The Resource Management Agency actively participated in the 2025 World Ag Expo, which draws thousands yearly to Tulare County, consistently a top-producing ag county recognized nationally and globally.

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A significant milestone this month was the VARCOMM Broadband Expansion in Terra Bella, extending high-speed internet to over 1,300 previously unserved locations. We also welcomed a new housing development in Goshen, with 300+ homes near Highway 99, improving access to housing for families and commuters.

At the World Ag Expo, our Resource Management Agency showcased its role in supporting agriculture, business, infrastructure, and tourism. Meanwhile, our Public Works team continued maintaining 3,000 miles of roads, 250+ bridges, and essential infrastructure, while our Building Officials ensured construction safety and compliance. Behind these efforts, our Grants, Planning, and Fiscal teams continue driving progress across the County.

To enhance road safety and community mobility, new speed limits will be installed across several areas in Tulare County.

To foster a stronger sense of place and pride in our communities, our Economic Development Office launched the Tulare County Taco Trail and is collaborating with cities, chambers, and other community partners to spread the word. This campaign will feature local favorites on our Discover Tulare County app, celebrating our vibrant food scene. If you haven't shared your favorite taco spots yet, there's still time (see below)!

Tulare County is full of opportunity, and I encourage you to explore and celebrate all that makes it special.

Best regards,

Michael Washam, A.C.E.

Associate Director

Resource Management Agency

New speed limits installed across Tulare County will enhance road safety.

The County of Tulare now has a mobile application (app) that provides information about the must-see destinations across our awe-inspiring region. With millions of visitors from all over the world, our residents can also use the application to discover treasures in our Tulare County backyard.

On February 21, VARCOMM hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in Terra Bella, Calif., a rural community approximately 30 miles southeast of Visalia, to kick off its new rural broadband expansion project in Tulare County.

The project will bring VARCOMM’s broadband network to approximately 1,312 previously unserved locations in the Terra Bella area and is expected to be completed by 2026. The groundbreaking was held at Setton Park, graciously provided by Setton Pistachios.

The expansion is made possible by a more than $10 million Federal Funding Account (FFA) grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which supports infrastructure projects and ongoing efforts to build awareness about affordable connectivity services like those VARCOMM provides.

Eric Vartaw (left); Ashley Olivas, Representative for Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo; Rachel Clement; District Representative for Congressman David Valadao; Dennis Townsend, Tulare County Supervisor; Eric Coyne, Representative for Senator Melissa Hurtado; and CPUC Commissioner Darcie Houck.

The crowd engages with VARCOMM's Co-Owner Eric Vartaw's presentation.

Supervisor Townsend provides VARCOMM co-owner Eric Vartaw a certificate of recognition.

PUBLIC WORKS

ROADS CREW, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS

Tulare County is enhancing road safety with new speed limits in multiple areas, based on updated Engineering & Traffic Surveys. These changes will improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and align speed regulations with current roadway conditions.

You can expect to see our Signs Team updating speed limit signs in several areas across our communities.

Stay informed! Follow us on social media for updates, including a detailed map of where the changes will occur.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Website

Questions? Contact RMA@tularecounty.ca.gov

The RMA's Management Group 2 Team

The Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA)- Public Works branch, plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the county’s infrastructure. Within RMA, three distinct management groups oversee various aspects of public works, including engineering, surveying, and maintenance operations. One of these groups, Management Group 2 (MG2) – Design and Construction Management, is responsible for the planning, design, and construction of roadway and infrastructure improvement projects throughout the county.  

Under the leadership of RMA Director Reed Schenke, P.E., and Chief Engineer Hernan Beltran, P.E., MG2 is structured into eight specialized teams, each dedicated to a unique aspect of project development. These teams work collaboratively to ensure the successful execution of construction and maintenance projects, from initial design to final completion.

RMA's Engineering Team takes on a variety of complex problems related to roadways and infrastructure across Tulare County.

All Tulare County Board of Supervisors stopped at the GROW Tulare County information table.

The RMA participated in the annual World Ag Expo, representing several of our work programs.

Through an information table at the International Business Center, the County's Economic Development Office team collaborated with the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation to discuss business opportunities throughout Tulare County's 8 cities and 43+ unincorporated communities with hundreds of visitors worldwide.

In collaboration with the Sequoia Tourism Council, the RMA team supported the promotion of local tourism within the Heritage Complex.

Participating all three days, the RMA team proudly sang the praises of Tulare County in the good company of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, other County departments, including the Ag Commissioner's Office, and numerous community partners that we work with daily, whether it be as part of our Economic Development Office strategy or any other initiative of the RMA.

