IN THE WORKS

JANUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER

TULARE COUNTY

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY

 

Reed Schenke, P.E.

Director of RMA


Michael G. Washam, A.C.E.

Associate Director of RMA


Aaron R. Bock,

M.C.R.P., J.D., LEED AP

Assistant Director

Economic Development & Planning


Sherman Dix, C.P.A.

Assistant Director

Fiscal & Administrative Services

The Sequoia Gateway project off of Caldwell is paved by RMA Roads Crew team members in late 2024.

 

LATEST UPDATES

FROM THE RMA

  • Good News
  • Public Works
  • Economic Development & Planning
  • Building Division
  • Fiscal and Administrative Services
  • Human Resources: Career Opportunities
  • Grants Division
  • RMA Monthly Data Report

GOOD NEWS

RMA's Work in 2024 (Year in Review)

With 2025 now underway, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we made together in 2024. It was a year defined by collaboration, resilience, and innovation. Together with the Board of Supervisors, our community partners, and the residents of Tulare County, we accomplished projects that strengthened our infrastructure, expanded economic opportunities, and enhanced the quality of life across the region.


From restoring roads damaged by floods to launching initiatives that empower businesses and communities, 2024 demonstrated the power of teamwork and commitment. These accomplishments are a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with a shared vision for the future.


I invite you to take a look at the 2024 Year in Review for the RMA, where you’ll find highlights of the work we’ve done and the impact we’ve made across Tulare County.


As we look ahead, I’m confident that 2025 will be another year of growth and progress. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Let’s make this year one of even greater success for Tulare County.


Best regards,


Reed Schenke, P.E.

Director

Resource Management Agency

Growth continues in Goshen, with new housing developments adding to the newly launched affordable housing development Salt + Light Neighborhood Village in the same area.

The RMA team broke ground on various projects in 2024, including the Ivanhoe Rd. 160 Sidewalk Improvement Project.

Read More

PUBLIC WORKS

ROADS CREW, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS

Understanding RMA's Public Works Management Groups and Teams 

[Left to right] Transportation SVS Coordinator Anthony Boland, Chief Engineer Johnny Wong, Safety & Personnel Specialist Chris Zimmerman, Road Use Inspector Juan Maldonado, and Engineer III Andres Perez.

The Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) has three distinct management groups, each housing engineers, surveyors, analysts, and many others who maintain the County of Tulare's infrastructure and ensure it operates smoothly. One of these essential groups, Management Group 1 (MG1)- Road Maintenance, plays a crucial role in keeping the county's roads in good condition. This team, led by Chief Engineer Johnny Wong, is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and upgrading the extensive road network that spans Tulare County.

Under Wong's expert leadership, the team ensures that roadways remain safe and functional for residents and travelers who rely on them daily. The MG1 group oversees several facilities including four Road Yards, the Traffic Control (Sign Shop), and the Heavy Equipment Shop. The team's scope of work ranges from daily maintenance to emergency services, with MG1 responsible for nearly 3,000 miles of roads throughout Tulare County, managing both regular road repairs and larger, more complex projects that span the entire county.

Read More

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING

See You at the Ag Expo!

Each year, over 100,000 attendees from over 70 countries come together to explore 1,200+ exhibitors displaying the latest agricultural technology and equipment innovations at the World Ag Expo in Tulare's International Agri-Center.


The Economic Development Office team will be representing the RMA. Find us in one of two locations!


  • Booth 1 (Business Opportunities)

International Business Center

Hilvers Building


  • Booth 2 (Tourism)

Sequoia Tourism Council

Heritage Complex 1


Event Details

2025 Ag Expo

February 11-13, 2024

4500 S. Laspina St. #214, Tulare, CA 93274

More Information and Registration

Help Us Build the 2025 Tulare County Taco Trail

We’re on a mission to discover Tulare County’s best taco spots, and we need your input! From taco trucks to local restaurants, help us map out the ultimate Taco Trail by submitting your favorite locations. the deadline to submit your favorites is Friday, February 28, 2025.


Follow along as we share reviews, photos, and highlights of Tulare County’s most delicious tacos throughout the year. Whether it’s carne asada, crispy fish tacos, or unique recipes, let’s celebrate the incredible flavors that make our community special.


Submit your favorite taco spot today!


Questions? Contact us at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.

