Nevada County has always been a curious mix of old gold rush grit, rural independence, and artsy free-spiritedness. But lately, something else is stirring in the foothills—a wave of progressive activism that’s reshaping the local political and cultural conversation. What once felt like scattered voices calling for change has now turned into crowded meetings, packed town halls, and protests that fill the Brunswick Basin with handmade signs and heartfelt chants. Whether you’re fired up or just trying to understand what’s going on, it’s impossible to ignore the momentum building right here at home.

It wasn’t that long ago that Indivisible Nevada County was just a handful of residents swapping ideas about how to get more involved in local politics. Fast-forward to 2025, and their events have become standing-room-only gatherings. At a recent town hall at the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, organizers expected about 50 people. Instead, over 150 locals showed up—teachers, parents, retirees, and a lot of faces you’d usually only see in the checkout line at SPD Market. The conversation? Everything from health care cuts to climate policies and the need for real accountability from local officials. The energy in the room was palpable—proof that even in small towns, people are ready to show up, speak out, and push for change.

Perhaps one of the clearest signs of this grassroots energy came during the No Kings Coalition protest, a nationwide demonstration that saw rural communities from coast to coast standing up for democratic values and fair representation. Grass Valley was no exception. Hundreds of residents lined up along Brunswick Basin, waving signs that read “Democracy is Local” and “Power to the People.” What struck me most wasn’t just the number of people but the diversity of the crowd—young families, older generations, even folks who admitted they’d never been to a protest before. For many, this was less about left or right and more about making sure rural voices aren’t drowned out in bigger political battles.

Another flashpoint in the local movement has been calls for Rep. Kevin Kiley to hold in-person town halls in Nevada County. Activists argue that phone-in meetings and online Q&As aren’t enough when real issues—like skyrocketing home insurance rates due to wildfire risk—are affecting locals’ day-to-day lives. On multiple occasions, residents have organized peaceful demonstrations outside Kiley’s Rocklin office and even lined the entrance of the Eric Rood Administration Center in Nevada City, demanding face-to-face conversations. Some waited hours just to speak with his staff, all echoing the same message:
“We live here. We vote here. We deserve to be heard here.”

Historically, Nevada County has leaned conservative, with its mix of ranching families, retirees, and libertarian-minded locals. But the tides are shifting. Small towns like Truckee, Grass Valley, and even nearby Quincy are seeing progressive voices take center stage, often around issues that hit home for everyone—like wildfire safety, public lands access, sustainable housing, and rural health care. The local Indivisible chapters and newer grassroots organizations are capitalizing on this momentum, holding community forums, hosting voter registration drives, and amplifying conversations that used to feel “too political” for a friendly chat over coffee.

How to Get Involved

If you’ve been feeling that tug to do more—whether it’s attending a meeting, volunteering at a phone bank, or simply learning what’s on the ballot—now’s the time. Indivisible Nevada County hosts regular action nights and issue forums that are open to anyone curious about making a difference. Their website has easy “get involved” links and a calendar of upcoming events. You don’t have to be an activist with a megaphone to make a difference. Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing up to listen, lending your voice when it counts, and standing next to your neighbors in solidarity.

What’s happening in Nevada County isn’t just politics—it’s community in action. It’s about neighbors who care enough to push for solutions to the challenges we all face, from affordable housing to fire safety and beyond. It’s proof that small towns can still shape big conversations. Whether you agree with the progressive movement or not, the rise in civic engagement is a good sign. It means people are paying attention, and that’s always step one toward real change.