Teviston, Calif. | RMA Engineer III Carlos Gonzalez speaks with community members during the Teviston Community Resource Fair. RMA staff from Public Works Engineering, Building and Housing, and the Economic Development Office attended the event to share County resources with residents. | | |
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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 Services & Human Resources
- Grants & Resources
- RMA Monthly Data Report
| | Government Plaza, Visalia, Calif. | New County of Tulare seal and signage enhance the entrance to Government Plaza, where RMA serves the public and the Assessor/Clerk-Recorder will soon relocate. | |
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Welcome Message
Recognizing the Industry That Helps Feed the Nation
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June was Dairy Month, a time to recognize an industry that has helped shape Tulare County for generations. Dairy remains one of the cornerstones of our local economy, supporting jobs, businesses, and families while contributing to California's leadership in agriculture.
Behind every dairy operation are people whose work often takes place long before products reach grocery store shelves. Producers, employees, nutritionists, veterinarians, truck drivers, equipment technicians, and countless others each play a role in an industry that helps feed communities across the country. In 2024 alone, dairy joined the Ag Commissioner's Million Dollar Products list as the top-producing commodity, with a total value of $2.3 billion, not including the industry's related economic impact throughout the region.
As this edition highlights, the future of Tulare County depends on more than any one industry. It is supported by thoughtful planning, reliable infrastructure, responsible resource management, and continued investment in the places where people live and work. Progress also depends on leadership and collaboration that bring together public agencies, businesses, industry professionals, and community organizations to address challenges and prepare for the future. You will have the chance to learn more about the Allensworth Community Plan, which was recently updated and reflects the self-determination of a South Valley community and the support and collaboration of our Planning division.
This month, we also highlight conversations surrounding transportation, economic development, and water resources, all of which play an important role in supporting a strong economy and maintaining a high quality of life. These efforts, along with the work of our staff and community partners, help ensure Tulare County remains connected, resilient, and prepared for ongoing growth, all connected to our GROW Tulare County initiative focused on expanded opportunities for the people, businesses and visitors of Tulare County.
Sincerely,
Michael G. Washam, ACE, MEDP
Associate Director, Economic Development & Planning
County of Tulare Resource Management Agency
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PUBLIC WORKS
ROAD CREWS, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS
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A Roadmap for Smarter Investments
CTIP Ensures Transportation Funding Is Invested Where It Can Have the Greatest Impact
| Heavy Equipment Operator Oscar Cabeje operates a road roller during roadway maintenance on a neighborhood street in Goshen. | | |
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How does the County decide which roads to repair first?
During the June 23, 2026, Board of Supervisors meeting, RMA Director Reed Schenke and Assistant Director of Public Works Ahmad Alkhayyat presented the County Transportation Improvement Program (CTIP), explaining how roadway projects are prioritized using pavement conditions, safety, traffic volumes, engineering analysis, available funding, and community input.
Want to do your part in keeping our roads safe? Residents can contribute by reporting roadway concerns through a service request, which will help our Public Works team identify and address maintenance needs.
| | RMA Assistant Director of Public Works Ahmad Alkhayyat discusses the County Transportation Improvement Program (CTIP). | |
Hometown Hero: Claudia Sanchez
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Engineering
| | RMA Engineer IV Claudia Sanchez (center) speaks during a panel discussion at the Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) South Valley Membership Luncheon earlier in June. Also pictured: RMA Director and RMA Economic Development Manager Alida Verduzco Silva, who also participated in the panel. | | Sanchez joins fellow RMA leadership and members of the Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) Central California Chapter following the South Valley Membership Luncheon. | | |
Born and raised in Orosi, Claudia Sanchez discovered her passion for engineering after hearing a guest speaker discuss careers in architecture and engineering during high school. That moment inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to serving the communities she calls home.
Claudia joined the County of Tulare as an Engineer III in January 2020 and was promoted to Engineer IV in December 2022. In addition to leading infrastructure projects that improve communities across Tulare County, she recently represented the Resource Management Agency as a panelist at the Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) South Valley Membership Luncheon, where she shared her career journey and encouraged more women to pursue careers in engineering and public works.