Fill Out the Form

Power Market to Lower Energy Bills in Tulare County

Dimension Energy has launched its PowerMarket service as part of Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Community Renewables Program. Through this program, SCE customers can subscribe to a portion of a renewable energy project and receive direct savings of 10% less on their energy bills.


Enrollment in the PowerMarket service provides residents with opportunities without the need for rooftop panel installation, and homeownership is not required. Participants receive a $300 bonus for signing up. With 1,000 spots available for Tulare County residents, registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis.


By offering these initiatives, Dimension Energy aims to provide Tulare County with a cleaner, more affordable energy solution while reducing the financial burden of high electricity costs.

Sign Up Today!

Questions? Contact our Economic Development Office team at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov

BUILDING & PERMIT CENTER

The Official Building Permit Process

We are excited to announce the launch of new and improved building permit process one-sheet flyers, designed to make the permitting journey smoother for residents of Tulare County. With the help of Guidehouse Consulting, we no longer have easy-to-follow graphic sheets outlining each step of the permitting process, from submittal and review to issuance and close-out, providing clear guidance at every stage.


By visualizing the entire process, these one-sheets aim to simplify the experience for residents, helping them navigate the permitting process with confidence and clarity. With this new tool, we are committed to improving the transition through the building process and ensuring a more efficient, transparent experience for all involved.

View the One-Sheet
Visit the RMA Permits Page

Whatever your permitting needs, the RMA is with you ... RMA is with you every step of the way. If any step is unclear, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Permit Center team. For assistance, please call (559) 624-7000 or visit our website at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/rma/permits/.   

 

FISCAL SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCES

Payroll Team - Recognizing the Work of Debbie and Anet

The RMA Payroll Team has a demanding yet rewarding area of responsibility. From crunching numbers to adhering to tight deadlines, they ensure everyone is paid on time—sometimes working late into the evening to get the job done. The team consists of Debbie and Anet, two dedicated members of the Fiscal and Administrative Services team. 


Debbie, who was in payroll for 30+ years and a payroll manager at Family HealthCare Network (FHCN) for 7 years before joining the RMA, has had a long and rewarding career.

Debbie (center) works closely with all branches of the RMA.

“I love the people I work with, and I think this is a great department. Anet has been a tremendous help, and I was happy to get a second person here,” Debbie shared.


Anet, who also came from FHCN, brought valuable experience in software implementations for the team. In her previous role, she had undergone multiple new software implementations that required a lot of patience and knowledge. Although she had no previous payroll experience, Anet was eager to learn and saw this as an opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge in the field. Debbie recognized Anet’s potential, impressed by her quick thinking, common sense, and dedication to getting the job done. With plans to retire within the next five years, Debbie is focused on training Anet to take over the role when she leaves.



“It’s been great. I’ve been learning from the pro [Debbie], and so far I’m loving it,” Anet said.


Read More

GRANTS & RESOURCES

A Woman of All Trades - Elva Parker

Elva Parker wears many hats, and her role spans providing support to two RMA teams: the Grants and Resources team and the Economic Development Office. Elva provides crucial assistance on both large and small projects. Her duties include invoicing, supplying materials, and clerking multiple committees, such as the Sequoia Tourism Council, Tulare County Water Commission, and the Agriculture Advisory Committee.


While Elva is newer to the RMA, she is no stranger to the County of Tulare. In the past, Elva worked for the County's Health and Human Services Tulare Works team. After taking a break from work life to focus on raising a child, she returned to the County's Public Health team for a time before joining the RMA, where she has now been for almost two years.

RMA Administrative Aide Elva Parker

Read More About Elva

Elva (fifth from the left) often supports the Economic Development Team and other community partners. Here, Elva picks up a shovel in the good company of Board of Supervisor Chair Vander Poel and Supervisor Valero.

RMA MONTHLY DATA REPORT

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
View the Packet Online

CONNECT WITH THE RMA

Follow Us On Social Media

Email  Facebook  Web

Several RMA initiatives also have an online presence. Search for the following accounts to keep up to date with the latest at our agency.

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

Parcel Search Map
Road Issues Online Form
Code Enforcement Online form
County of Tulare Newsletter
Grow Tulare County Business Opportunities Website
Latest Job Openings at the RMA
Planning Commission Meetings
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