Economic Development

On March 26, Visit Placer hosted the highly anticipated Regional Economic Development and Tourism Summit, drawing together business leaders, economic developers, tourism experts, and local officials from across Placer County, including Colfax, CA. In collaboration with Placer County’s Office of Economic Development and the North Lake Tahoe region, the summit spotlighted the county’s accelerating momentum in economic strategy, regional branding, and the bold transition toward long-term destination stewardship.

Event Hosts and Featured Speakers

The summit was organized by Visit Placer, in partnership with Placer County’s Office of Economic Development. It convened key players across both public and private sectors to spotlight ongoing developments. From trail connectivity to high-tech investment, it became clear: Placer County’s future includes Colfax.

Opening the event, Rob Haswell, CEO of Visit Placer, spoke on the need for unified branding and tourism planning across the region. Tony Karwowski, CEO of the North Tahoe Community Alliance, presented their innovative destination stewardship funding model, which has reinvested over $35 million into housing, transit, and sustainability efforts.

From the agriculture side, Camille Enriquez of Twin Peaks Orchards and Josh Huntsinger, Director of Agriculture, Parks, and Natural Resources, discussed how Placer’s farming heritage still drives modern food systems. These agri-voices aligned with the county’s renewed emphasis on farm-to-fork programs, which Colfax can leverage due to its rich rural roots.

Keynote Insights: Regional Growth & Economic Strategy

One of the keynote speakers, Gary Brumme, Senior Vice President of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, delivered an eye-opening presentation on how Placer County is becoming a hub for advanced industries, particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and clean energy.

Brumme highlighted that Placer County is now home to major players like Bosch, which selected Roseville for its largest North American silicon carbide chip production site—positioning the county at the forefront of a $5 trillion global semiconductor industry projected by 2040.

Other companies mentioned included Solidigm, ASK of AI, Samsung, and AMD, each contributing to a diversified and resilient tech ecosystem. These firms bring high-paying jobs, innovation, and downstream support industries that benefit surrounding communities.

“If we do this right, we’ll see sustainable growth without compromising quality of life,” Brumme emphasized. “And we’ll see it move up the hill.”

Colfax in the Spotlight: A Rural Town Ready to Rise

Colfax isn’t just watching this change—it’s part of it. As tech and tourism industries expand across the county, Colfax’s natural beauty, accessibility, and cultural character offer new avenues for revitalization. Here’s how this growth could manifest:

Outdoor Recreation & Sustainable Tourism More urban dwellers are seeking nature-based getaways. With Colfax’s trail systems, historic rail culture, and scenic vistas, the town stands to gain from tourism dollars directed toward environmental sustainability and heritage preservation.

Workforce Housing & Transportation Job growth demands housing solutions. Models like the Tahoe Workforce Housing Agency or Landing Locals show how rural towns can adapt. Colfax could become a pilot site for similar community-led housing programs.

Agri-tourism & Culinary Revival With the county’s Ag Marketing Program back in motion and a growing push

Destination Stewardship: Beyond Tourism, Toward Transformation

The summit underscored a shift from promoting tourism to managing it with purpose. One example is the North Tahoe Community Alliance, which uses a sustainable funding model where visitor-generated revenue supports:

• Public transit
• Beach and trail maintenance
• Environmental education
• Housing initiatives

Over 60 projects and $35 million in funding later, this approach shows what’s possible when communities view tourism as an investment, not an intrusion. Colfax could mirror this model, using its tourism dollars to build civic pride and infrastructure resilience.

Why This Matters for Colfax and Placer County Right Now

Placer County is at an inflection point. It ranks high in job growth, educational attainment, and quality of life. But sustaining this requires inclusion of rural towns like Colfax in every conversation—from housing to broadband access to preserving open space.

Colfax, with its proximity to I-80, rail history, and unique topography, isn’t a footnote. It’s a strategic partner in a broader regional growth plan. This summit reaffirmed that.

The path forward? Build on this momentum. Collaborate across towns. Embrace destination stewardship. And always remember: economic growth is strongest when it’s shared.

As Placer County continues to evolve as a hub for innovation, tourism, and sustainable growth, Colfax, CA stands ready to embrace its role in this regional transformation. With its strategic location, vibrant culture, and strong community ties, Colfax offers unique opportunities for economic expansion, outdoor recreation, and agri-tourism. Organizations like The Historic Colfax Downtown Association play a critical role in preserving the town’s rich heritage while supporting local businesses and future-focused development. Together, with county leaders and public-private partnerships, Colfax is poised to thrive as a model rural community contributing to Placer County’s dynamic economic future.