From her hometown roots in Orosi to helping shape the future of Tulare County, Claudia's story is a reminder that local talent can make a lasting impact.
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When asked what message she hopes to leave with young women considering careers in engineering, transportation, and public works, Claudia offered this encouragement:
“You’re not by yourself. There’s more out there. It’s just a matter of finding each other.”
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RMA Recognized for Excellence in
Project Delivery
County's First Employee-Engineered Roundabout in Tipton
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The RMA was recognized by the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) for the Avenue 144 and Road 96 Roundabout near Tipton in the Outstanding Road Project category of their biannual LocalMotion Awards. This project marks a major milestone as the County's first employee-engineered roundabout.
Designed to improve safety and traffic flow along a key agricultural corridor that turns into State Route 190, the project reflects the expertise and dedication of RMA's Public Works team.
Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this award-winning project from design to completion.
| | RMA leadership and staff pose with the 2026 TCAG LocalMotion Outstanding Road Project Award. | | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM | | |
Looking Ahead: Economic Development Priorities
for Fiscal Year 2026-27
Board of Supervisors Approves Annual Work Programs
| RMA Associate Director Michael Washam (left) presents the latest strategic game plan for the County of Tulare's Economic Development Office to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. | | |
On June 30, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors approved the Fiscal Year 2026-27 work programs of the Tulare County Economic Development Office (EDO) after receiving a work program presentation from RMA Associate Director Michael Washam, ACE, MEDP. Through the GROW Tulare County initiative, the EDO supports business attraction, business retention and expansion, workforce partnerships, infrastructure readiness, and regional collaboration. The office also promotes tourism through Discover Tulare County, supporting an industry that generates more than $639 million in annual visitor spending and 6,500 local jobs, while the Tulare County Film Commission works to expand filming and arts-related opportunities throughout the region.
“Ultimately, economic development is about creating opportunity,” says Washam. Whether helping a local entrepreneur open a first storefront, supporting the expansion of an agricultural employer, promoting destinations that attract visitors, or advancing infrastructure needed for future growth, the goal remains the same: creating jobs, strengthening communities, and improving quality of life for residents throughout Tulare County.
Interested in learning more about business opportunities in Tulare County? Please contact the Tulare County Economic Development Office at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov or call (559) 624-7177.
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Tulare County Business Voices: Video Series Launches
A New GROW Tulare County Video Series Celebrates Local Businesses
| | Learn how one Tulare County business grew from a small garage operation into an industry leader while continuing to invest in local agriculture, innovation and community. | |
Every business has a story...
The Tulare County Economic Development Office is proud to introduce Business Voices, a new video series from GROW Tulare County that highlights the people, businesses and ideas helping our communities grow.
Launching with Streamline Irrigation, the series offers an inside look at the companies shaping Tulare County's economy through authentic conversations and behind-the-scenes storytelling.
Business Voices is also part of GROW Tulare County's renewed focus on digital storytelling, including the relaunch of its YouTube channel to better connect businesses, residents, future investors and community partners with the stories shaping our region.
Interested in being featured? Contact the Tulare County Economic Development Office to learn how your business can participate in an upcoming Business Voices episode by emailing economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov or calling (559) 624-7177.
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Allensworth Community Plan Recently Awarded Regional Recognition for Advancing Diversity and Social Change
Partnership Between Allensworth Residents and RMA Earns Prestigious Planning Award
| | Members of the Allensworth community and RMA leadership and staff gather with the Tulare County Board of Supervisors to receive plaques of recognition for the innovative work surrounding the updated Allensworth Community Plan. | | |
The Allensworth Community Plan Update has received the 2026 American Planning Association Central Section Advancing Diversity and Social Change – Implementation Award, recognizing the collaborative effort to create a community-driven vision for Allensworth's future.
The award was presented during the June 16 Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting, where members of the Allensworth community, the Allensworth Progressive Association, and RMA staff gathered to celebrate the achievement.
