Housing Programs Use TCRA Housing Set-aside funds as leverage to secure grant funding for housing rehabilitation, first-time homebuyer, and infill new construction programs, projects and studies. Provide improved housing that is safe, decent, sanitary, and affordable through the rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of substandard units for low-income households. The housing programs are located in the unincorporated areas of Tulare County and include: Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Redevelopment Housing Program, Housing Rehabilitation, First Time Home Buyers Assistance(FTHB) and the Microeneterprise Program. Laurie Mercer (559) 624-7000 LMercer@co.tulare.ca.us Economic Development Assistance with permit processing, financing, site selection, Business Incentive Zone (BIZ), Benefits Recycling, Market Development, Zone Benefits, Champion Communities, assistance development, Coordination Assistance, Tulare County Film Commission, and CONSTRUCTION TRADES TRAINING PROGRAM (CTTP). John Stevens (559) 624-7000 JStevens@co.tulare.ca.us Tulare County Film Commission The Tulare County Film Commission provides assistance to the film industry in finding locations within the County for filming movies, commercials, stills. As a Film Liaison, help facilitate any filming activity needs (e.g. permits or resources needed). Filming activity provides widespread economic benefits to Tulare County. The temporary influx of a film crew is like a shot in the arm for local hotels, motels, restaurants, and retail businesses. Film projects also occasionally hire local residents to work on different aspects of the filming process. Loretta Feldstein (559) 624-7000 LFeldste@co.tulare.ca.us Tourism Tourism provides economic benefit to Tulare County by way of increased traffic and customers for accomodations, restaurants, and retailers. John Stevens (559) 624-7000 JStevens@co.tulare.ca.us Loretta Feldstein (559) 624-7000 LFeldste@co.tulare.ca.us Capital Improvement Projects Obtain funding (through federal, state and local grants, and loans), oversee design and construction of infrastructure projects such as sewer systems, water systems, storm water drainage systems, roads, sidewalks, community parks. Construct infrastructure needed to encourage industry to establish in unincorporated areas of Tulare County and in turn provide employment opportunities for area residents. Steve Horton (559) 624-7000 (primary contact) SHorton@co.tulare.ca.us Community Improvement Programs Redevelopment Project Areas - Traver, Ivahoe, Cutler/Orosi, Goshen, Pixley, Earlimart, Poplar/Cotton/Center, Richgrove Steve Covell (559) 624-7000 SCovell@co.tulare.ca.us Training Programs Construction Trades Training Program is an informal study conducted in Tulare County found that there are employers looking for employees with a general knowledge of the construction trades. The study also found the opportunities to get this training was limited at best. Thinking outside the box, key people in all areas of construction and training were brought together to form a collaborative program. A hands-on training program designed to provide the skills employers were looking for; created for the future work force living in unincorporated areas of Tulare County. Dannny Santos (559) 624-7000 DMsantos@co.tulare.ca.us