Comcast breaks ground on its newest project, which will expand internet access to Pixley and Tipton, as well as the communities of Alpaugh, Dinuba, Earlimart, Kingsburg, Sultana, Traver, and areas of Tulare and Visalia. | | |
|
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
| |
Welcome Message: Thanking Our Communities | |
|
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible employees, the local community, and all those we serve. Thanks to the dedication of the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) team and the trust of our communities, we’ve achieved significant milestones this year.
From enhancing road safety to improving public spaces and fostering sustainable economic growth across Tulare County, our employees’ professionalism and perseverance have been central to these accomplishments, fostering a collaborative and thriving work environment.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the nearly 500,000 residents of Tulare County and the millions of visitors we welcome each year. Your trust in the RMA to keep our roads safe, our communities vibrant, and our public spaces accessible is deeply appreciated. Serving you remains our highest honor and responsibility.
On behalf of RMA Leadership and Staff, we wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!
Best regards,
Reed Schenke, P.E.
Director
Resource Management Agency
| |
The RMA Roads Crew paves a road for the Sequoia Gateway Commerce Center near State Route 99, just south of Highway 198, supporting local economic development. Transportation Services Coordinator Tony Boland (left) helps lead the effort. | The RMA Planner I, Nicholas Murphy, works to help the public at the Building Permit Center, where staff is ready to rein in Thanksgiving with a seasonally decorated counter. | |
Comcast Breaks Ground in Pixley | |
|
Comcast broke ground in Pixley, CA, launching a rural broadband expansion to connect approximately 6,200 underserved locations across Tulare County communities, including Alpaugh, Earlimart, and Visalia. Funded by a $26 million FFA grant and Comcast's private investment, the project is set for completion by early 2026.
As part of its commitment to digital equity, Comcast also contributed $25,000 to the Tulare County Office of Education Foundation to provide digital literacy resources and expand access to high-speed internet.
| |
Comcast's Director of Government Affairs for the South Valley, Nathan Ahle, presents a $25,000 check to the Tulare County Office of Education. | |
The crowd listens to local community members share their excitement for the new project. One of the speakers was a student from Tipton Elementary School who shared her experiences with slower internet and her desire to enjoy higher-speed internet to complete her homework. | |
Tulare County Board of Supervisor Vice-Chairman (District 2) Pete Vander Poel discusses the community benefits inherent in the Comcast expansion. Supervisor Vander Poel was joined by fellow Board of Supervisor for District 4, Supervisor Eddie Valero. | |
Follow Us: The RMA is Now on Instagram! | | |
|
There are now more ways to stay connected with the RMA. We are now on Instagram! Please follow us there and on Facebook. | |
|
PUBLIC WORKS
ROADS CREW, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS
| |
|
A Quick Guide to Public Works' Project Status Updates (Data Package)
Accurate project updates are essential in project management. The RMA shares a monthly data package with this newsletter to keep communities informed about progress across divisions. Here's how we ensure reliable updates:
Who updates Public Works projects?
- Engineers provide detailed updates during design and construction phases.
- Right of Way (ROW) Team collaborates with project managers to ensure accurate updates for projects in the ROW phase.
What gets updated?
- Progress Updates: Track milestones and phase changes. Completed projects are removed from the list.
- Project Budget: Ensures fiscal responsibility.
- Completion Percentage Histogram: Visualizes work completed for easy tracking.
After engineers submit updates, the administrative team performs quality control checks to ensure all information is accurate and well-organized, offering stakeholders a clear view of project progress.
Stay tuned for more insights into our project management practices!
| |
Finished Project - Enhancing County Roadways
County Transportation Improvement Program (CTIP) Slurry Seal Program
| |
The Tulare County Public Works team has successfully completed the 2024 Slurry Seal Program, a key infrastructure improvement initiative aimed at enhancing and preserving the County's roadways. This program involved applying a protective surface layer to extend the lifespan of existing roads and improve their durability. | |
Completed Slurry Seal application along Lewis Lane near Tulare, California | |
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING | |
Groundbreaking and Community BBQ in Earlimart
Celebrating More than 30 Years in Business and the Local Expansion of Valley Forklift
| |
Registration is not required, but appreciated. | |
|
We’re excited to invite you to celebrate the grand opening of Valley Forklift’s brand-new 10,500-sq. ft. facility in Earlimart, California. This family-friendly event is open to the public and media partners and is being hosted in collaboration with the Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Where: 7340 Bishop St., Earlimart, CA
When: Thursday, December 5, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m.
What to Expect:
• Fun, food, and forklifts!
• Explore Valley Forklift's new location and view top-of-the-line equipment.
• Check out exclusive sales and discounts.
• Meet the Valley Forklift team and enjoy a community BBQ!
A word from Valley Forklift:
“We’re thrilled to open our doors to the community! Whether you’re a forklift enthusiast or just looking for a good time, this event is for you.”
Let’s celebrate together. Bring your friends and family for a day filled with excitement.
Questions? Email us at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.
| |
Tulare County's First Community Solar Project | |
|
Dimension Energy has proudly unveiled Tulare County's first Community Solar Project, a transformative initiative designed to provide clean energy savings to 1,172 homes in the Visalia area and a broader cost-savings program for the greater Tulare County community. The project was celebrated during a grand opening ceremony on November 18, where community leaders, dignitaries, and partners gathered to mark this milestone. County leadership from the Resource Management Agency attended and supported the event’s completion through the efficient permitting process our agency is known for.
