The Lost Sierra Chamber of Commerce announces that Plumas County is officially going on the offensive to combat decades of population decline and revitalize its local economy. Organizers recently announced the impending launch of the Move In! Plumas County relocation recruitment initiative, a public-private partnership designed to repopulate Plumas County’s communities. In collaboration with the Business Resiliency and Economic Development Subcommittee, local chambers of commerce and private donors, the program uses data-driven recruitment to sustain county infrastructure and boost local economic activity.
The program is catalyzed by a landmark $20,000 lead contribution from Sierra Pacific Industries, marking the first significant private-sector push to repopulate the region. An additional $5,000 contribution from The Lost Sierra Chamber of Commerce and $1,000 from a private donor secures the capital needed to begin operations for the next six months, said organizers.
The program markets the entire Plumas County region, highlighting its scenic natural environment and rural lifestyle. Following successful national models, the program will offer a $5,000 move in bonus to the first 10 verified families relocating to the county, supplemented by $500 to $1,000 in local welcome perks — including chamber gifts and small-business services — to help new families connect and spend locally.
The chamber calls Plumas County a sanctuary for those who crave a deep connection to the outdoors and a resilient, close-knit community. “It is the perfect home for financially secure families ages 35–55, remote professionals and entrepreneurs who are tired of the urban grind and high costs of living,” said chamber organizers. They invite those interested in moving to the area to apply at moveinplumas.com.
“We’re here for the long haul, and we want to be part of helping the community grow and prosper,” said Dan Quarton, area manager for SPI. “We believe that by investing in programs that bring new families here, we aren’t just filling homes, we’re preserving the future of the local workforce and the vitality of our towns.”
Matt Taborski, SPI Quincy plant manager, added: “We have seen incredible progress in rebuilding our physical infrastructure. The Move In! program is the final piece of that puzzle — bringing in the people who will make these communities whole again.”
Richard Aiple, director of Nakoma Resort and vice president of The Lost Sierra Chamber of Commerce, also expressed his strong support for the initiative: “As someone who sees the potential of Plumas County every day at Nakoma, I know that our greatest asset is the lifestyle we offer. Supporting Move In! is a strategic investment in our collective future. By bringing in new families and professionals, we are strengthening the local economy and ensuring that the Lost Sierra remains a vibrant, thriving place to live and work.” Nakoma has also supported the Move In! initiative.
For every 10 families recruited, the program estimates a return of over $247,500 annually to local schools and the tax base. This public-private partnership aims to turn the tide on a projected 30% population loss by 2060 by focusing on those with the means to invest in local homes and businesses.
