The Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) is proud to highlight the milestones and accomplishments of its teams in 2024. These achievements would not have been possible without the trust and collaboration of our communities, the support of the County of Tulare Board of Supervisors, and our valued community partners. From maintaining over 3,000 miles of roadways to leading impactful community improvement projects, the RMA remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of Tulare County residents. This year, the agency celebrated significant successes, including restoring key infrastructure, hosting a major economic development event, and advancing housing and business development across the region.
Fiscal Services: Managing Resources Effectively
The Fiscal and Administrative Services branch plays a pivotal role in ensuring the RMA’s operations are efficient and effective. This team supports everything from financial management to human resources. Key achievements in 2024 include:
Customer Service Initiative: Partnered with Guidehouse Consulting to assess and enhance the RMA’s approach to delivering high-quality service to internal and external audiences.
FEMA and FHWA Reimbursements: Actively pursued funding for permanent restoration projects related to 2023 storm damage.
ARPA Funding: Allocated over $8 million to initiatives supporting water, sewer, tourism, infrastructure, economic development, and payroll.
Human Resources Support: Provided expert recruitment, onboarding, and employee support to nearly 300 employees, ensuring a smooth and efficient work environment. Current RMA opportunities are viewable online.
Public Works: Building Resilient Infrastructure
The Public Works branch oversees engineering and field operations for critical infrastructure throughout Tulare County. With one of the largest road networks in California, their work is essential to maintaining accessibility and safety. In 2024, they achieved:
Road Restorations: Successfully reopened Bear Creek Road (M220) and Balch Park Road after 2023’s flood damage, restoring access to the Sequoias. Read more.
Miles Maintained: Maintained over 3,000 miles of roadways across the county. Read more about the Roads Crew.
Award-Winning Project: The Rd. 160 Ivanhoe Sidewalk Improvement Project earned a LocalMotion Award from the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) for enhancing safety for schoolchildren. Read more.
Completed Road Projects:
Chip Seal Project: 75 miles of chip seal and 4.5 miles of overlay completed under the Road Repair and Accountability Act (RRAA).
Slurry Seal Program: 9 miles of roads enhanced through the Slurry Seal Program in Tulare, Orosi, and Lindsay.
Signs and Safety: The Sign Shop striped 500 road miles, repaired 2,400 traffic signs, and fabricated over 2,000 street name signs to improve road safety countywide. Read more.
Economic Development and Planning: Supporting Growth
The Economic Development and Planning branch plays a vital role in fostering business development, streamlining permitting processes, and ensuring sustainable growth across Tulare County. Key 2024 achievements include:
Planning Approvals: Approved 626 projects, marking the second-highest number in the County’s history.
Building Permits: Issued 1,709 permits in five months, totaling 3,938 permits for fiscal year 2023/24.
$500 Million Solar Project: Supported the launch of the Deerfield Solar Project, furthering renewable energy efforts.
Affordable Housing Milestone: Opened the Salt and Light Neighborhood Village with 52 units of supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Read more.
Business Growth: Facilitated the opening of a new am/pm gas station in Goshen and initiated discussions on an incoming hotel chain. Learn more about what is going on in Goshen.
Economic Development Office (EDO): Empowering Communities
The Economic Development Office focuses on attracting new businesses, supporting existing ones, and promoting Tulare County as a destination for economic and tourism opportunities. Achievements in 2024 include:
GROW Tulare County: Strengthened a collaborative, unifying marketing initiative that promotes all 8 cities and 40+ unincorporated communities. Through events and one-on-one business meetings, this effort is focused on recruiting new businesses and fostering regional economic growth. View the County of Tulare’s Economic Development Lookbook.
Tourism Outreach: Hosted the 2024 Tourism Summit with over 100 community partners, featuring Ryan Becker of Visit California as the keynote speaker.
Site Selection Forum: Organized the TeamCalifornia "Meet the Consultants" Forum, attracting 120 business professionals and site selectors from major brands like Jersey Mike’s and Dairy Queen. Read more.
BEAR Program Relaunch: Reconnected with businesses like Reimer’s Candies and Setton Pistachios to promote retention and growth.
Marketing Initiatives: Strengthened tourism efforts by supporting the Sequoia Tourism Council, producing the Sequoia Visitor Guide, and developing marketing strategies to highlight Tulare County’s economic opportunities.
Economic Development ARPA Funding Initiative: Acted as a force multiplier by directing $500,000 in ARPA funds to key organizations—including chambers, non-profits, tourism organizations, economic development corporations, and hospitals—that support business growth and economic development across Tulare County. This strategic investment enhanced programs in tourism, workforce development, small business support, and regional economic initiatives.
Grants and Resources: Securing Funding for Progress
The Grants and Resources team secured millions in funding to improve the quality of life for Tulare County residents. Over the past three years, they’ve brought in $54 million in active grant funding, with highlights from 2024 including:
$5.3 Million Federal PROTECT Grant: Funded improvements to Avenue 56 in Alpaugh, enhancing flood resilience.
Firewise Community Designation: Helped Badger become Tulare County’s first Firewise Community, promoting wildfire preparedness.
$500,000 CDBG Emergency Repair Program: Provided emergency home repairs for unincorporated area residents.
Get to know the Grants and Resources team.
Strengthened Customer Service and Communications Strategy
The RMA also prioritized enhancing communication with residents and employees in 2024. Initiatives included:
In the Works E-Newsletter: Transitioned to a digital format in August 2024, providing updates to internal and external audiences. Sign up to receive the newsletter.
RMA Insider Employee Newsletter: Launched an internal newsletter to keep staff informed and better equipped to serve the community.
Social Media Expansion: Created an Instagram account to share real-time updates and showcase projects. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Website Improvements: The RMA’s website was improved, making it easier for residents to access permitting information and report issues like road or code violations. Visit the RMA’s website and the Permit Center landing page.
The Tulare County Resource Management Agency is dedicated to improving residents' lives through innovative projects, strategic partnerships, and efficient service delivery. As these accomplishments show, the RMA continues to strengthen its impact across the region while planning for a brighter future.
To learn more, please visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/rma. For questions, please email rma@tularecounty.ca.gov or call (559) 624-7000.