with SMEDD's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy goals in supporting the green economy and value-added industries. Additionally, it aligns closely with work the SMEDD has done in facilitating Ag-Tech discussions in the North Bay North Coast region. As a District 5 appointee based out of Guerneville, CA, Nicholas Schwanz serves on the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative Advisory Board. He is also an active member of the Russian River Chamber of Commerce. Both of his roles bring valuable insights from the local business and community landscape, making him well-suited to contribute to SMEDD's efforts in environmental resilience, entrepreneurship, and the blue economy.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Prior Board Actions:
April 16, 2024: Approve the reappointment of Robin Bartholow as a governing body member to the Sonoma Mendocino Economic Development District for a term beginning April 7, 2024, and ending on April 6, 2028.
August 9, 2022: Sonoma Mendocino Economic Development District Amendment to Joint Powers Agreement.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Application Recommended for Appointment
Application Not Recommended for Appointment (1)
Application Not Recommended for Appointment (2)
Application Not Recommended for Appointment (3)
Application Not Recommended for Appointment (4)
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board: