Three Groups Vie for Future of River Lodge as Fortuna Council Opens Door to More Proposals

Fortuna Union High School District Superintendent Clint Duey addresses the City Council regarding the River Lodge.

Competing visions for the future of Fortuna’s River Lodge took center stage Monday night as the City Council agreed to broaden its search for a long-term operator, directing staff to begin accepting and evaluating proposals from public agencies, nonprofit organizations and private entities before making a decision.

The decision came after presentations from representatives of the Fortuna Union High School District, the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce and a local entrepreneur, each outlining a different vision for the city-owned facility.

The River Lodge discussion capped a meeting that also included adoption of the city’s 2026-27 operating budget, updates to animal control enforcement procedures, approval of the city’s Urban Water Management Plan, and recognition of the Fortuna Depot Museum’s 50th anniversary.

Mayor Mike Johnson opened the meeting by presenting a proclamation honoring the Fortuna Depot Museum’s 50th anniversary. Museum curator Dr. Alexandra Service invited the public to attend a July 2 celebration marking the museum’s golden anniversary with a free ice cream social, docent presentations, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Council Adopts Budget

The council unanimously adopted the city’s fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget after hearing from City Manager Amy Nilsen that Fortuna continues to face structural financial challenges driven by stagnant revenues and increasing costs for public safety, insurance and essential services.

Staff said the budget reflects targeted reductions and operational adjustments intended to preserve core city services while addressing an ongoing structural deficit between recurring revenues and expenditures. The budget followed two public workshops held earlier this spring.

Council also unanimously adopted the city’s annual fee schedule after staff explained the item had to be reheard because required public noticing procedures had not been fully completed during the previous approval process. Staff said no changes had been made to the fee schedule itself.

Animal Control Changes 

Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance revising enforcement procedures for certain minor animal control violations.

Under the proposal, some violations—such as failing to license a dog—could be resolved through correctable citations rather than requiring both pet owners and animal control officers to appear in court.

During public comment, resident Orval Garrison asked whether the ordinance was connected to recent publicity involving Miranda’s Rescue. Fortuna Police Chief Matthew Eberhardt said it was not.

“I can see how the timing… would definitely warrant that question, but no, it is not. This is something we’ve been working on for some time,” he said.

The ordinance will return July 20 for a second reading and possible adoption.

Water Plan Approved

Council also adopted the city’s updated 2026 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan, a state-required planning document updated every five years.

Public Works staff reported Fortuna’s water supply remains stable, with population slightly lower than during the previous planning cycle and no significant new industrial water users affecting demand. The contingency plan outlines how water restrictions would be implemented during severe shortages.

Three Visions for the River Lodge

Earlier this year, the council directed staff to pursue leasing—rather than selling—the River Lodge as part of efforts to reduce the nearly $1 million in general fund subsidies the facility has required over the past five years. The current budget assumes the city will transition away from operating the River Lodge by Jan. 1, 2027.

Staff reported they had already begun discussions with the Fortuna Union High School District while also receiving an unsolicited proposal from a private operator.

School district pitches education and community hub

Fortuna Union High School District Superintendent Clint Duey said the district has no intention of closing the River Lodge to the public, addressing rumors that the facility would become little more than office space.

Instead, Duey said the River Lodge would continue serving community groups and nonprofit organizations while also hosting career technical education classes, educator training conferences and district administrative offices. The district also highlighted its longstanding partnerships with the City of Fortuna on projects including City League basketball, the Rodeo, Autorama, Rohner Creek improvements and law enforcement training.

“Our goal is not to make money on the River Lodge,” Duey said. “I’d be happy to break even… because I believe it brings benefit to our students and benefit to our community.”

School board trustee Jeana McClendon echoed that message, describing the district as a stable public institution with the resources to operate the facility while continuing to attract conferences and visitors to Fortuna.

In its written proposal, the district also argued that educator conferences already hosted in Fortuna generate tens of thousands of dollars in business for local hotels, restaurants and caterers each year, and said expanding those events could provide continued economic benefits for the city.

Chamber seeks tourism-focused future

Fortuna Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Felicia Thompson asked the council to delay any decision long enough for the chamber to prepare its own proposal.

The concept would relocate the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center into the River Lodge while continuing event rentals and expanding tourism promotion.

Several chamber supporters, including Becky Giacomini, also urged the council to consider the proposal, arguing the facility could become both a visitor center and a more active community event venue.

Entrepreneur pitches private operation

Local business owner Erica Thompson presented the unsolicited proposal.

Describing herself as a startup entrepreneur with decades of hospitality and construction management experience, Thompson argued a privately operated venue could maximize hotel occupancy and transient occupancy tax revenue by aggressively marketing weddings, conferences and community events.

She also proposed making the River Lodge available as an emergency command center during disasters at no cost to the city.

Council opts for broader review

After hearing all three concepts, council members agreed they wanted to consider additional proposals before making a decision.

Mayor Pro Tem Tami Trent said every interested group should have an opportunity to submit a formal proposal.

Councilmember Kyle Conley said he wanted to ensure the process remained transparent and that the city considered all possibilities before selecting a long-term operator.

Mayor Mike Johnson agreed, saying the city should give every proposal a fair evaluation before deciding the River Lodge’s future.

The council unanimously directed staff to begin accepting proposals from public agencies, nonprofit organizations and private entities, develop evaluation criteria, and return with recommendations after outside review from organizations including the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (REDC).

City staff said proposals would likely be accepted over the next several weeks, with an update expected when the council next meets July 20.

Other Business

Nilsen updated the council on several ongoing projects, including regional discussions about Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation, coordination with the Humboldt Transit Authority on opening Fortuna Transit to the general public, continued negotiations over regional solid waste franchise agreements, and progress toward establishing a nonprofit organization to support the Depot Museum.

She also reported that PG&E has completed upgrades to the Newburg Substation, increasing available electrical capacity by approximately five megawatts, a change that could improve opportunities for future development in Fortuna.

Council also canceled its July 6 meeting because a quorum would not be available. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 20.