Thornberg said Tulare County is uniquely located midway across the state to provide what the state’s economy needs – more willing workers, outdoor facilities, available land and affordable housing. The economist said the Valley’s biggest problem isn’t what it has, but what it doesn’t have, which is a good reputation. For years, Sacramento politicians have downplayed the valley’s importance to the state’s economy, ignoring its natural beauty and treating its residents as “poor slubs” living in a seemingly deserted part of the state.
“This is a great place to live, but you have to let people know you’re here,” Thornberg said.
Tulare County and the Valley are doing better than their coastal counterparts, and have been for some time. Since 2000, inland communities have created three times as many jobs and built homes as coastal communities. Relying on retirees and tourism, coastal economies have been slow to recover from the pandemic. Many of the workers along the coast have moved inland in search of work and housing. Although many of these workers are unskilled, they can be given the skills that local businesses need through training.
“Educating people has the best payoff we’ve seen,” Thornberg said.
Comments are closed.