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Nevada County board approves marketing contract amendment after arts groups press for local focus
Summary
After public criticism from the Nevada County Arts Council, the Board of Supervisors approved Amendment 2 to the Go Nevada County marketing contract with Local Freshies, asking staff to provide more partner meetings and future analytics to demonstrate local impact.
The Nevada County Board of Supervisors approved Amendment 2 to the Go Nevada County marketing contract on June 25 after local arts leaders urged more coordination between the contractor and community partners.
Heather Heckler, program manager for the Grass Valley Nevada City Cultural District and Nevada County Arts Council, urged the board during public comment to reconsider the contract, saying the campaign’s content feels "generic and not really rooted in place" and does not sufficiently feature local artists and events.
County staff and the contractor’s local representative said they recognize partners’ concerns and promised immediate outreach. Kimberly Parker (first speaking to the board during the item) said staff will convene Local Freshies and local partners to work through design and content issues and that the county’s analytics show improving engagement. "We are happy to look at and address concerns and to meet with partners," Parker said.
Supervisor discussion focused on ensuring better coordination and accountability. One supervisor said the contract should remain in place through its third year but agreed the county should require the contractor to deliver partner meetings and metrics. The board approved the amendment with that caveat by roll call; District 5 was absent.
Why it matters: Tourism marketing can shape who visits and how visitors experience downtown businesses and arts organizations. Local partners told the board they want clearer goals, shared content planning, and reports on who the campaign is reaching.
What happens next: County staff will schedule partner meetings with Local Freshies, provide additional analytics to the board and community, and report back next year as the contract approaches re-solicitation.
Sources: Public comment and staff presentations at the Nevada County Board of Supervisors meeting, June 25, 2024. Quotes are from the meeting record; direct attributions follow speakers who spoke during the item."
