Consultant presents county economic development 'road map'; supervisors urge focus, funding and cross‑department collaboration

Carl Roboto of SMG Consulting presented a draft economic development work plan to the Mono County Board of Supervisors, urging a community‑centric approach that balances destination marketing with tangible tourism development and breaks down internal silos.

Key findings: Roboto told the board that Mono County’s economy remains heavily reliant on tourism, with leisure and hospitality employing a large share of the workforce. He recommended focusing on niche, scale‑appropriate initiatives — trailhead upgrades, signage and storytelling, main‑street revitalization, year‑round shoulder‑season products, arts and festivals — and linking tourism strategy to housing and workforce efforts.

Recommendations and local response: The consultant emphasized the county’s competitive advantage as a smaller jurisdiction that can act nimbly; he recommended more cross‑department planning among economic development, recreation, public works and planning, and increased support for local chambers. Supervisors praised the emphasis on grassroots events and local leadership and urged the board to identify specific funding for prioritized projects. Supervisor Kreitz and others stressed that supporting local event organizers and chambers reduces volunteer burnout and makes successful events sustainable.

Funding and next steps: The consultant recommended targeted short‑ and mid‑term actions, a community grants program to seed grassroots events and strategic investment in visible infrastructure (trailheads, parking, restrooms). Supervisors said a work plan and an identified funding stream should be developed quickly so projects can move from ideas to implemented improvements. The board did not vote on formal funding at this meeting but encouraged staff to return with a focused implementation plan and cost estimates.