As one of the rapidly developing suburban communities in Northern California, Lincoln City still relies on family businesses to maintain economic stability. These businesses mostly focus on the local market and primarily source products and materials from surrounding communities.
Tom Indrieri, CEO of the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce, sees this as a positive factor in the current import tariff environment. He mentioned that sometimes being a small-scale business can not only be advantageous but also potentially shield from the impact of tariffs.
Out of approximately 450 member businesses in the chamber, none have complained about President Trump’s import tariffs. Indrieri told Dajiyuan, “I believe President Trump – whether you like him or not – is working hard to reset trade balances. He hopes these tariffs will encourage businesses to invest in the United States. We have to wait and see what will happen.”
Located in Placer County, Lincoln City had a population of 51,629 in 2023, a nearly 3% increase from the previous year. The median home price in the city rose by almost 6% from 2022 to 2023, reaching around $628,000. The median household income in the area during this period was approximately $108,000.
Despite rapid residential growth in Lincoln City since 2003, the city still maintains a charming, family-friendly atmosphere with many traditional elements.
Gladding McBean, a major enterprise in the city, boasts the world’s richest clay reserves and primarily produces clay, clay pipes, and tile products. The company recently celebrated its 150th anniversary.
The historic district along Lincoln Boulevard features many small gift shops, antique stores, and restaurants like Hops & Hogs Country Smokehouse. Phil Woodman established this restaurant about six months ago, offering dishes processed from local ingredients and craft beers. Woodman said, “Business is good on weekends, but weekdays are a bit slower. That’s just how Lincoln is.”
Woodman remains hopeful that his business can avoid broad impacts from tariffs since he is not involved in export trade. He told Dajiyuan, “I’m not sure how tariffs might affect my purchasing of other things. So far, I haven’t felt that impact. I hope not, but we have to wait and see.” He explained, “I believe cities that produce a lot locally should have an advantage under tariffs. And on the other hand, we have been buying local products as much as possible.”
Woodman expressed that what concerns him more than import tariffs are state regulations and domestic product price inflation, such as eggs, which could potentially have the most significant impact on his business. He said, “What has always influenced me are not tariffs but state regulations. It’s always either regulations or oil prices.” The food industry’s middlemen and distribution processes work that way; once oil prices rise, you start getting charged extra fees.
Woodman noted that the last thing customers want to see is menu prices increase. “They know egg prices have gone up, but breakfast prices still have to remain the same, that’s the mentality. So as prices rise, restaurant operators find it challenging to adjust prices.” He added, “I think customers need about six months to truly realize that there have been some changes and accept them.”
Not far from Hops & Hogs Country Smokehouse is Lincoln Gold Coin Company. Jim D’ Ambrosio, the owner, has been running the company for 11 years and believes that in a tariff environment, the performance of gold and silver will surpass other assets.
“I don’t know if tariffs will have a positive impact on the world economy, but we can only wait and see how it unfolds,” D’ Ambrosio said. “I predict that the price of gold will reach $4,000 per ounce by the end of the year because its value has been rising rapidly. I think we might still see a $4,000 price before the end of the year.” Gold recently hit a historic high, surpassing $3,100 per ounce, then dropped below $3,000.
Ralph Colunga, chairman of the annual “Rods and Relics Car Show” in Lincoln City, emphasized the significance of tourism and community events to the local economy.
He remarked that whether President Trump’s imposition of import tariffs is correct remains to be seen. Colunga said, “I think it’s more of a negotiation strategy. But I do think Trump is an outstanding businessman – regardless of whether you like his way of doing things. You have to give him some time to see what will eventually happen.”
Indrieri once manufactured large steel barbecue pits for his food business but eventually stopped due to high costs. However, he clarified that it wasn’t tariffs that caused the price of steel plates to rise from $190 per sheet to $450, but rather inflation over the past few years. “So I discontinued making barbecue pits.”
Indrieri stated that Lincoln City’s abundant local small businesses have given people a new understanding of shopping during the global trade war. “We have some excellent wineries here. I mean, there are three or four top wineries that have even won gold awards,” Indrieri said. “There’s also an optimistic feeling here, everyone is saying, ‘You know what? We’re tired of unfair trade practices, and we can compete.'”
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