- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Ukiah Today
By the People, for the People
Mendocino County's Economy Faces Challenges Across Key Sectors
Longtime industries like wine, timber, and marijuana struggle as local leaders work to address financial troubles
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Mendocino County's economy has been rocked by convulsions across its traditional pillars of grapes, sheep, fishing, timber, agriculture, and marijuana. The wine industry is in free-fall, the timber industry collapsed in the 1990s due to environmental protests, and the once-booming underground marijuana economy was disrupted by legalization and new regulations. Agriculture is also facing threats as the county considers closing down Lake Pillsbury and the old dam. With the local economy now heavily reliant on government jobs, county leaders are working to address the financial troubles, though some question their ability to turn things around.
Why it matters
Mendocino County's economic struggles impact employment, tax revenue, and the overall financial health of the region. As traditional industries decline, the county must find ways to diversify its economy and support new growth areas. The decisions made by local leaders will have significant implications for the community.
The details
The county's economic troubles span its key industries. The wine industry is in crisis, with major producers like Parducci, Fetzer, Nelson, and Annie Greensprings struggling. Timber, once the backbone of employment, was decimated in the 1990s by environmental protests and the closure of mills. The booming underground marijuana economy was disrupted by legalization and new regulations that the county struggled to implement effectively. Agriculture, including walnuts, pears, and cherries, has also declined, and the county is now considering closing Lake Pillsbury and the old dam, which could further impact the sector.
- In the 1990s, the timber industry was confronted by environmental activists, leading to the closure of mills and the loss of jobs.
- In recent years, the county has worked to implement new marijuana regulations and taxation following legalization, disrupting the previously thriving underground economy.
The players
Mendocino County Supervisors
The elected officials responsible for addressing the county's financial challenges and developing strategies to support the local economy.
Environmental Activists
Groups and individuals who have protested against industries like timber, contributing to the decline of those sectors in Mendocino County.
What they’re saying
“The county was able to quickly destroy the underground pot economy, and spent lots and lots of tax dollars doing it. It set up costly, confusing, unworkable marijuana rules and regulations.”
— Tommy Wayne Kramer, Author (ukiahdailyjournal.com)
What’s next
The county is considering closing down Lake Pillsbury and the old dam, which could further impact the agriculture sector. Additionally, local environmental groups are expected to continue protesting any new oil or gas development in the region.
The takeaway
Mendocino County's economy faces significant challenges as its traditional industries decline, and the county must find ways to diversify and support new growth areas. The decisions made by local leaders will be crucial in determining the future economic trajectory of the region.
