MADERA - Civic leaders from the City of Chowchilla and the City of Madera along with the Madera County Board of Supervisors gathered for a joint Intergovernmental Coalition meeting Saturday morning. With over 50 citizens and staff, the three government entities talked about shared goals and ongoing collaborative efforts to solve issues of common concern.
The meeting, hosted by the City of Madera at the Madera Municipal Golf Course, was steered by an independent facilitator, Bill Chiat, of Alta Mesa Group, LLC. The joint session kicked off with reflections on the progress made over the past year. Staff provided presentations on regional transportation, homelessness, economic development, and high speed rail followed by a raw yet constructive discussion on how to tackle those issues collectively as “One Voice.”
Regional Transportation: members of the Madera County Transportation Commission shared their ongoing efforts to the “One Voice” campaign with state and federal agencies for safer, quicker and improved transportation.
Homelessness: it was no surprise that homelessness dominated the conversation. While there is no one solution to this ongoing problem, the three entities agreed to explore how they can overcome challenges, foster best practices, and share ideas and resources to address this issue. Law enforcement officials and staff provided presentations on clean-up efforts along the Fresno River and getting the homeless access to services. The goal is to continue to focus on the coordinated efforts and hold regular meetings among the jurisdictions using a Homelessness Task Force. Each Council and Board will designate a member to the committee with support of the three Administrators and key staff.
Economic Development: Madera County Economic Development Director, Bobby Kahn, will take the lead as “One Madera” to help all three jurisdictions take advantage of Opportunity Zones and Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts. There was a desire to have Kahn prepare a strategy to develop more shovel ready industrial space in all three jurisdictions.
High Speed Rail: While the topic is contentious, the three jurisdictions agreed to collectively support each other on the WYE alignment and water rights for track easements, explore potential development around the Amtrak station and facilities, and advocate for the heavy maintenance facility to be located within Madera County boundaries.
In addition, new opportunities emerged in the discussion which included a potential new animal control services facility and enhanced library services. There was a desire to fold the school districts into the coalition to strengthen the partnership among key stakeholders.
Chairman Wheeler reiterated that the cities and county will continue to collaborate as partners to address local, state, and federal issues for the greater good of Madera County.