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Paragon Personnel Expanding in Tulare County
Supporting Ag-Related Services
| The Paragon Personnel project is discussed at a recent inspection visit. Pictured left to right: Supreme Construction Superintendent Corey Qualls, RMA Building Inspector Jeff Deerborn, RMA Building Official Hector Ramos and RMA Assistant Building Official Kevin Sullivan. | |
Paragon Personnel is expanding its presence in Tulare County with the construction of a new 53,000+ sq. ft. facility on 56 acres, headquartered along Avenue 256, just outside Visalia. The new facility represents a significant investment in the region and reflects continued growth in the local economy.
As a staffing company serving agriculture and other industries throughout the Central Valley, Paragon will expand to provide additional space to support its operations and the businesses it serves. At peak season, Paragon Personnel supports thousands of ag-related jobs in the Central Valley.
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RMA How To: Report Potential Code Violations Online
Seeking Assistance Is Easier Than Ever
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Have you noticed a property that may be unsafe or not following County regulations? Reporting it is quick and easy, and can be done anonymously.
Requesting Services Is Easy
To report a concern, simply visit the Report a Violation page on the RMA website and provide the property's location along with a brief description of the issue. The more information you provide, the easier it is for staff to investigate.
| | Residents can easily log onto the RMA's website to submit service requests. | | FISCAL SERVICES & HUMAN RESOURCES | |
RMA How To: Easily Make Payments Online
Easily Pay Utility Bills, Planning Bills and Loans
| | Customers can use the Tulare County Resource Management Agency's online payment portal to conveniently manage eligible accounts and payments from anywhere. | | |
Did you know many Tulare County Resource Management Agency payments can be made online? Through RMA's secure online payment portal, customers can conveniently pay utility bills, planning-related fees, and eligible loan payments from anywhere, at any time.
The portal offers a simple, user-friendly way to manage accounts and make payments without visiting an office. Customers can create an account to access additional features such as payment history, account management tools, and payment notifications.
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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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RMA Water Expert Sits on Planner Luncheon Panel
Quarterly Discussion Explores SGMA, Water Resources, and the Future of the Central Valley
| RMA Grants and Resources Manager Denise England (second from left) participates in a regional panel discussion on groundwater sustainability and future development in the Central Valley. | | |
Water remains one of the Central Valley's most important planning and development issues. In June, RMA Grants and Resources Manager Denise England joined a panel of regional water experts during a quarterly Planner Luncheon to discuss the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), groundwater sustainability, and future development challenges throughout the region.
Coordinated by RMA's Planning Division and hosted in partnership with the American Planning Association Central Section (CenCal APA), the event brought together planners, consultants, and local agency representatives from Tulare and Kings counties to explore how water resources continue to shape land use, economic development, and community growth.
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Tulare County Highlights Progress of the Wildfire County Coordinator Program
Grant-Funded Initiative Continues to Build Safer,
More Prepared Communities Across Tulare County
| | RMA Grants Specialist and Forest Health Coordinator Doreen Alvez presents recent wildfire preparedness accomplishments and future priorities to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. | | |
RMA Grants Specialist Doreen Alvez provided the Tulare County Board of Supervisors with an update on the Wildfire County Coordinator Program at their June 30, 2026 meeting, highlighting continued progress in wildfire preparedness and community resilience.
Since the program launched in 2021, Wildfire County Coordinator Doreen Alvez has reached more than 1,200 residents through outreach and education, engaged over 130 partners and stakeholders, supported three nationally recognized Firewise USA® communities, and helped strengthen regional collaboration through more than 40 meetings and events.
The program continues to connect local communities with statewide wildfire preparedness efforts through strong partnerships and proactive planning.
| | Wildfire resilience isn't built by one agency or one program. It's built through partnerships, local leadership, and communities working together to prepare before the next wildfire. | | |
ReCoverCA Offers Housing Recovery Assistance
Support may be available for eligible homeowners affected by severe storms
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The ReCoverCA Single-Family Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program provides housing recovery assistance to eligible homeowners and landlords whose properties were damaged during California's February–July 2023 or January 2024 severe storms, floods, mudslides and landslides.
Depending on eligibility, the program may help repair or rebuild homes, replace certain manufactured or mobile homes, reimburse eligible repair costs already paid, and provide limited flood insurance assistance for qualifying households.
Funding is limited, and applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance.
| | | 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.
• YouTube
| | 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 | | | | |
