Cuyama Futures

If you want to learn more about this project or join a local working group to get things done, contact us by email, in person, or by phone.

Executive Summary

The economic future of Cuyama depends on the skills, talents, and entrepreneurship of the residents of the Cuyama Valley. As does any community, our Cuyama home has gone through many economic changes over the years, from primary industries of ranching and oil to agriculture and tourism. What comes next? How can we all work together to make sure there are enough economic opportunities to support the work and family life of all residents? What does economic development, job security, and wellbeing mean for Cuyama, as told by Cuyamans?

Quail Springs and Blue Sky Center partnered on a $30,000 grant from Uplift Central Coast to identify pathways for Cuyama’s economic future as desired by local Cuyamans. Listening sessions were held in both English and Spanish in August 2023 and February 2024 to collect stories, hopes, and challenges to the local economy, with 46 residents in attendance in 2023 and 80 residents in 2024. In May 2024, a bilingual survey was sent to every address in the Cuyama Valley to expand outreach efforts to all Cuyamans to better quantify their desires for the economic future of the valley. A total of 133 surveys were completed representing 12% of the Cuyama Valley total population of 1,100 residents.

The findings of this research focuses on the current lived reality of the Cuyama economy as experienced by Cuyamans, what industries and jobs are currently available here, and perceptions of what future opportunities in the valley there could be. This report contains self-identified employment data, demographics data, housing data, and details on economic optimism and concerns. It can be used as a reference to guide future conversations on potential economic development in the valley. It provides a snapshot of job security, quality of life, existing industries, and future sustainable development priorities in Cuyama.

Appendices of the Cuyama Futures Report

Appendix A: Cuyama Valley Economic Futures Survey (2024, Blue Sky Center, Quail Springs, Uplift Central Coast) - English / Spanish

Appendix B: Cuyama Valley Economic Futures Survey Results (2024, Blue Sky Center, Quail Springs, Uplift Central Coast)

Appendix C: Cuyama Valley Community Action Plan (2020, Blue Sky Center, RCAC, and CCRH)

Appendix D: Listening Session Presentation (2024, Uplift Central Coast, Quail Springs)

Appendix E: Inclusivity Fund Form (2023, Uplift Central Coast)

Appendix F: Uplift’s Informational Pamphlet (2023, Uplift Central Coast)

Appendix G: Paso a Paso Report (2024, Blue Sky Center, Central Coast Creative Corps)

The Survey

View the original survey and messaging at our webpage.