Susanvilles Ambitious Beef Project Aims to Transform Local Economy

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Tamra Spade, Susanville’s economic development director, provided an update on the city’s economic development activities over the past year during a presentation at the Susanville City Council meeting on December 18. She discussed various initiatives including business outreach, strategic partnerships, investment attraction, marketing, and business resources. A significant highlight was an $800 million economic development project, referred to as the Beef Project, which might be the largest in the city’s history.

The Beef Project involves a proposal submitted to GOBiz, the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, which identified Susanville as one of two selected cities. This project envisions a large-scale facility covering 500 acres with a million square foot building, using 1.5 million gallons of water daily, and potentially employing 1,600 workers. Spade emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations such as the Lassen Municipal Utility District, Susanville Sanitary District, Union Pacific, and the Susanville Rancheria to make the project viable.

During the meeting, local business owner David Teeter praised Spade’s professionalism and stressed the need for comprehensive economic development plans. An unidentified member of the public raised concerns about the production of organic beef and the potential use of chemicals, while Matt Jennings inquired about the city’s capacity to supply the necessary water for the project. Public Works Director Bob Godman assured that the city could meet the water demand, as it represents only a small percentage of the city’s capacity.

Business owner Kelly Thompson expressed the need for tangible outcomes from economic development efforts and questioned whether the Beef Project was the right fit for the community. She urged the council to focus on supporting existing businesses and reducing barriers to growth.

Spade also mentioned the anticipated new truck stop and new businesses in Uptown Susanville as part of the city’s ongoing economic activities.