Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tuolumne County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in business jobs
County–City of Sonora friction
Public commenters and supervisors aired ongoing county-vs-city tensions, including the mayor's criticism of Supervisor Campbell and a stalled Dutch Bros encroachment permit tied to a tax-sharing demand. Supervisor Holland plans to address it publicly at the next city meeting.
Economic Development Investment
Supervisor Brandon wants real money behind economic development: a dedicated CSEDD staff person, a Visit Tuolumne contract scope update, a $70,000 solar feasibility study (solar could bring ~$650/acre to the general fund), and internal borrowing to fund it all.
Opportunity Zones Designation
The county is racing a mid-July deadline to nominate census tracts for the second round of federal Opportunity Zones, which bring tax-advantaged investment to distressed rural areas. The city of Sonora already acted; the county hasn't yet.
Tourism Marketing District removal
The Board removed the requirement that the lodging industry create a Tourism Marketing District to help fund tourism promotion. Supervisors Campbell and Kirk argued hotels should contribute more; the lodging industry countered it already spends millions of its own money on marketing.