Our EGG is a 501(c)(3) Organization and Fund of the El Dorado Community Foundation

Local Prosperity NOW!

Creating healthy, sustainable and interconnected local economic-systems. Our approach centers on enhancing social, economic, and environmental well-being for the community.

Through collaboration, advocacy, programs and project action, Our EGG, is focused on uplifting communities through innovative solutions, leading efforts that elevate rural issues in California, enhance quality of life, environmental health, and economic resilience. Our EGG’s programs center around Inclusive Economy Building, Policy, Leadership Development and Public-Private Funding Investments.

Ready, Set, Launch It!

Our EGG was hatched to step in on the ground level to represent and support the stakeholders, businesses, workers and all county people and their families who are touched by, and depend on, our local environment and economy for their health, dreams, goals and prosperity.

Now more than ever, local economic self-sufficiency, resilience and insulation from outside factors beyond our control is of the highest priority. El Dorado County is a special place. Full of promise and potential. Inextricably tied to the land, the lessons of the past and the ever-present promise of a golden future for those willing to reach for it together.

El Dorado County people need an entity who’s true north dependably points to YES.

Take Me To Our EGG: https://ouregg.org/

Our EGG is a 501(c)(3) Organization and Fund of the El Dorado Community Foundation

Tax ID 68-0255556

Your Contribution Will Make Our EGG's Strategic Vision A Reality

A VISION FOR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION IN EL DORADO COUNTY

Strategic Outline: A Path We Can Walk Together...

1. Vision & Mission

Vision:

Transform El Dorado County into a thriving hub of industry, technology, local enterprise, agriculture, open-space industry and arts and culture; moving beyond its reputation as a bedroom community to become a center for innovation, economic opportunity, and economic self-sufficiency.

Mission:

Foster a business-friendly environment that attracts new industries and empowers local entrepreneurs.
Leverage the county’s available land, skilled workforce, cultural richness, and strategic location to create a balanced economy that supports families, professionals, and local businesses.
Create positive economic and social progress within ecological limits that maintains the county’s rural charm while providing affordable housing and career opportunities.

2. Economic & Industry Development

A. Strengthening Local Business & Manufacturing

Identify and support emerging industries that align with El Dorado County’s unique strengths (e.g., green technology, small-scale manufacturing, agricultural innovation).
Reduce bureaucratic obstacles for local farmers and small business owners, allowing them to adapt and innovate freely.
Develop and promote iconic local branding to market local goods and services.
Develop business incubators and co-working spaces to foster local entrepreneurship, enable remote work & brainstorm hubs for community members to enjoy “third spaces”.

B. Workforce Development & Retention

Discovering & Engaging New Transplants:
1. Methodologies:
2. Integration & Engagement:
  - Establish a New Resident Welcome Program that connects newcomers with local business leaders, networking events, and community organizations.
  - Host town hall forums and roundtable discussions with new residents to understand their skills, needs, and aspirations for the region.
  - Create an online directory or talent pool database where transplants can register their expertise and be matched with opportunities.

Building a Local Economic Ecosystem for Career Growth:
1. Address the county’s most impacted demographic: adults ages 34-55 - who are experiencing the highest unemployment rates. Many are forced to leave or remain underemployed, while their children either stay home with no career prospects or leave the county entirely.
2. Develop intergenerational mentorship programs that pair experienced professionals with younger workers to create career pipelines.
3. Establish training programs, apprenticeships, and vocational schools in partnership with local businesses and educational institutions.
4. Work with state and federal partners to secure funding for workforce development initiatives.

C. Infrastructure & Investment

Advocate for improved broadband access to support tech jobs, remote work, and digital startups.
Incentivize businesses to relocate to or expand in El Dorado County through tax benefits, streamlined processes and grants.
Explore public-private partnerships for developing business parks, innovation hubs, and shared manufacturing spaces.

3. Housing & Community Development

A. Affordable Housing for the Middle Class

Promote policies that enable responsible housing development to support working families.
Develop incentives for housing projects that prioritize local workers rather than outside investors.
Support mixed-use developments that integrate residential, retail, and business spaces.

