economic Development
St. Helena needs more robust economic development
St. Helena needs more robust economic development that diversifies its industries, strengthens its resilience, and provides residents with living-wage job opportunities.
The city’s revenue streams rely on wine production, tourism, agriculture, and retail. These industries are the fabric of our wonderful town and have earned St. Helena a world-class reputation in viticulture and hospitality. Furthermore, their revenues directly hit the city’s income statement! However, this reliance has potential issues such as economic volatility, environmental vulnerabilities, changes in consumer behavior, and the prevalence of low-paying jobs that limit economic mobility for many residents. An element of economic diversification would allow St. Helena to build resilience against industry-specific downturns, providing varied opportunities that allow residents to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
Most regions in the US have economic development agencies that work to strategically attract businesses and create job strategies - with partnerships between cities, colleges, k-12 schools, and workforce development boards. However, Napa County doesn't seem to have an economic development function. This exists only for the city of Napa. As such, we may be missing chances to diversify the economy and strengthen middle-class jobs.
Might St. Helena develop a flourishing with a small, but vibrant innovation hub where remote workers and local entrepreneurs in knowledge-based (non-manufacturing/logistics) industries prosper while seamlessly integrating the town's rich history and success in winemaking, preserving and enhancing its close-knit community and unique hometown charm? An innovation hub might take the form of a friendly co-working space in an unused building that reflects St. Helena's historic character while incorporating modern facilities and technology infrastructure. A federal or state rural economic development grant might help get such a project off the ground.
There is no end to the companies and innovations that might incubate in St. Helena. They might include innovation in viticulture, sustainable agriculture, or “tourism and hospitality tech.” And they might include industries that are not currently represented in town. I am inspired by some of the creative approaches I have seen in the labor market research projects I’ve done in other areas. For instance, in a region around the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, a planning district commission is actively working to incubate businesses that address sea level rise through several innovative initiatives focused on resilience, sustainability, and economic development. The MPPDC recognizes that sea level rise is a significant threat to the region's coastal communities and that addressing this challenge can also create economic opportunities. Might St. Helena become a hub of innovation with respect to groundwater management and sustainability issues?
Successful implementation of such new industry attraction, along with attention to education and workforce development, would generate well-paying jobs for the city's residents and more potential for upward mobility for the younger generation - making St. Helena a place not just to visit or own a second home, but a place for families to thrive.