How can we improve and grow tourism in the county? How do we create a better experience for more guests and nurture a sustainable and positive industry that creates good jobs and brings revenue to our isolated community? Short term rental ordinance. Private camping. Out-of-the area marketing for Humboldt. Fishing (river and ocean). Hotels and lodges.

— Bo Day

Response

Evan Schwartz

Hi, Bo. Thanks for your questions. Let me try my best to cover everything.

I think tourism is an obvious driver of economic growth that we should encourage and promote. Visit Humboldt is a great example of a county supported “out of the area marketing” program for Humboldt tourism with its online presence. I support future efforts to attract tourists and to promote local tourism based business. I also really love that Humboldt feels like no other place on Earth. I hope we can balance growth and our existing character so Humboldt remains unique while meeting the needs of tourists and locals alike.    

How can “we grow tourism”? Personally, I rent out my RV to travelers from all over the country. They fly in, I pick them up at the airport, and they go camping locally. Those folks come here, have a blast exploring our beautiful area, spend money, and go home happy. The government can support tourism, but investment and initiative likely will have to come from the private sector and Tribal economic development efforts. It’s not easy, but there is opportunity.

It should be noted that The Yurok Tribe has been making serious efforts to enhance the “Gateway to the Redwoods” both ecologically and economically. I think The ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway Project, (nod to Mary), shows just how much the Tribe cares about, and invests in, the future. I am excited to see the completion of The Shoreline Market Project as well. I hope it serves the community well.

This leads me to your mention of the short term rental ordinance. I think the goal of the ordinance was to regulate the private camping/short term rentals “industry” and create a legal framework for zoning, use, and taxation. I can see how some issues could arise around caps, distance between structures, land use, etc. If issues arise, conditional use can be examined. If needed, your County Supervisor, hopefully me, would step in and request a review of the ordinance if that’s what people wanted.

I think the government can work for us, it does work for us, and we can also work with it. We all have to do our part. I hope you engage in a tourism based business and employ a bunch of people if that’s where your heart is, Bo. I’m here to help. And if you’re totally against tourism I would love to hear why. Shoot me an email at Evanforsupervisor@gmail.com if you want to follow up.

Thanks!

 

 

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