Business friendliness giving Tulare County an economic boost

GOSHEN, Calif. (KFSN) -- Rural communities in the South Valley are getting an economic boost -- thanks to Tulare County becoming more business friendly.

Dozens of homes are going up quickly in the small community of Goshen. County economic leaders say the new homes are part of a 66-percent jump in new, single family home building permits in rural Tulare County.

"These are already pre-approved subdivisions but I know that last year, or the previous fiscal year, we did 99 building permits for single family homes. This year we did 165," said Tulare County Economic Development Manager Mike Washam.

Washam says the county-wide growth is all thanks to a board of supervisors vote two years ago to streamline the building permit process. Officials hope to make the county more business friendly by getting plans approved -- fast.

"We've been able to get projects in, and reviewed, and out the door in a quicker, more efficient manner," said Washam.

And the growth doesn't stop with housing. In Orosi, a new strip mall that's expected to feature a chain store is being built. A drawing for a brand new McDonald's is going up in Earlimart -- a community that up until recently hadn't seen new construction in years.

Washam says more national chains are looking to set up in walkable communities and sometimes these rural towns are the perfect spot. The development not only adds jobs but keeps dollars in town.

"Sales tax revenue is a big piece of the equation. When the communities have the opportunity to spend their dollars locally not only the jobs does it provide but it has the local spend and keeping that money in Tulare County," said Washam.

This housing development is one of several on the east side of Goshen. A brand new medical clinic was also recently built on this side of town.