Our planners are getting noticed. At their May 13 meeting, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors presented the 2025 Central Section Award of Excellence in Implementation from the American Planning Association – California Chapter to the Resource Management Agency for its SB 2 Funding Implementation Program.
The award recognizes Tulare County’s strategic use of SB 2 and related state funds to streamline development processes, advance housing initiatives, update planning documents, and unlock millions in additional grants for housing and infrastructure in rural communities. This effort, coordinated by the Economic Development and Planning Branch, enabled the County to achieve a Prohousing Designation, develop an ADU ordinance exceeding state requirements, update its Housing Element and General Plan, and lead regional collaborations across multiple jurisdictions.
At the May 14 Tulare County Planning Commission meeting, RMA planners Emily Gage and Russell Kashiwa were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Russell was commended for establishing a Housing Element that supports long-term development goals. Emily was honored for leading the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and completing the Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Plan—both of which enhance public safety and environmental sustainability.
The award application was led by Assistant Director Aaron Bock and Planning Manager Jason Garcia-LoBue, with support from Economic Development Manager Alida Verduzco Silva and the RMA leadership team, Director Reed Schenke, and Associate Director Mike Washam.
If you see opportunities to elevate the innovative work happening at RMA, please send suggestions to [email protected] for review. Opportunities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.