Economic Development
NOTE: This function will be transferred to the County Administrative Office effective July 1, 2010.
Mission Statement: Improve the economic viability of the County and its residents by facilitating the creation and retention of employment opportunities.
- County of Kern Economic Development
Strategy, Implementation Progress Report and Board Letter
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County
of Kern Economic Development Strategy, Final Report, was adopted
by the Board of Supervisors on April 5, 2005, and a revision (Amendment No. 1) was approved on October 2, 2007. The County’s
cluster-based economic development strategy identifies five strategic
initiatives: 1) cluster network development strategies, 2) human resources
and skills development, 3) land use and infrastructure planning, 4) tourism
marketing and branding Kern County, and 5) financing entrepreneurship
and innovation. An executive summary, The
Path to Sustainable Prosperity: Kern County’s Economic Development
Strategy, is also available.
Several programs are being implemented that encourage private capital investment and job creation.
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Kern Microenterprise Opportunity
Program (KMOP) offers small business loans to eligible, qualified
borrowers seeking to start or expand their businesses. Loans from
$2,500 to no more than $50,000 are available. See program
details for eligibility and qualifying criteria. To apply, complete
and submit an application.
Call 661-862-5040 with questions.
County of Kern Economic Incentive Program
offers cash payments to qualified, non-retail businesses whose investment will yield not less than
$50,000 over a five year period to the County of Kern General Fund and create at least 10
full-time equivalent permanent jobs with benefits, that are available to Kern County residents,
at the proposed County business location for the same five year period. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is updated each year to maintain the eligibility of Kern County applicants to apply for and receive U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration grant assistance. Projects must result in private capital investment and the creation of new jobs. The Annual Update is approved by the CEDS Committee prior to being adopted by the Board of Supervisors. -
Initiatives for military base retention include support
of Edwards Community Alliance
on behalf of Edwards Air Force Base/Air Force Flight Test Center and
participation in California Defense Alliance and Southwest
Defense Alliance. These groups lobby on behalf of base missions,
capabilities, and capacities with the goal of retaining and expanding
Department of Defense investment and jobs within their respective
areas.
County of Kern Industrial Development Authority is an alternative source of tax-exempt financing for manufactures seeking to make qualified capital investment within the County and create new jobs. Referrals are made to Kern Economic Development Partners--local, State, and federal business resource providers. These agencies promote, support, and encourage capital investment and job creation.
For further information:
County of Kern
Planning and Community Development
2700 "M" Street, Suite 250
Bakersfield, CA 93301
661-862-5029
FAX 661-862-5052
paul@co.kern.ca.us
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