Agenda Item Wording:
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Membership Agreement - Receive update report on Tulare County Economic Development Corporation and authorize payment for first half of Fiscal Year 25/26 in the amount of $30,000 from existing Economic Development Division budget.
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Prepared by:
Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager, devon.jones@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4190
Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, paul.bernal@visalia.city, (559) 713-4025
Department Recommendation:
It is recommended the City Council authorize payment to the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) for the first half of Fiscal Year (FY) 25/26 in the amount of $30,000 from existing Economic Development Division budget given prospect marketing and response services were rendered and given the City’s involvement in the next iteration of the TCEDC.
Summary:
On October 20, 2025, City Council continued an item to consider payment to the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) for the current fiscal year (FY) until staff was able to discuss current and alternative service options, which have been ongoing. Since that time, considerable coordination efforts occurred between City staff, other participating jurisdictions and the Executive Committee of the TCEDC Board of Directors pertaining to the future of the TCEDC.
Currently, there are no TCEDC staff members employed by the agency. Within the last month, Mike Washam, Associate Director for Tulare County Resource Management Agency, and the Economic Development Department team at Tulare County have temporarily assumed the staff support role for the TCEDC, in addition to the current TCEDC Board Chair, County Supervisor Amy Shuklian, with support from the Executive Committee including Councilman Brian Poochigian.
Currently, a request for proposals is open (<https://tularecountyedc.com/RFP>) to identify a consultant to conduct a comprehensive organizational analysis and provide strategic recommendations to strengthen TCEDC’s effectiveness and alignment with member agency economic development goals. The analysis will identify a recommended organizational structure, an updated strategy to attract large job creators and high growth sectors, along with an Executive Director recruitment support, and a 2 year implementation roadmap.
City staff has provided input into this process and can be an active participant in this process and the future administration of TCEDC services. One recommendation to the TCEDC Board is to implement a Technical Advisory Committee, of which City staff can be involved to provide technical direction and support to the organization.
Services Rendered: Aside from being actively involved in the transitionary direction of the TCEDC during this time, staff recommends payment for the first half of FY 25/26 given prospect marketing outreach and response packaging services were provided during that time. In its most current form, the primary value of TCEDC services to City staff is the prospect response packaging and ongoing site marketing and outreach. City staff worked frequently with TCEDC staff for these services during that time and service continued uninterrupted. While many of the prospects received through TCEDC leads may not materialize into City developments, either due to energy requirements and expected development timelines, or unfavorable water consumption demands, there continue to be some promising leads received and the continued marketing efforts keep the City’s site availability at the forefront amongst the site selector/broker community considering Central Valley locations.
Future of TCEDC: Given the current transitionary state of the TCEDC, staff recommends continued involvement in the TCEDC as this could lead to an improved service asset for the City’s specific needs.
The City of Visalia has been an active participant in the transitionary efforts so far and can continue to do so into the new iteration, whatever form that may take.
Given that staff was present and performing duties through the first half of the year, and there are on-going operational expenses in addition to the expenses associated with the proposed consultant work, City Staff is recommending this payment.
Fiscal Impact: $30,000 from the existing Economic Development division budget. TCEDC membership for the entire FY 25/26 is $60,000. Last FY, the City made biannual payments of $30,000.
Prior Council Action:
• October 20,2025 - Continued an item to consider payment to the TCEDC to a future date.
• October 6, 2025 - Continued an item to consider TCEDC payment.
• June 17, 2024 - Authorized continued membership.
• August 07, 2023 - Authorized increase in membership cost to $60,000.
• April 17, 2023 - Authorized continued membership.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: Per Council direction.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize payment to the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation for the first half of Fiscal Year (FY) 25/26 in the amount of $30,000.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 3/2/2026
Attachments: N/A
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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☒ Economic Vitality |
☐  Organizational Excellence |
☐ Fiscal Strength |
☐  Infrastructure & Growth |
☐  Quality of Life |