Springville-Area, Tulare County | Visitors explore the SCICON campus during the 63rd Annual SCICON Barbecue and Wildfire Festival. | | |
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LATEST UPDATES
FROM THE RMA
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- Good News
- Public Works
- Economic Development, Planning & Tourism
- Building & Permit Center
- Fiscal and Administrative Services & Human Resources
- Grants & Resources
- RMA Monthly Data Report
| | April 22, 2026, East Orosi, CA | Community leaders, project partners, and construction team members participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new water infrastructure project supported by the Community Water Center and the Tulare County Resource Management Agency, marking a step forward in improving access to clean water. | |
Welcome Message
Planning Ahead Through Fiscal Stewardship and Strategic Support
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As Tulare County continues to grow, thoughtful planning and responsible financial stewardship remain essential to supporting the services and infrastructure our communities depend on. A key aspect of the Resource Management Agency’s behind-the-scenes work to support that growth happens through our budget development process. Working closely with the County Administrator’s Office (CAO), each year around this time, the RMA’s Fiscal Services team focuses on preparing for the upcoming fiscal year. The process is collaborative and involves evaluating operational and community priorities, forecasting future needs, and aligning resources to support more than 40 Tulare County communities, all while working closely with our eight cities.
In this edition of In the Works, you will read about several important efforts currently underway across the County, including the East Orosi Community Services District (CSD) Water Project Groundbreaking bringing clean drinking water to local residents, the Curb and Sidewalk Reimbursement Program (CSRP) offering financial assistance for improvements in unincorporated communities, and continued progress as we strengthen internal efficiency to benefit local residents and businesses, from reroofing projects to commercial-scale construction.
While much of this work happens behind the scenes, understanding the story behind the numbers is key to making informed decisions that serve organizations and communities well over time. To that end, every month’s Data Packet provides you, the reader, with a view of project budgets and funding sources. Federal, state, and local dollars affect everything we can do, from roads, water systems, and bridges to business attraction and tourism. Each dollar contributes to RMA’s goals in delivering responsive and high-quality public service. Our yearly budgeting process is just one more way we stay accountable, as we remain committed to moving Tulare County forward.
Best regards,
Scott Motsenbocker, MBA
RMA Assistant Director of Fiscal & Administrative Services
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PUBLIC WORKS
ROAD CREWS, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS
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Sharon Rowton Helps Keep Tulare County Roads On Track
Nominated for Employee of the Year Following 57 Years of Public Service at the County of Tulare
| | Sharon Rowton stands with Ahmad Alkhayyat, RMA Assistant Director of Public Works, following her recognition at the Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. | | |
Sharon Rowton, Road Yard Secretary with RMA Public Works at the Central Shop, was nominated by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors for Employee of the Year, reflecting a career built on consistency, care, and expertise.
Since 1969, Rowton has supported generations of County staff, helping keep daily operations moving forward with reliability and attention to detail. The RMA extends its sincere appreciation and congratulations on Sharon’s recent recognition for more than five decades of service and the lasting example she continues to set through her dedication and commitment to Tulare County.
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Curb and Sidewalk Reimbursement Program (CSRP)
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Tulare County’s CSRP offers financial assistance to property owners in unincorporated residential areas for installing or repairing curbs, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and driveway approaches.
Reimbursement is first-come, first-served until annual funds are exhausted:
- Curb & Gutter: $25/linear ft.
- Sidewalk: $15/linear ft.
- ADA Ramp: $1,400/ramp (excludes gutter).
- Total reimbursement is capped at $4,000.
Questions? Email EncroachmentPermits@tularecounty.ca.gov or call (559) 624-7073.
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Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Sequoia Airport
Deadline: May 25, 2026
| | A view of Sequoia Field Airport. Photo: Visalia Times Delta | | |
Tulare County Resource Management Agency is now accepting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) for Aeronautical Engineering & Planning Services at Sequoia Field (D86) Airport.
Addendum No. 1 has been issued. Additional information, including the addendum, is available online within the RFQ website.
