Placer County studying Mosquito Fire impacts to local businesses

Placer County officials are asking business owners and entrepreneurs to fill out an economic impact survey stemming from the 2022 Mosquito Fire. The confidential survey, open until Aug. 4, will measure the economic impact on businesses in the region. This includes: ·&emsp;Businesses that lost revenue due to closures. ·&emsp;Wineries that canceled tastings or had crops affected by excessive smoke. ·&emsp;Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who could not generate income during the fire and more. The county is taking extra precautions to protect sensitive survey data and partnering with nonprofits Greater Sacramento Economic Council and Applied Economics LLC. Once the data is aggregated, it will be sent to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) for extrapolation and forecasting. Professor Thomas Harris of the University Center for Economic Development at UNR will examine survey results and develop a Placer-specific report. The data will help county officials determine the best economic recovery opportunities for businesses following a natural disaster by influencing program development and improving the county's emergency planning. "We're examining the current programs and responses in place to see how we can improve and better prepare to help businesses recover faster should another natural disaster occur," said Placer Economic Development Director Gloria Stearns. "We are asking the public to spend 15 minutes taking our survey so that we can better serve you in the future." The survey is being distributed to residents throughout Northern California and Western Nevada, including businesses and individuals in Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Washoe and Douglas counties as well as Carson City. To take the survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3ZPP279.