Visalia Community Solar Project
Spanning 20.2 acres in Visalia, this innovative project delivers energy savings without requiring rooftop installations, making clean energy accessible to renters and homeowners alike. The Visalia project serves residents within a 5-mile service area and offers participants a 20% discount on their electricity bills. This builds on Dimension Energy’s ongoing success in expanding solar accessibility to local communities.
| |
Joe Henri, Senior Vice President of Policy at Dimension Renewable Energy, welcomes attendees to the groundbreaking event that celebrated the opening of the Dimension Energy solar project. | Tulare County’s Planning Commissioner Wayne Millies [second to the left] poses for a photo with the RMA team. | |
|
Energy Savings Across Tulare County
In addition to the Visalia project, 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 $100 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.
| |
Questions? Contact our Economic Development Office team at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov | |
World Town Planning Day - November 2024 | |
|
On November 8, RMA planners had the chance to attend the 75th Annual World Town Planning Day virtual event. The American Planning Association and its International Division, along with its partners at the Canadian Institute of Planners, host the event every year to bring planners from around the world together. There were a variety of workshops, trainings, and other webinars that planners in the RMA and around the world could attend. An important aspect of the yearly event is that it brings awareness to the profession of planning, while also allowing RMA planners to gather ideas and perspectives from planners around the globe.
"It's really an opportunity to highlight planners and planning in our communities and all over the world," Planning and Permit Manager Jason Garcia-LoBue said. "It helps us see what people are doing around the world and the nation."
The event supported planners in their wide range of duties, including zoning, sustainable development, infrastructure planning, community engagement, economic development, and more.
| |
Questions or comments for the RMA Planning Division? Contact our planners by emailing RMA@tularecounty.ca.gov. | |
2024 Farmworker Women's Conference | |
|
The 2024 Farmworker Women’s Conference, held earlier this month at the Visalia Convention Center, brought together local farmworker women, nonprofit organizations, and advocates to discuss industry challenges, celebrate accomplishments, and provide resources to foster growth in a sector vital to both local economies and Tulare County families.
The County of Tulare was well represented at the conference. Every year, the County’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) attends, offering essential public health information to support attendees. This year, the Economic Development Office (GROW Tulare County) joined, providing resources to promote entrepreneurship, assist in growing small businesses, and support attendees interested in starting their own businesses in the future.
| |
The Tulare County Economic Development Office (EDO) team represents the RMA at the 2024 Farmworker's Women's Conference. | |
RMA Takes on the Housing Shortage with ADU Plans | |
|
With a housing shortage affecting the State of California, the RMA has made strides in providing free, pre-approved building plans for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADU's are small, independent living spaces located on the same lot as a primary residential building.
The plans that the County of Tulare is offering to residents are designed for use anywhere in the unincorporated areas of Tulare County. Those living within city limits may contact their city governments to inquire about ADU plans within their community.
Questions? Contact Russell Kashiwa at (559) 624-7110 or via email at ADUquestions@tularecounty.ca.gov.
| |
Front of three-bedroom, 1200 S.F. ADU, designed by Skylab. | |
FISCAL SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCES | |
The Fiscal and Administrative Services Team | |
The Fiscal and Administrative Services team poses for a photo in a conference room at the Government Plaza. The team regularly meets to discuss ongoing budgetary work and special projects. | |
|
The Fiscal and Administrative Services team undertakes a wide range of responsibilities, including managing budgets, overseeing payroll, and handling disaster-related invoicing. Under the guidance of Assistant Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, Sherman Dix, C.P.A., and Fiscal Manager Karen Mabry, the team plays a crucial role in producing the Resource Management Agency’s (RMA) Annual Budget.
Questions about the Fiscal and Administrative Services team? Please email the team at rma@tularecounty.ca.gov.
| |
Assistant Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, Sherman Dix, (right) discusses the RMA's budget with Fiscal Manager, Karen Mabry. | |
Career Opportunities at the RMA
The RMA’s mission is to provide essential public services that enhance the quality of life for Tulare County residents. Our work spans managing vital infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water systems, as well as supporting economic development and environmental stewardship. Each division in our County of Tulare agency plays a part in shaping a resilient, thriving community, and we’re currently working with the County of Tulare’s Human Resources and Development (HRD) team to recruit new RMA team members.
Interested in making a difference? Take a look at our job listings and contact the Human Resources Department by email at TCCareers@tularecounty.ca.gov or phone at 559-636-4900 with any questions.
| |
|
RMA Secures Grant to Assist Pixley Community in Identifying Community Needs
This year, the RMA secured a spot for Pixley
in the National Capacity Builder, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO)'s grant initiative to provide essential technical assistance to communities. The grant is from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Thriving Communities Program. The grant will provide technical assistance to help identify the needs of the Pixley community.
Questions for the Grants Team? Email emparker@tularecounty.ca.gov.
| |
Pixley Park signage for the newly renovated area. | |
Curb and Sidewalk Reimbursement Program (CSRP) | |
|
Tulare County’s CSRP offers financial assistance to property owners in unincorporated residential areas for installing or repairing curbs, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and driveway approaches.
Reimbursement is first-come, first-served until annual funds are exhausted:
- Curb & Gutter: $25/linear ft.
- Sidewalk: $15/linear ft.
- ADA Ramp: $1,400/ramp (excludes gutter).
- Total reimbursement is capped at $4,000.
Questions? Email EncroachmentPermits@tularecounty.ca.gov or call (559) 624-7073.
| |
|
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, 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
| | | | | |
