Agenda Item Wording:
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Confirm a letter of support - Confirm a letter of support for Visalia Heritage’s “All Aboard Visalia” / Visalia Depot Heritage project funding request.
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Agenda Date: 03/02/2026
Prepared by: Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk Reyna.Rivera@visalia.gov 559-713-4512; Leslie Caviglia City Manager Leslie.Caviglia@visalia.gov 559-713-4332
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the Visalia City Council confirm a letter of support for the “All Aboard Visalia” / Visalia Depot Heritage project.
Summary:
The City Council is being asked to confirm a letter of support for Visalia Heritage’s “All Aboard Visalia” capital campaign, which seeks funding to preserve and repurpose the historic Visalia Depot as a museum and cultural center. The letter will support Visalia Heritage’s efforts to secure public and private funding for the project. Due to the timeline for a specific funding request, and with the approval of the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the letter was signed and provided, but can still be withdrawn if the Council does not choose to support the request.
Background Discussion:
Visalia Heritage has initiated the “All Aboard Visalia” capital campaign to transform the historic Visalia Depot into a dedicated museum and cultural center. Originally constructed in 1916 as a train station, the Depot has served as a longstanding landmark within the community. The proposed project would preserve the historic structure and adapt it for use as a facility highlighting local history, culture, and the arts. The project would provide a permanent space to share the community’s history, including the stories of the Yokuts and Western Mono peoples and Visalia’s growth over nearly two centuries. The proposed museum and cultural center is intended to support historic preservation, educational programming, cultural tourism, and continued revitalization efforts within the downtown area. Approval of the letter of support will demonstrate the City’s recognition of the project’s potential community benefit while not committing the City to financial participation.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: There is no fiscal impact associated with approval of the letter of support. The proposed action does not obligate the City to provide funding, ongoing maintenance, or operational support for the project.
Prior Council Action: None.
Alternatives:
1.) Decline to confirm the letter of support.
2.) Direct staff to revise the letter and return it for further Council consideration.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to confirm a letter of support for the “All Aboard Visalia” / Visalia Depot Heritage project.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 03/02/2026
Attachments: Draft letter of support for the “All Aboard Visalia” / Visalia Depot Heritage project.
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 |