B. Inclusive Strategies & Community Revitalization

Address the needs of both younger families and the aging population by creating diverse housing options.
Invest in community spaces, public transit options, and walkable town centers that foster local commerce and engagement- A “there” there.
Ensure development enhances well-being and opportunity while protecting the natural assets people value most.

4. Local Governance & Collaboration

A. Removing Barriers to Investment

Streamline zoning and permitting processes for small businesses, housing, and local industry.
Reduce red tape for landowners to develop and use their property without excessive interference.
Push for balanced governance that supports a regenerative economy while preserving community values.

B. Building Regional & Community Partnerships

Engage with local stakeholders, including business owners, educators, and community leaders, to drive development initiatives.
Work closely with South Lake Tahoe representatives and neighboring cities (Folsom, El Dorado Hills) to create regional economic opportunities.
Strengthen ties with state and federal programs that support rural economic resiliency.

5. Tourism, Arts and Natural Resource Development

A. Leveraging Location & Natural Assets

Capitalize on El Dorado County’s prime location between Sacramento and Tahoe to attract tourism-related investment.
Promote eco-tourism, agritourism, outdoor recreation businesses and cultural experiences that align and evolve a modern-rural identity for the county.
Support local wineries, breweries, and farm-to-table enterprises to enhance the county’s tourism appeal.

B. Investing in Destination Marketing

Develop a regional marketing campaign that showcases El Dorado County as a unique destination for visitors and businesses alike.
Expand tourism infrastructure, including accommodations, transportation, and recreational facilities.
Support the growth of the local arts and culture sector by investing in galleries, public art installations, performance venues, and cultural festivals that reenforce El Dorado County as a destination.
Encourage local artists, musicians, and creators by offering grants, event opportunities, and collaborative workspaces.
Highlight El Dorado County’s heritage and diverse cultural narratives through storytelling, events, and history preservation efforts.

6. Inclusive Economic Development & Community Engagement

A. Prioritizing Local Families & Workforce

Implement policies that make access easier for local businesses and families on a budget they can afford.
Create a local hiring preference program to ensure jobs go to county residents first.
Develop mentorship and peer-to-peer networks where career wisdom from transplants is harnessed to build local expertise.

B. Addressing Employment Gaps & Retaining Young Talent

Create career-building opportunities that keep young talent in the county by offering internships, apprenticeships, and direct pathways to employment in key industries.
Develop strategies to increase entry-level job opportunities for young workers and parents.
Work with employers to create flexible work arrangements that accommodate families.

C. Gaining Support from Legacy Residents & Aging Population

Show how controlled growth allows the community to shape its own future rather than be shaped by external interests, or left behind as economic development occurs elsewhere.
Emphasize that economic expansion keeps families together, ensuring children and grandchildren can stay close rather than move away for opportunities.
Highlight benefits like increased local shops, restaurants, healthcare facilities, arts programming and entertainment options that enhance quality of life.
Reinforce how a stronger local economy supports aging in place, providing essential services and financial stability for retirees.

7. Next Steps & Implementation - Take Action, Connect and Amplify!

A. Our EGG Phased Launch:

Start-up Phase 1
1A: ($25,000): Research & Stakeholder Engagement- Gather data on economic trends, workforce skills, and business needs. Hold meetings with community members, business leaders and policy makers.
1B: ($25,000): Marketing and Community Engagement- Social campaigns to pique curiosity and generate awareness.
1C: ($50,000): Policy $ Program Development- Identify key policy changes, funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Start-up Phase 2
2A: ($275,000+): Pilot Programs & Early Wins- Launch small-scale initiatives such as business incubators, workforce training programs, or targeted tourism campaigns.
Start-up Phase 3
3A: ($550,000+) Scale & Sustain- Expand successful initiatives, secure long-term funding, and continue refining economic vitality efforts.

Our EGG Launch!

By Our EGG

Our EGG Launch!

El Dorado Economic GENERATOR & GERMINATION Start-Up Campaign

Team Members