William Etherton

Background

About William Etherton

Last Spring, I graduated cum laude from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Geospatial Analytics Minor. Here I learned to identify and analyze the connections between social, economic, and ecological processes, and to use this data to measure, support, and promote sustainable growth. I developed software skills in GIS, R, Java Script, Excel, and Python and took math courses up to the Calculus level, including a statistical analysis class where I programmed linear regression models and conducted analysis of variance. Furthermore, I was given the opportunity to apply this knowledge to real world scenarios through various academic projects and during my work with the Humboldt County Economic Development Division (HCEDD). As an intern I assisted the HCEDD in researching an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) on the Samoa Peninsula. I worked with community members to identify and assess large-scale development projects to estimate future district fund revenues. At the end of my internship, I provided the County with a preliminary revenue analysis, map, and report describing the area and assessing the feasibility of such a district. Following the adoption of a resolution of intention to establish the Samoa Peninsula EIFD, which was supported by my research, I was hired on full time by the County to continue my work. I worked with various public and private partners to draft the Infrastructure Financing Plan (IFP) and helped form the Public Financing Authority (PFA), which govern the EIFD. The EIFD has since been established. This project alone has provided me with the confidence and experience to pursue a career in economic development, but my work has not been limited to the EIFD. I have been involved in dozens more projects, tasks, and duties, each affording me the opportunity to further develop my professional skills and learn more about my community. I have prepared statistical and financial reports, contracts, and legal documents, developed web pages and applications, marketed our programs and initiatives, tracked and allocated finances, and supported, and continue to support, the division in any way I can. Through this work I have come to understand the importance of local government and to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into keeping this community so special. I have made friends, mentors, and lasting connections, I have gained a passion for serving my community, and I have discovered a love for what I do.