Economic development
The latest unemployment figures for the state of California showed that our state is stagnant when it comes to creating jobs. The poor economy is certainly to blame, but it is my opinion that California’s economy is held hostage by government policies and regulations that keep businesses from hiring people, and from even setting up shop in the first place.
While Kern County has its own problems with unemployment, there are many exciting things in the works that will be a boon to our local economy, with new economic opportunities that will bring jobs. Kern County will likely be a bright spot in an otherwise somber state.
The county is working closely with the Kern Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) in updating its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy so that we may be eligible for funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency. One very exciting example of a project eligible for this federal funding can be found in Kern’s Second District – the new rail infrastructure improvements at the Mojave Air and Spaceport. Imagine the possibilities if this is built out – a unique, and vibrant air and spaceport with new, state of the art rail facilities that will be able to deliver and export aircraft and spacecraft parts and assemblies, wind turbines for the burgeoning wind industry, with two major highways intersecting that can be utilized to make Mojave a true intermodal transport hub!
At my request, the county is also fervently working to bring a much needed Enterprise Zone to East Kern. Enterprise Zones provide state tax incentives for job creation in economically challenged areas. Kern County is working closely with Antelope Valley officials to submit an Enterprise Zone application that will form a zone covering Lancaster, Palmdale, and much of East Kern. We should know if we will be able to submit our application sometime in September. I believe that the East Kern/Antelope Valley Enterprise Zone is a prime candidate for acceptance by the state.
In addition to the efforts of the KEDC and county staff, the Kern Board of Trade (KBOT) also brings in much needed business to the county.
Tasked with promoting tourism and film projects, the Board of Trade is an important contributor to Kern’s economy. Due to budget cuts, the KBOT is down to only five employees, yet they brought in such notable films as the new Star Trek movie (2009), and several automobile commercials that film all over the East Kern desert. It is estimated that between $15-20 million a year is pumped into Kern from movie and commercial filming, and a whopping $1 billion from tourism, supporting nearly 14,000 jobs in the hotel industry, restaurants, gas stations, and numerous other businesses.
In the coming months, Kern is poised to gain upwards of 2,680 jobs, because of projects related to the state’s plan to build a high speed rail system, with most of its maintenance and initial build-outs to be in the Central Valley.
In addition, a new “sustainable aqua culture” project in the Arvin/Lamont area, a new sport aircraft manufacturing plant in East Kern, and two new logistics companies moving into our county will all generate significant economic benefits.
It has been a challenging few years economically throughout California, but because Kern’s pro-business attitude and earnest work by our agencies and community partners, Kern County will lead the way towards California’s recovery with new, well-paying jobs and industries that enhance our communities and quality of life.
