In April 2024, the Siskiyou Economic Development Council held a historic groundbreaking event to revitalize and rehabilitate the Carnegie Library building after being awarded $2.1 million through the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative.¹ 

This project, awarded among 7 other development projects across the state, is intended to support regional resilience and industry innovation in Yreka.²

The historic Carnegie building has been a pillar of the Yreka community for over 100 years.³ It has served as a physical and cultural landmark for the residents and stands as a testament to the community spirit.

Construction is underway, with architecture-engineering plans and permitting complete. The reuse plan not only saves this national landmark but also creates jobs and further positions the county as a tourism destination.

Once complete, the historic building will serve as a hub for small business development and provide resources for programs and workshops to support outdoor tourism, entrepreneurship and l development in Siskiyou County. ⁴

1. See https://www.siskiyoucounty.org/news/2023/5/26/cerf and https://www.siskiyoudaily.com/story/news/2024/04/09/what-is-happening-to-the-109-year-old-yreka-carnegie-library-building/73256219007/

2. See: https://www.siskiyoucounty.org/news/2023/5/26/cerf

3. https://www.siskiyoucounty.org/yrekacarnegie

4. See: https://www.siskiyoudaily.com/story/news/2024/04/09/what-is-happening-to-the-109-year-old-yreka-carnegie-library-building/73256219007/ and https://www.siskiyoucounty.org/news/2023/5/26/cerf

Willie Rudman
Deputy Director of Communications
Email, HERE

As of April 2025, all 13 Jobs First regional plans have been formall accepted by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) as Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). CEDS serves as strategic plans for economic development intended to foster regional and public-private collaboration to strengthen and diversify local economies.

This acceptance marks the first time in California’s history that all 482 cities, 58 counties and every community have a federally recognized strategy, creating new opportunities to attract and leverage investments in the implementation of these plans.

The U.S. EDA, along with many other federal agencies, requires an approved CEDS for communities to be eligible for funding from a wide variety of programs that promote economic, infrastructure, and workforce development. The approval of these plans also positions California’s regions to further advocate for financial resources from many funders, including philanthropy, private investors, Community Development Financial Institutions, and Community Reinvestment Act bankers.

Willie Rudman
Deputy Director of Communications
Email, HERE

What began as a grassroots vision has since blossomed into a symbol of community-driven development in Santa Ana.

La Colmena, the city’s first community land trust, officially opened its doors in early April 2025, creating a space where residents feel empowered to shape their neighborhood’s future.

Led by THRIVE Santa Ana, La Colmena is more than just a business hub. It’s an example of what’s possible when land is stewarded with the community, not just for it. Through a 99-year lease secured from the City of Santa Ana in 2020, THRIVE laid the foundation for a unique, resident-led space housing three cooperatives: La Milpa Café, SALSA, and Duugich Art.

“We work in a horizontal structure where we’re all equal worker/owners, so we all make our decisions, financial decisions, as a cooperative together,” says Ivan Flores, worker/owner of SALSA.

In May 2023, La Colmena was selected as a pilot project under California Jobs First and received $3.8 million, allowing THRIVE to replace a construction loan and further invest in affordability for the cooperative businesses and residents.

From the beginning, THRIVE has made an effort to involve community members throughout the process, wanting this to be a participatory and inclusive process where residents feel connected, and the space truly meets the needs of the neighborhood.

And the benefits are already being felt. The grand opening welcomed over 500 attendees, taking time to intentionally recognize those who have been a part of the program since the beginning. With city officials alongside laughing children, the promise for a future where this space could be the first of many felt palpable.

Residents now not only have a place to access healthy food, meet for coffee and browse the open-air market, Mercadito Carrusel, but also gather for birthday parties, plan fundraisers and enjoy community-centered events.

As La Colmena continues to grow, it serves as an example of what’s possible when neighbors help shape their communities. With dreams of expanding into additional cooperative spaces and permanent affordable housing, La Colmena will continue to pave the way for generations to come.

Willie Rudman
Deputy Director of Communications
Email, HERE