State of Tulare County address says the future is bright

Tulare County leaders highlighted steady financial growth, modernization and investments in infrastructure, public safety and health during the 2026 State of the County address; the county’s net assessed roll grew 6%, adding $3 billion to nearly $53 billion.

Tulare County officials delivered the 2026 State of the County address with a focus on recent gains and planned projects. Board of Supervisors Chair Amy Shuklian praised county staff and elected leaders and described work on budgeting, modernization and public services. The address reviewed accomplishments from 2025 and outlined projects and timelines that officials said will continue through 2026 and beyond. Key points: - Financial growth: the county’s net assessed roll grew by about 6% year over year, adding roughly $3 billion and bringing the total to nearly $53 billion, as reported by Chair Amy Shuklian. - Digital modernization: a redesigned county website launched Aug. 21 and is described as mobile-friendly and more accessible; online filing for business property statements reached about 60% participation in 2025. - Communications and infrastructure: Tulare County Information & Communications Technology added radio microwave towers in Traver, Tipton and Earlimart, and several agencies launched newsletters and outreach tools including a Spanish-language District Attorney podcast. - Roads and permitting: county crews completed extensive road maintenance work and the Resource Management Agency issued 1,767 building permits in the last six months of 2025, which officials cited as a sign of continued local investment. - Public safety projects: construction for Tulare County Fire Station 7 began in July 2025; the new Coroner’s Office is operational and the Earlimart Sheriff’s Substation is nearing completion; probation and juvenile prevention programs were expanded. - Behavioral health investments: a Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center broke ground in October 2025 with a targeted opening in December 2026, a Crisis Stabilization Unit opened in partnership with Kaweah Health, and the county purchased the Casa Grande property in Visalia for a planned 136-bed mental health and residential treatment facility expected in late 2027. Summary: County leaders framed recent actions as part of a broader effort to modernize services, maintain infrastructure and expand public safety and behavioral health capacity. Several projects are in active construction or design phases with specific target openings noted, and other initiatives remain in planning or phased rollout. Undetermined at this time.