Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Visalia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in development
Reserve area Industrial Specific Plan
The council set direction for how 900 acres southeast of the city will develop: an industrial specific plan area, neighborhoods, parks and schools, sewer-based growth tiers, and enhanced design standards citywide (Option B) so the south entrance to Visalia looks good from Highway 99.
Affordable housing funding and Pro Housing designation
The city's federal housing and community development funding came in $85,000 lower than expected, forcing cuts to administration, public services and an ADA project. About $900,000 was shifted from an emergency shelter project to allow more development time.
D.R. Horton annexation and Clements Ranch subdivision
The council finalized prezoning 78 acres at Lovers Lane and Caldwell for a mix of single-family and multifamily housing, plus updated resolutions for the 292-lot Clements Ranch map after upholding an appeal.
Clements Ranch sidewalk conditions
D.R. Horton appealed two conditions on its 78-acre Lovers Lane subdivision. The council split: it waived the ~$500,000 Lovers Lane frontage improvements but required sidewalks inside the gated subdivision, with Mayor Taylor and Council Member Poochigian dissenting.
Tulare County EDC membership
The council debated whether ten years of EDC dues have produced results. A 4-1 vote paid the half-year dues anyway, betting on a reorganization focused on industrial development along the Highway 99 corridor.
Small and simple map streamlining ordinance
A new ordinance would let subdivisions of up to 160 lots be approved administratively instead of by the Planning Commission, cutting time and cost for simple, conforming maps.
Economic Development Incentives
Visalia is passing on offering tax breaks and incentives to Amazon if they choose to build in the city's Industrial Park. This means no special deals for the online giant, keeping taxpayer money local.