KENNEDY MEADOWS, Calif. | With a population of approximately 200 and only a handful of local businesses, Kennedy Meadows is one of Tulare County's smallest communities, but it's also one of its most remarkable. As a gateway to the southern Sierra Nevada and a popular stop for Pacific Crest Trail hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, Kennedy Meadows reflects the County of Tulare’s ongoing commitment to supporting rural communities, promoting tourism-related businesses, and strengthening local economic development. | |
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LATEST UPDATES
FROM THE RMA
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- Good News
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- Fiscal Services & Human Resources
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- RMA Monthly Data Report
| | TULARE, Calif. | Representatives from TCAG, Caltrans, the City of Tulare, the International Agri-Center, the County of Tulare, and other project partners gather to celebrate the completion of the International Agri-Center Interchange Project. Supported in part by Measure R funding, the new interchange improves regional mobility, enhances access to the International Agri-Center and World Ag Expo, and supports future commercial and industrial growth in south Tulare County. | |
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Welcome Message
Good infrastructure sets our region up for growth.
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Roads, bridges, intersections, and signs are part of everyday life. Most of us do not give them much thought, and that is a good thing. When infrastructure is working as it should, it simply keeps people moving safely and efficiently while remaining in the background.
This month, we are celebrating a regional milestone with the completion of the new State Route 99 International Agri-Center Interchange. The project required decades of planning, engineering, funding, and collaboration, all with the shared goal of improving transportation and supporting the region's future growth. It was made possible through the partnership of Caltrans, the agency responsible for California's state highways and freeways, the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG), the County of Tulare, the City of Tulare, and many other partners.
The $79.9-million project included the following funding: $26.5 million in local Measure R funds, $27.9 million from two state grants, $16 million in federal funding, and private contributions totaling $9.5 million. The commitment to working together is encouraging as we continue pursuing projects that improve safety and mobility throughout the region for the nearly half a million who live in Tulare County and the more than 70,000 vehicles that drive this area daily.
In this edition of the RMA's monthly In the Works Newsletter, you will learn about ongoing projects in unincorporated Tulare County, including the work of our Sign Shop team, as well as the retirement of Tony Boland, whose nearly 40 years of service have left a lasting impact on Tulare County's transportation system.
Whether you are a resident, business partner, or simply interested in the work happening across Tulare County, thank you for reading. I hope this edition offers a broader perspective on the infrastructure that connects our communities and the people who make it possible.
Sincerely,
Ahmad Alkhayyat, PE, MBA
Assistant Director, Public Works
County of Tulare Resource Management Agency
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PUBLIC WORKS
ROAD CREWS, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS
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Signs of Safety
The work behind the signs that keep Tulare County moving safely.
| | RMA Traffic Control Worker II Vicente Murillo helps maintain the traffic signs that guide and protect motorists, pedestrians and cyclists throughout Tulare County. | | |
Road signs often blend into the background as we drive through familiar streets. Yet, each one is carefully designed, placed, and maintained to help keep traffic moving safely.
The team at RMA's Sign Shop fabricates, installs, and maintains traffic signs that drivers rely on every day. From replacing worn or damaged signs to preparing for new roadway projects, their work helps ensure the right information is in the right place when it matters most.
From neighborhood streets to rural county roads, these familiar signs guide millions of safe trips throughout Tulare County each year, including to school or the Giant Sequoias.
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Anthony "Tony" Boland Retires After 38 Years
From Road Yard Assistant to Transportation Services Coordinator, Tony's career at RMA reflects nearly four decades of dedication to Tulare County.
| | Tony Boland (left) and fellow Tulare County Public Works employees pause during field work at a project site on March 17, 1993. | | |
After 38 years with Tulare County, Anthony "Tony" Boland is retiring from the Resource Management Agency's Public Works Division.
Throughout his career, Tony embraced opportunities to learn, grow, and serve the community. He credits much of his success to the mentors and coworkers who encouraged him along the way and says the relationships he built have been the most rewarding part of his career.
As he begins retirement, Tony looks forward to spending more time with his wife of 42 years, their grandchildren, traveling, volunteering, and enjoying new adventures.
Congratulations, Tony, and thank you for your many years of dedicated service to Tulare County.
| | Tony Boland poses with the Road Maintenance Yard No. 1 crew at the Porterville Road Yard, where his nearly four-decade career with Tulare County first began. | The Tulare County Board of Supervisors presents Tony with a service recognition plaque at the July 21, 2026, Board meeting. | | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM | | |
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BEAR Program: Business Visits
Supporting local businesses, one conversation at a time.
| RMA staff enter the historic Kennedy Meadows General Store, a Pacific Crest Trail landmark depicted in the film Wild, starring Reese Witherspoon. The store serves hikers, residents, and visitors from across the region. | | |
As part of the Economic Development Office's Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) program, RMA staff recently visited the Kennedy Meadows General Store to connect with owner Suzie Cross and learn more about the opportunities and challenges of operating a business in one of Tulare County's most remote communities. Staff also visited Grumpy Bear's Retreat.
Serving just under 200 residents, Pacific Crest Trail hikers, contractors, and visitors alike, the Kennedy Meadows General Store is a vital part of the local community. Conversations like these help RMA better understand the needs of local businesses, strengthen partnerships, and connect business owners with resources that support long-term success.
| | RMA Economic Development Manager Alida Verduzco Silva visits with Suzie Cross, owner of the Kennedy Meadows General Store, during a recent BEAR Program business visit. | | |
SBDC & TBIZ
Learn about no-cost resources to start, grow, and strengthen your business.
| | Tulare Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Donnette Silva presents information about the Tulare Business Innovation Zone (TBIZ) during a late 2025 event. | | |
One of the best questions we get at the Economic Development Office is,
“How do I start a business?”