Key Dates
- Questions Due: Apr 15, 2026
- SOQ Due: May 25, 2026 (5:00 p.m.)
- Shortlist Notified: Jun 2, 2026
- Scoping/Negotiations: Jul 2026
- Board Approval: Aug 2026
- Notice to Proceed: Sep 2026
| | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM | | |
Economic Development Office Out and About
Supporting Tourism and Community Partnerships at SCICON
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RMA’s Economic Development & Planning Branch continued advancing the Discover Tulare County initiative through community outreach at the 63rd Annual SCICON Barbecue and Wildflower Festival. Staff engaged with attendees and regional partners to promote Tulare County as a destination for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and visits to the Sequoias. With support from student interns from Porterville Pathway's Monache High School Multimedia Technology Academy, the team connected with visitors and strengthened local partnerships. These efforts help elevate regional visibility, support tourism, and enhance quality of life across Tulare County.
To learn more about Discover Tulare County and tourism opportunities, visit www.DiscoverTulareCounty.com or contact economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.
| | Attendees gather at the 63rd Annual SCICON Barbecue and Wildflower Festival in Springville, where the Economic Development team engaged with the public through outreach and tourism promotion activities. | |
Tulare County Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week
Honoring Tourism’s Impact on Tulare County’s Economy, Community, and Visitor Experience
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| May is California Tourism Month and the RMA's Discover Tulare County team is celebrating the role tourism plays in supporting the local economy and quality of life. Tourism brings visitors to destinations like Sequoia National Park and Sequoia National Forest, supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and generating revenue. Local partners help make the County a welcoming place to visit. | |
New Farmers Market Coming to California Hot Springs
Community Will Celebrate Mother's Day with New Business Initiative
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Just as our South Valley community of California Hot Springs prepares to welcome a remodeled resort, its residents are launching a new Farmers Market they hope will bring more foot traffic to local businesses. This new market supports local vendors and creates a welcoming gathering space for all.
Nestled along the Sierra Nevada foothills, the California Hot Springs community is home to numerous artisans and producers of locally grown foods and handcrafted desserts. Our Economic Development Office team will be at the Discover Tulare County info booth. Consider stopping by to say hello!
California Hot Springs Farmers Market
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Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026
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Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Location: 41766 Hot Springs Rd, California Hot Springs, CA 93207
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Economic Development Efforts Continue
Tulare County Shares Model for Streamlined Development
| | Statewide economic development partners listen as panelists discuss collaboration across key public service departments, including economic development, planning, and public works. | | |
RMA Associate Director Michael Washam represented Tulare County at the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) 2026 Conference, joining a panel on cross-department collaboration. Tulare County’s integrated approach – bringing together planning, public works, and economic development – helps streamline projects and support growth.
With key services co-located at the Government Plaza in Visalia and the upcoming addition of the Assessor/Clerk-Recorder, the County of Tulare continues to enhance coordination and improve the development experience for residents and businesses.
| | RMA Associate Director (left) discusses best practices related to collaboration focused on service delivery. | | |
Inspiring the Next Generation of Public Servants
Local Outreach at Willow Glen Elementary
| | RMA staff connect with students at a local elementary school career fair, sharing hands-on learning experiences about careers in public works and building services. | | |
Members of RMA's Building and Public Works Divisions supported Willow Glen Elementary School's Career Fair on April 10. Staff engaged students with hands-on activities and conversations about careers in construction, engineering, and public service.
Students had the opportunity to ask questions and explore how everyday infrastructure is built and maintained. The event provided a fun, interactive way to connect classroom learning to real-world careers while inspiring interest in future opportunities within their community.
| | FISCAL SERVICES & HUMAN RESOURCES | |
Get to Know RMA's Fiscal Manager Patrick Grover
Supporting Projects from Infrastructure to Development
| | RMA Fiscal Manager Patrick Grover presents financial information at a team meeting. | Fiscal and Economic Development team meeting with department leadership during a budget discussion. | | |
In March of this year, Patrick Grover stepped into the role of RMA Fiscal Manager, but he was no stranger to this agency. Since joining RMA in 2017 as an Account Clerk, Patrick has steadily advanced through the agency, serving in multiple fiscal roles before most recently holding the position of Administrative Services Officer II.
