The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an updated five‑year Economic Development Strategic Plan on Nov. 4 that county staff say will guide investments, staff priorities and partnerships to support job creation and business growth across the unincorporated area.

Crystal Bethke, director of the Office of Economic Development, told the board the plan was built after a year of market analysis and broad engagement with businesses, chambers, workforce providers, community planning advisory councils and property owners. It includes a 10‑member advisory committee, four phases of consultant work and a public engagement program with focus groups and three community meetings.

“The plan gives us a clear framework for prioritizing where we invest staff time and how we coordinate with regional partners,” Bethke said. The plan is organized around three pillars: resources (business supports), communications (visibility and marketing) and partnerships (coordination with workforce, utilities and regional agencies). Targeted actions include enhanced small business navigation, a county marketing strategy, site‑readiness work for industrial and rural zones and corridor revitalization programs.

The presentation prompted several questions. Supervisor Desmond and others urged explicit emphasis on the county’s agricultural economy, agritourism and farm‑to‑fork branding; Bethke said the strategic plan will be refined in communication materials and staff will provide a targeted approach on agriculture and related value chains. Supervisor Serna urged an accelerated review of county art‑and‑culture policies; Bethke said the plan recommends a focused 2026 effort to rebuild a county approach to arts and public art following the dissolution of the prior arts commission.

The board voted to adopt the plan and requested regular updates on measurable outcomes and a follow‑up on arts‑in‑public‑places policy work.

Speakers (first reference):
- Crystal Bethke, director, Office of Economic Development (00:24:58).

Actions (at meeting):
- Adopt: Sacramento County Economic Development Strategic Plan (motion/second; vote: unanimous).