Near Tulare, Calif. | Rows of local fruit trees frame a view of the Sierra Nevada, visible from State Route 99, one of Tulare County’s primary transportation corridors, seeing an average of more than 70,000 vehicles per day. | | |
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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
| | Visalia, Calif. | RMA Planner IV Jose Saenz presents a project before the Tulare County Planning Commission in mid-January. | |
Welcome Message
RMA at Work: Project Delivery and Growth Across Tulare County
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As we begin 2026, Tulare County is at an important moment of delivery and momentum. Over the past year, the Resource Management Agency (RMA) continued coordinating across planning, permitting, infrastructure, and economic development to support responsible growth and essential public services countywide.
This edition of In the Works highlights a year defined by project delivery, increased investment, and close collaboration across disciplines. From major housing and commercial developments in communities such as Goshen, Traver, and Pixley, to countywide infrastructure and energy investments, the scale and complexity of projects moving through the County continue to grow. Behind each effort is a coordinated approach that aligns planning, public works, grants, and economic development to ensure growth is supported by reliable roads, utilities, and services, all while working closely with local, state, and federal partners.
Throughout 2025, RMA teams processed thousands of permits and conducted hundreds of inspections each month, delivered critical roadway maintenance and capital improvements, and supported business expansion and tourism efforts. Recent milestones, including the opening of Calgren’s Renewable Natural Gas fueling station in Pixley, reflect how coordinated public and private investment continues to move projects from planning to completion.
At the same time, process improvements and new technologies are helping make it easier for residents and businesses to interact with the County, with expanded online services and tools continuing to roll out in 2026.
This edition of our newsletter offers a snapshot of RMA’s work in action. We invite you to explore the full 2025 RMA summary to learn more about how our teams are supporting growth, safety, and quality of life across Tulare County.
Best regards,
Aaron R. Bock, MCRP, JD, LEED, AP
RMA Assistant Director of Economic Development & Planning
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PUBLIC WORKS
ROAD CREWS, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS
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Traffic Advisory - Dense Fog
Reduced visibility expected on roadways across Tulare County
| | Tulare-Lindsay Area | Dense fog at the intersection of County-maintained Road 152 and Caltrans-maintained Avenue 232 (also known as the Tulare-Lindsay Highway, off of State Route 65). This intersection sees an average daily traffic count of 13,000 vehicles. | | |
As we move through winter, dense tule fog is common across Tulare County and the Central Valley and can significantly reduce visibility, even on well-marked and familiar roadways.
While the County, Caltrans, and City jurisdictions continue to maintain roadway striping, signage, and traffic controls, fog can quickly obscure lane markings, signs, vehicles, and pedestrians.
Slow Down: Drivers are advised to slow down, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights when visibility is limited. High beams can reflect off fog, further reducing visibility.
Motorists should also avoid sudden stops, use windshield wipers and defrosters as needed, and remain alert for farm equipment, stopped vehicles, and changing road conditions, particularly in rural and unincorporated areas.
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Road Crews At Work 24/7
Road Improvements in Strathmore
| | RMA Road Crews carry out road repair work along Avenue 196 in Strathmore, Calif., improving roadway conditions for daily travel. | | | | |
Road crews continue working around the clock to support communities across Tulare County.
From work along road segments in Strathmore to responding to rain and localized flooding, RMA's Public Works teams remain on the ground addressing conditions as they arise.
In January, Road Crews were busy placing sandbags, operating pumps, and making roadway repairs to help manage storm impacts and keep travel routes open.
Through this type of work, RMA helps maintain safe, reliable roads, especially during winter weather, to minimize disruptions for residents, businesses, and freight movement throughout unincorporated areas of the county.
| | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM | | |
Calgren's New RNG Fueling Facility in Pixley
More Fueling Options for CNG Vehicles in Tulare County
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| Calgren founder Walt Dwelle (left) and wife Lynne are joined by Supervisor Pete Vander Poel as Calgren leadership cuts the ribbon on new fueling facility in Pixley, Calif. | | |
Calgren has launched its new Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) fueling station in Pixley, Calif., now open to the public. The station converts methane captured from dairy manure into pipeline-ready renewable natural gas usable by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, supporting heavy-duty trucking and agricultural transport in the region.
