Maxwell, CA (MPG) – Maxwell is preparing for a pivotal transformation as the County of Colusa moves toward adopting the Maxwell Community Plan, a blueprint designed to guide the town through the anticipated impacts of the Sites Reservoir project.
After more than a year of public engagement, including four workshops and multiple stakeholder meetings, the draft plan is scheduled for review by the Colusa County Planning Commission on Oct.1 and final adoption by the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 21.
The Maxwell Community Plan lays out a forward-looking vision rooted in the town’s agricultural heritage and small-town character, county officials said at the final community meeting held Sept. 18 in Maxwell. The plan emphasizes preserving Maxwell’s historic identity while preparing for growth, which is expected to bring both opportunities and challenges to the region.
Insights gathered through public engagement helped ensure the plan reflects local priorities and sets a realistic path for implementation, said Colusa County Community Development Director Xzandrea Fowler.
At last week’s workshop, Maxwell residents got their first look at the plan’s implementation strategy, which centers on coordination and accountability. The matrix outlines which agencies will be responsible, accountable, consulted, or informed about each action item or task.
Fowler said the matrix aligns the county, Sites Authority, school district, fire protection district, public utility district, the parks and recreation district, and contractors, with the county taking on most of the heavy lifting.
“We are responsible for what happens within the community, and we are ultimately responsible for whether or not people that are doing development or trying to implement the plan actually achieve it,” Fowler said.
One immediate priority is zoning code amendments to allow temporary workforce housing during reservoir construction, along with opportunities to add permanent housing that will drive long-term growth and economic development.
Supervisor Randy Wilson confirmed that the $6.5 billion Sites Reservoir construction is expected to generate substantial sales tax revenue for Colusa County, which will serve as the negotiated “Point of Sale” for taxable goods and services.
To address funding gaps, Colusa County and the Sites Authority have committed to jointly hiring a grants coordinator and fiscal analyst. Fowler said the grants coordinator will be utilized by all agencies to proactively pursue state and federal funding to accelerate infrastructure upgrades, park development, and economic revitalization.
Among the plan’s most visible proposals is a gateway entry park near Highway 99, designed to welcome visitors to Maxwell with public restrooms, shaded picnic areas, information kiosk, and pet relief zones. While the Sites Authority will fund the design of the park, Colusa County and the Maxwell Parks and Recreation District will be responsible for construction and maintenance.