California's Central Valley was one of the areas hardest hit by the Great Recession, with several of its cities still burdened by the worst unemployment rates in the country. Signs in Bakersfield, however, point to a burgeoning boom.
According to Ricardo Lopez, the mid-size Central Valley city best known for oil, agriculture and country music, is becoming a boomtown, with employment and population growing at a brisk pace. Lopez attributes the city's good fortune to, "A price-fueled energy bonanza, low corporate operating costs and an
advantageous location." With government spending up, corporations expanding into the area, and the number of jobs just shy of peak levels, the area is on an upward trend.
"But despite these gains," notes Lopez, "county economic planners say Bakersfield is still hindered by a variety of weaknesses. Among them, they say, many outsiders view the city as little more than a
dusty industrial and agriculture town near an interstate."
A poorly educated workforce is another challenge. That's why Richard Chapman, president of the Kern County Economic Development Corp., believes that, "Developing residents' skills is a priority to ensure that
employment growth is more widespread and includes well-paying jobs for
area residents."
"The only thing that can stop us," Chapman said, "is the availability of the workforce."
FULL STORY: Many signs point to a Bakersfield boom
California High-Speed Rail Recommits to Bakersfield-to-Merced Segment
The California High-Speed Rail Authority also certified the Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement for the San Francisco to San Jose section of the route in August.
California Budget Includes $4.2 Billion for High-Speed Rail
The recently approved state budget directs $4.2 billion in bond funding to the Bakersfield-to-Merced leg of California’s long-awaited high-speed rail project.
Bringing the Kern River Back to Bakersfield
Bring Back the Kern is working to restore recreational flows to the Kern River in Bakersfield (cue Merle Haggard).
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie