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).
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl
The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.
Trump: Federal Government Won’t Pay for California HSR
The President has targeted federal funding for the California bullet train project since his first administration.
San Francisco Enhances Urban Planning Initiatives with Green Infrastructure
San Francisco incorporates green infrastructure in its city development initiatives, elevating the importance of sustainability in urban planning.
Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.
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.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions