The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance:
After more than three dynamic years, MCA Executive Director Michael Katz is resigning on December 21 as he and his wife will be moving to Maine to support the care of a relative. Michael’s passion and steadfast work in support of the Mendocino cannabis community will be greatly missed along with his humor and dedication.
The MCA Board of Directors remains fully committed to its mission to serve and promote Mendocino County’s world-renowned cannabis cultivators and businesses through sustainable economic development, education and public policy initiatives, and has appointed new officers to lead the organization into 2024: President Steve Amato, Treasurer and former President Jude Thilman, and long time MCA Board member Corinne Powell serving as Secretary.
Advocacy has been, and remains at the heart of MCA’s mission and service to our members. The organization has worked to secure significant advocacy victories over the past few years, including: 50% tax breaks for 2023 and 2024; State intervention to secure a viable local pathway for project-specific CEQA review and eligibility for State annual licensure; the development of an emergency access Ag Pass for natural disasters; the establishment of a local fallowing program and renewed Equity grant eligibility for previously licensed operators denied in error by the previous MCD administration. In the coming year important priorities will include local ordinance revisions, the already underway EIR, the rollout of the state-funded Local Jurisdiction Assistance Grant Program and direct product sales for small farmers.
MCA’s mission is further supported by our continued partnership with Origins Council at the state and federal levels driving legislation on items like direct sales and state level fallowing designed to reduce barriers to entry and compliance hurdles for small craft businesses. Locally MCA is also fortunate to have a team of policy, planning and environmental experts including Hannah Nelson, Chantal Simponpietri and Scott Ward who will continue to advise and support advocacy efforts.
MCA President Steve Amato said “We’re sad to see Michael go but appreciate his efforts over the years and we wish him and his family the best in Maine. Although he is leaving tremendous shoes to fill, I am confident that between our devoted Board of Directors, strategic partnerships, amazing advisors, and passionate membership we will rise to the challenge. Besides continuing the great work of the MCA, there are plans for new and exciting features that we will be announcing in the new year to help guide our community into the future.”
Said Katz, “The last three years have been incredibly rewarding. It’s been an honor to work alongside this community to create significant and meaningful improvements both in regulations and in county efforts to support Mendocino’s craft cannabis industry. While I will be moving across the country, I will be bringing with me fond memories of the County. I wish everyone the best in their future endeavors.”
Until December 21 Katz can still be reached via email at michael@mendocannabis.com. After that all communications for MCA should be directed to info@mendocannabis.com or President Steve Amato at stevenamato@gmail.com.
To join MCA visit www.mendocannabis.com/join. To contact MCA with questions about becoming a member or sponsor please email info@mendocannabis.com.