With nearly a decade of experience supporting RMA’s financial operations, Patrick brings deep institutional knowledge, a strong commitment to public service, and a passion for improving internal processes through technology and teambuilding. In his new role, he works closely with RMA Assistant Director of Fiscal Services Scott Motsenbocker to oversee the Fiscal Division, guide budget and audit operations, and support the financial systems that help deliver critical services and infrastructure projects throughout Tulare County.
| | County of Tulare Career Opportunities Here at the RMA | | |
Want to work towards something great? Consider working for the County of Tulare. Government is a place where every role makes a difference in strengthening our communities and shaping a brighter future.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to grow your skills, we offer opportunities that matter, supporting vital services, building infrastructure, protecting natural resources, and serving the people and businesses who call Tulare County home, as well as those who visit to make lasting memories.
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Maricela Mares-Alatorre, Community Solutions Advocate with the Community Water Center, serves as MC and addresses attendees at the East Orosi Groundbreaking. She was joined by
Tulare County District 4 Supervisor Eddie Valero, dignitaries, and community partners in delivering remarks to community members.
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East Orosi Water Infrastructure Groundbreaking Initiative
From Advocacy to Action in East Orosi
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After more than two decades of community advocacy, East Orosi has reached a long-awaited milestone with the start of construction to deliver safe, reliable drinking water to local families. The project will connect more than 100 households, reducing reliance on bottled water and addressing long-standing health concerns tied to nitrate contamination.
Supported through state programs like the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Program, the effort brings together Tulare County RMA, the State Water Resources Control Board, Community Water Center, Self Help Enterprises, and the Orosi Public Utilities District. Tulare County’s role as a full scope administrator reflects a commitment to long-term, sustainable solutions that strengthen essential infrastructure to support improved quality of life and future opportunity.
| | RMA Grants Manager Denise England (far left) and her team pose at the East Orosi Groundbreaking in front of the “Río del Tiempo (River of Time)” mural, reflecting the collaboration behind the project. | | |
California CWPP Toolkit Supports Local Wildfire Planning
RMA Advances Wildfire Preparedness Through Regional Planning Resources
| | RMA Grants Specialist Doreen Alvez (far left) facilitated the CWPP Toolkit Workshop, with support from Tulare County Fire Division Chief Kevin Riggio, advancing regional wildfire planning efforts. | | |
Through its ongoing forest health and wildfire preparedness efforts, Tulare County RMA hosted a two-hour regional workshop on April 9 to introduce the California Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Toolkit, marking the start of a coordinated process for the 2027 CWPP update. Participants included representatives from the Tulare County Fire Department, Sharp Forestry, Yosemite Sequoia RC&DC, Tulare County Resource Conservation District, Badger Firewise Community, Silver City Service Club and HOA, Wukchumni Tribe, Upper Tule Firewise Community, and Tulare County RMA’s Planning, Grants, and Economic Development teams.
This statewide planning resource helps agencies and stakeholders collaboratively develop wildfire protection strategies by identifying wildfire risks, prioritizing mitigation projects, and strengthening long-term community resilience.
| | Latest RMA Data Packet Now Available | | | | |
RMA Data is now available in a single data packet including information regarding:
- Project Status Updates
- Public Works Field Operations
- Monthly Planning Report
- Building and Housing Report
| | Follow Us On Social Media | | |
Several RMA initiatives also have an online presence. Search for the following accounts to keep up to date with the latest at our agency.
| | Send over your story idea, and it may just make it into a future edition of this publication! To learn more, please contact the County of Tulare's Economic Development Office (EDO) by emailing (economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov). The EDO is a division of the RMA, maintaining the agency's media and communications efforts, including public information outreach. | | RMA Contact Information and Quick Links | | | | |
