- Author: Aaron Wilcher
Welcome to our journey exploring the vibrant communities and economy of the Eastern Sierra. In the next weeks and months I will be posting articles on currents in the field, interviews with experts and local community members, and observations as I travel around California and nationally. I aim to provide valuable resources and information for local stakeholders navigating the key challenges and opportunities facing our region's businesses and economy.
About Me
I grew up in the East side of San Jose California the son of an elementary school teacher and a small business owner. I had an opportunity to travel around the U.S., Canada, and Europe racing mountain bikes and cyclocross before starting my education. I attended community college and transferred to UCLA where I studied Spanish literature. History and philosophy shaped my worldview as a young scholar, and provided a foundation in writing and analysis, skills that continue to serve me in my research today. I later advanced my studies in history, politics, and culture through an American studies program at Saint Louis University.
Career Path
In San Francisco, I became involved in local politics and was inspired by grassroots organizations advocating for community change in housing, transportation, and public health programs. I discovered that many of these efforts were rooted in neighborhoods and communities, with advocates collaborating with local and state leaders. This realization led me to pursue a master's degree in city planning, community, and economic development at UC Berkeley.
Following graduate school, I worked in the Bay Area and Sacramento in local government and with the California community college system. My focus was workforce development—a cornerstone of community and economic development. Over 15 years, I engaged in a wide range of activities, including economic research for strategic planning, developing industry-school collaborations, coordinating stakeholders around major federal funding initiatives, supporting entrepreneurship and leadership programs, and managing day-to-day operations for education and training initiatives.
These experiences allowed me to collaborate with diverse partners across business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors, equipping me with a comprehensive perspective on community development.
Outdoor Recreation Roots
Throughout my career, I never lost touch with my athletic roots. Like many Californians passionate about outdoor pursuits, I lived a dual life: one in the city and one in the country. After another stint of competitive bicycle racing, I discovered backcountry activities like backpacking, mountain biking, and skiing, which took me all over the American West and the coast.
It was during this time that I became interested in outdoor recreation planning and its role in rural communities. Attending conferences in Oregon, Colorado, Utah, and California, I met smart, dedicated professionals tackling common challenges in housing affordability, small business development, and natural resource conservation. These interactions deepened my interest in addressing rural community needs through thoughtful planning and collaboration.
Joining UCANR and the “CED-Lab”
These experiences ultimately led me to the University of California's Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR). Having become familiar with Cooperative Extension through the Gateway and Natural Amenity Region (GNAR) program in Utah, I saw this role as a unique opportunity to integrate my passions with professional expertise. It also felt like a way to give back to the University of California system, which played a pivotal role in shaping my education.
Now, I'm fortunate to work alongside more than 20 academics in UCANR's Community Economic Development Lab (CED-Lab). Our team includes Specialists and Advisors focused on agricultural economics, biofuels and wood products, new technology, workforce development, and food systems. With around 1,600 employees systemwide, UCANR provides unparalleled resources in strategic communications, data mapping, and grants administration—resources I'm excited to leverage for programs and partnerships in the Eastern Sierra.
Research and Extension in the Eastern Sierra
Our local office, serving Inyo and Mono counties, is renowned for its longstanding programs that have supported the community for decades. Dustin Blakey, the County Farm Advisor and Environmental Horticultural Advisor, leads the Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver programs while overseeing the office. Amy Phillips coordinates our 4-H program, and Melissa Yeager is our dedicated office manager.
It is with great enthusiasm that I launch this program, rooted in the applied research and education that has defined my career. Extension work involves conducting practical research to address community needs and providing technical assistance to key audiences. This can take various forms, including policy and program analysis, webinars and presentations on pressing issues, and certification programs for professional development. By engaging with local stakeholders, I aim to co-create resources and initiatives that empower our community to thrive.
This is an exciting time for community development in the Eastern Sierra. The region recently completed a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), highlighting opportunities to support the local economy responsibly. Additionally, the region has been actively involved in the California Jobs First program, a statewide planning effort focused on economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Together, these efforts provide a strong foundation for continuing to advance projects and programs. I'm eager to contribute to these initiatives while fostering new partnerships.
Let's keep the conversation going! Subscribe to this blog for regular updates and join the quarterly Eastern Sierra Community and Economy Newsletter to stay informed about our latest efforts and opportunities. I welcome your thoughts and ideas on the local community's needs and priorities. Feel free to drop me a line—I'd love to hear from you.
Aaron Wilcher
Subscribe to the quarterly Eastern Sierra Community and Economy Newsletter here.