Tulare County Supervisor Pete Vander Poel joined Calgren leadership and business partners to celebrate the opening, noting Tulare County’s $8.3 billion in agricultural production in 2024 and the broad employment impacts generated by agriculture and its related industries, from production to logistics to fueling. Dairy production alone accounts for more than $2 billion of Tulare County’s agricultural output. The new facility expands regional RNG fueling capacity, joining a limited number of similar alternative-fuel stations operating along Highway 99 in Tulare County.
Calgren employs approximately 70 people locally, not including additional jobs supported through supply chain, logistics, and ongoing operations. As a locally owned company, Calgren continues advancing agricultural technology and clean energy innovation while providing opportunities for individuals with science and technical backgrounds to apply their skills locally.
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RMA's Teams Will Be at the 2026 Ag Expo
Promoting Business and Tourism
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| The GROW Tulare County team was joined by Tulare County Board of Supervisors Chair Amy Shuklian (second from right) and County CAO Jason Britt (center) at the 2025 Ag Expo. They will join again this year, and EDO Staff will be present to answer questions about doing business in Tulare County. | |
The 2026 Ag Expo is expected to again draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Tulare County, and our RMA teams will be there, along with the Tulare County Ag Commissioner's Office and many other County agencies and local business partners.
The Tulare County Economic Development Office (EDO), a part of RMA, will staff information booths for our GROW Tulare County Business Opportunities program and our Discover Tulare County tourism program. We're setting up shop in collaboration with the International Business Center, led by the Tulare Chamber and the Sequoia Tourism Council's tourism station.
Where to find us:
- International Business Center (South Exhibits, Off of "S" Street & Holstein Lane)
- Sequoia Tourism Council Booth (Building C)
Questions? Please contact our Economic Development Office team by calling (559) 624-7177 or emailing economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.
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GROW Traver
Commercial Momentum and Long-Term Investment
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| The Traver Ranch development would expand the footprint of the Traver community as well as its services, as seen on a diagram provided by the developer, Santa Lucia Ventures. Traver, Calif. is located between Fresno and Visalia. | | |
Traver experienced a transformative year as major commercial and industrial projects advanced through coordinated planning, permitting, and infrastructure alignment. Development activity along the Highway 99 corridor reflects growing regional investment and new economic opportunity.
Recent and ongoing activity in Traver includes:
- Site work for a 7-Eleven gas station and truck mechanic shop
- Near completion of a new Starbucks location
- Advancement of Traver Ranch, a large-scale private investment project
- A proposed 1,600-unit commercial and industrial development
- Future phases planned for logistics, commercial pads, and small business growth
Together, these projects position Traver for expanded services, job creation, and long-term economic stability.
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GROW Goshen
New Homes, Services, and Infrastructure Advancing Together
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| A rendering of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites planned for Goshen, located along the State Route 99 corridor. | |
Goshen continued to see significant coordinated growth in 2025, supported by close collaboration across RMA Planning, Public Works, and Building teams. Housing development remained a defining trend, paired with investments in public facilities and roadway improvements to support new residents.
Key activities in Goshen included:
- More than 300 new homes delivered through four subdivision projects
- Approximately 350 total housing units added through subdivisions and infill development
- Planning and permitting support for a 104-room Hilton Express hotel
- Review of a Penske Commercial Truck Leasing facility with an estimated $11 million in valuation
- Infrastructure upgrades, including Road 64 improvements, drainage, and utilities
These efforts ensure new growth is supported by safe roads, reliable services, and long-term community planning.
| | RMA Now Accepting Online Planning Applications | | RMA Planning & Permit Center Manager Jason Garcia-LoBue, MPA, oversees our Permit Center. He and his team are dedicated to finding a path to success for projects ranging from residential re-roofs to commercial-scale food processing, and more. | | |
The RMA has expanded its Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal to accept a broader range of planning and land use applications online, marking an important step in modernizing development services countywide. While building permit applications have been accepted digitally for several years, this update now allows applicants to submit planning applications for projects ranging from small, administrative requests to large, discretionary developments.
