Shanti Landon guest editorial: A voice for rural Placer

One of my top priorities – not only as a supervisor in Placer County but as a mother and resident here – is ensuring a legacy of vitality for future generations. Recently, I had the chance to pursue that goal wholeheartedly. I'm honored to share that I've recently been appointed to the National Association of Counties (NACo) Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee as a Rural Development Subcommittee Vice Chair. This opportunity is both humbling and exciting, as it allows me to bring the voices and concerns of rural communities, like those in Placer County, to a national conversation. The NACo Agriculture and Rural Affairs Policy Steering Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that directly impact rural areas across our country. It focuses on issues such as agricultural policy, rural development, land use and infrastructure, all of which are crucial to the well-being and sustainability of our communities. Being part of this committee means I can contribute to discussions and decisions that will help rural areas thrive, and I'm deeply committed to advocating for the needs and priorities of these communities. In this new role, I plan to bring forward the experiences and lessons I've learned here in Placer County, utilizing conversations with an agricultural advisory group I'm forming made up of local farmers and ranchers. Over the years, I've seen firsthand how important it is to balance growth with preservation, ensuring our agricultural lands and open spaces are protected for future generations while also fostering economic vitality. Here in Placer, we team up to tackle our challenges. In fact, the literal meaning of the word conservation is "to save together." We work together to protect communities from catastrophic fire, assist in climate change mitigation, reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, improve water quality, protect biodiversity, nourish our farms and so much more. As I embark on this new journey, I'm eager to communicate our successes and challenges with other leaders, form collaborations and learn from them as well. One of the recent achievements I'm particularly excited to share is Placer County's acquisition of the Redwing property, complementing the Placer County Conservation Program (PCCP). The PCCP is an initiative that aims to protect our natural habitats, agricultural lands and open spaces, all while accommodating responsible growth. The addition of the Redwing property to this program is a significant step forward. The 997-acre ranch was nearly $7 million and was funded almost entirely with a federal grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a state grant from the California Wildlife Conservation Board. This land will be preserved not just for its ecological value but also as a part of our agricultural heritage, ensuring it remains a resource for our community. This acquisition is more than just a victory for conservation – it's a reflection of our county's commitment to thoughtful, long-term planning. By protecting this land from development, we're preserving the character and integrity of our rural areas. It's the kind of initiative I believe can serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. As I step into this role with NACo, I do so with a deep sense of humility and responsibility. I'm not just representing Placer County – I'm also representing rural communities across the country that are grappling with how to maintain their identities in the face of change. I know there's a lot of work ahead, and I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting started. I'm truly grateful for the trust placed in me to serve on this committee, and I'm eager to collaborate with other county leaders to shape policies that support and uplift our rural areas. Shanti Landon is Placer County's District 2 Supervisor.