There are many things to consider when starting up a business, and thankfully, there are just as many resources. Whether someone in Tulare County has an idea on a napkin or a business already in motion, help is available to figure out the next step. This month, we're highlighting the Valley Community Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Tulare Business Innovation Zone (TBIZ) business incubator, two organizations helping entrepreneurs across Tulare County access no-cost business advising, training, and resources.
We invite you to learn more about each resource. The EDO team is here to help answer questions or coordinate introductions.
Questions? Please contact us at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov
or at (559) 502-0899.
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A Day in the Life: Building Inspector III Jeff Dearborn
Nearly 500 miles, home and building inspections, and one goal: helping build safe communities.
| RMA Building Inspector III Jeff Dearborn travels throughout Tulare County to inspect construction projects. Some days begin before sunrise and end after sunset, following hundreds of miles to reach Tulare County's mountain communities. | | |
Building Inspector III Jeff Dearborn spends much of his time on the road, traveling throughout Tulare County to inspect homes and commercial projects, answer questions from builders, and help ensure construction meets California building standards. Depending on the day's schedule, that can mean driving nearly 500 miles to serve constituents in some of the county's most remote communities.
For the first installment of RMA's upcoming A Day in the Life video series, we joined Jeff as he traveled to Kennedy Meadows, where he inspected homes under construction, visited local businesses, and met with property owners.
Watch for the premiere of A Day in the Life, coming soon.
| | Jeff Dearborn leads a walkthrough of a residential construction project in Kennedy Meadows. | | |
Updated Zoning & Permit Viewer
Find property information faster with a quick tour of RMA's online map.
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Need to Look Up a Property?
RMA's updated Zoning & Permit Viewer makes it easy to search an address or parcel number and explore zoning, permit information, and more, all from your computer or smartphone.
Whether you are purchasing property, planning improvements, researching development opportunities, or simply learning more about your community, the viewer provides quick access to the information you need before starting a project.
Developed through a collaborative effort among the RMA's Permit Center, County Surveyor's Office, and other partners, including the Tulare County Information & Communications Technology Agency, the tool brings multiple property resources together in a single, convenient application.
RMA GIS Analyst II Andrea Miranda, the project lead for the mapping update, said the goal was to create "a tool that is intuitive, accessible, and easy for anyone to use."
View our Instagram Reel for a quick walkthrough of the viewer.
| | A video demonstrating how to search for properties, view zoning and permit information, and navigate the interactive online map. | | FISCAL SERVICES & HUMAN RESOURCES | |
Meet Joseph James
Supporting RMA Through Fiscal Leadership
| | RMA Administrative Services Officer Joseph James (right) and RMA Fiscal Manager Patrick Grover collaborate while making their way through the Tulare County Administrative Offices. | | |
A Visalia native, Joseph James built a successful career in tax and financial accounting before joining Tulare County in 2022. Since then, he has advanced from Accountant I to Administrative Services Officer, where he now oversees a team of nine.
Joseph is proud to support projects and services that directly benefit the community he calls home. One of his notable accomplishments includes helping develop the cash flow projection spreadsheet for RMA's roads management efforts, strengthening the overall financial planning efforts within the RMA, and the County's yearly budget. Accountancy experts like Joseph work with a complex mix of funding to help bring projects to fruition from pothole repair to bridge construction.
Outside of work, Joseph enjoys spending time with his family and coaching youth sports.
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County of Tulare Career Opportunities Here at the RMA
Explore meaningful careers that help shape the future of Tulare County.
| | Members of the RMA's Road Crew patch a roadway in Strathmore, CA. Careers in roads management and engineering are just a few of the professional paths that interested individuals can pursue at 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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Tipton Community Services District Board Vacancy
Consider helping to shape the future of your community.
| A view of Tipton, Calif., highlights the close-knit community that residents have the opportunity to help shape by serving on the Tipton Community Services District Board. | |
Community Services Districts play an important role in delivering essential local services, including water, infrastructure, and community improvements. Throughout Tulare County, the RMA's Grants & Resources team partners with local districts to help secure funding for projects that strengthen communities, including water access and sewer projects, as well as road enhancements.
The Tipton Community Services District currently has a vacancy on its Board of Directors, providing residents with an opportunity to help shape the future of their community. Board members help guide decisions that affect local infrastructure and represent the interests of the people they serve.
Individuals interested in becoming a candidate must complete the nomination process through the Tulare County Registrar of Voters. Candidate filing is completed during a required in-person appointment with the Registrar of Voters. Additional information, required forms, and appointment scheduling are available on the Registrar of Voters website.
2026 Candidate Filing Period: July 13, 2026 - August 7, 2026
Deadline: Per the Tulare County Registrar of Voters, the regular candidate filing period closes Friday, August 7, 2026. An extended filing deadline of Wednesday, August 12, 2026, applies for non-incumbents only, if an incumbent does not file.
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Supporting Homeownership in Tulare County
Connecting residents with trusted housing resources and homebuyer assistance programs.
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Our Grants & Resources team works with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD/CDBG funding is utilized by many communities for a number of initiatives, including first-time homebuyer programs.
The County of Tulare works closely with Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) to refer prospective homeowners to SHE for technical assistance with downtown payment assistance.
Thinking of purchasing a home? Please reach out to SHE by calling (559) 651-1000 or emailing info@selfhelpenterprises.org.
| | | 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 Media Team
Alida Verduzco Silva, Economic Development Manager
Kevyn Tinoco, Media Specialist
Elva Parker, Administrative Aide
Caleb Smalley, Extra Help Student Worker
Contributors: RMA leadership, staff, and community partners.
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