Tulare County Board of Supervisors Chairman Vander Poel visited with MAAS Energy Works, a local business, RMA Leadership, and STaff.

The Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) provided an informational presentation at the Planning Commission meeting on February 26, to discuss a proposed amendment to the Tulare County Zoning Ordinance, specifically updates to certain Agricultural Zones.

Under the direction of RMA Assistant Director of Economic Development & Planning Aaron Bock and Planning Manager Jason Garcia-LoBue, RMA’s Planning team has been actively engaging community stakeholders, including residents and businesses, to discuss these important updates.

Planners Emily Gage and Russell Kashiwa have been at the forefront of these efforts, working closely with the Tulare County Planning Commission to facilitate discussions and ensure community input is heard. Tulare County Ag Advisory Chair Jim Sullens also provided public comment on the proposed updates.

Stay informed and join the conversation by watching the workshop on YouTube.

For questions or feedback, please contact Emily Gage at EGage@tularecounty.ca.gov or call (559) 624-7000.

RMA Planner II Emily Gage presents a proposed amendment of the Tulare County Zoning Ordinance to the Tulare County Planning Commission.

RMA Director of Economic Development and Planning Aaron Bock (right) oversees the presentation along with County Counsel Civil Attorney Ross Miller and RMA Planning & Permit Manager Jason Garcia-LoBue (left).

RMA Associate Director Michael Washam discusses proposed zoning ordinance changes with Ag Advisory Chair Jim Sullens and members of the Farm Bureau Board.

Members of the community are invited to contribute public comments related to the zoning ordinance updates.

RMA Planners Emily Gage (far left) and Russell Kashiwa) listen to discussion regarding the zoning ordinance changes.

BUILDING & PERMIT CENTER

On February 1, a new housing development in Goshen celebrated its grand opening. The new homes being built across the way from Betty Drive will provide housing opportunities right off the 99 to hundreds of residents.

At the beginning of February, a highly anticipated housing development by San Joaquin Valley Homes celebrated its grand opening in Goshen, featuring newly constructed homes, strategically located right off Highway 99, across Betty Drive. This housing development will feature more than 300 homes, offering future residents convenient access to travel and commuting for future residents, all within driving distance from nearby Visalia, Fresno, and the Giant Sequoias in Three Rivers.  

From the early stages of planning to the final steps of construction, the RMA’s team of skilled planners and building inspectors play a pivotal role in supporting housing developers, such as San Joaquin Valley Homes, every step of the way. 

RMA's Building Official Hector Ramos (second from the left) joins San Joaquin Valley Homes leadership, alongside RMA leadership and staff, at the successful open house event, celebrating growth in the community.

New houses are being built by Sequoia Homes in Goshen, CA, right off Highway 99.

The foundation of a healthy economy is tied to not only fiscal stewardship but also the human resources supporting an organization and a community. Tulare County Board of Supervisors Chairman Pete Vander Poel recently delivered the 2025 State of the County Address and highlighted key developments throughout the County, including updates from the Resource Management Agency, discussing the vital role of effective resource management and the people behind it.

Lina O'Bresly serves as a CivicSpark Fellow with the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) through AmeriCorps. While not a County of Tulare employee, she contributes to the Grants & Resources team. Her current focus is on gaining hands-on experience in environmental governance, project management, and related fields.

One of the key projects Lina is involved in is funded by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy’s Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Grant. This initiative aims to build capacity within the Forest Health Task Force by enhancing stakeholder engagement and collaboration. 

CivicSpark Fellow Lina O'Bresly (center) stands between Sequoia National Forest employee John Gomez (left) and RMA Grant Specialist and Forest Health lead Doreen Alvez (right).

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.

• Tulare County RMA: Facebook • Instagram
• Economic Development Office (Grow Tulare County): Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn
• Tourism News: (Discover Tulare County): Facebook • Instagram

Have a Story in Mind?

Send over your story idea and it may just make it into a future edition of this publication! To learn more, contact RMA Media Specialist Lacey Patrick by email (lpatrick@tularecounty.ca.gov).

RMA Contact Information and Quick Links

Government Plaza (RMA Headquarters)

5961 S. Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, CA 93277

Phone: (559) 624-7000 • FAX: (559) 615-3002

Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Email: rma@tularecounty.ca.gov

Building Permit Center Hours:

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

Porterville Permit Center

 346 N. Porter Road, Porterville, CA

Phone: 559-782-6800 • 559-782-6801

Building Zone Information

Phone: (559) 624-7105

E-mail: Zone-Information@tularecounty.ca.gov

Public Information Requests

Email: rma@tularecounty.ca.gov