“This expansion allows applicants to submit more complex planning applications online while maintaining the same review standards and coordination across departments,” said Jason Garcia-LoBue, Planning & Permit Manager for RMA. “It improves accessibility, transparency, and efficiency for both applicants and staff.”
Applications now accepted online include Special Use Permit applications, Major Discretionary Project applications, and Cottage Food Operation applications, among others. Applications can still also be submitted by email or at the Building Counter at the Government Plaza in Visalia.
| | RMA Services Update: Porterville Permit Center Transition | | The Porterville Permit Center was co-located with the Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at Porter Plaza in Porterville. | | |
To better serve the public and align resources with how customers currently access RMA services, the Resource Management Agency is no longer offering permitting and building services at the Porterville location previously staffed in coordination with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, and known as the Porterville Permit Center. The Porterville Permit Center was located at 346 N. Porter Rd.
This decision reflects consistently low in-person demand at the Porterville Permit Center, with most customers choosing to use RMA’s online self-service tools for planning, building permits, and project support, or to visit the RMA Permit Center at the Government Plaza in Visalia.
While RMA permitting and building services are no longer offered in person from Porterville, they remain available online and at the RMA Permit Center at the Government Plaza in Visalia. The Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office continues operations at its Porterville location at 346 N. Porter Rd.
Government Plaza RMA Service Information
General RMA Office Hours (Visalia)
Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Fridays, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Permit Center Hours (Visalia)
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For RMA assistance, please email rma@tularecounty.ca.gov or call (559) 624-7000. For the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, call (559) 684-3350 or email aginfo@co.tulare.ca.us.
| | FISCAL SERVICES & HUMAN RESOURCES | |
Honoring Years of Service with the County of Tulare
RMA Celebrated Recent Retirements
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We recently celebrated the retirements of two longtime team members whose work has helped keep Tulare County moving forward.
After nearly 30 years of public service with the County of Tulare, including 13 years with RMA, Karen Mabry retired, having built a career rooted in accounting and fiscal stewardship. Known for her adaptability and steady leadership, Karen and her team played a critical role in ensuring County projects, from infrastructure to emergency response, were supported by sound financial practices.
As RMA's Safety & Personnel Specialist, Chris Zimmerman retired after 24 years with the County of Tulare. Chris worked closely with Public Works crews across the county, leading safety efforts, training, and chip seal operations that helped keep more than 3,000 miles of roadway safe and efficient.
We thank Karen and Chris for their dedication, professionalism, and lasting contributions to Tulare County, and wish them the very best in retirement.
| | Karen Mabry (center) with her team discussing RMA's fiscal operations. | | Chris Zimmerman (center) led training programs impacting the next generation of RMA Road Crews and infrastructure for generations to come. | | 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 helping to shape 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.
Explore current openings and find your next career path by visiting our website today.
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Engineer IV
Closing Date: Continuous
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Recovery & Resilience for the Sierra Nevadas
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
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RMA's Forest Health team is sharing a partner program led by the Tulare County Resource Conservation District in coordination with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) supports forest health and wildfire risk reduction by providing technical and financial assistance for eligible non-industrial forest lands. The program is for landowners of non-industrial forested land with dead/dying trees at risk of wildfire.
For more information on how to develop Forest Management Plans and access financial assistance for forest health or recovery treatments, please visit www.tularecountyrcd.com or call (559) 734-8732 ext. 3183.
| | 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 | | | | |
