Who’s guiding San Joaquin Valley economic development, and how? Join the conversation
Like most regions, the San Joaquin Valley would like to attract outside investment that can bring new and better well-paying jobs, more affordable housing and transportation choices, and greater recognition of all the shining assets of the region that should be enough to attract national and international attention and investment.
But who is making that sales pitch for the Valley as a whole? Is the region just a collection of fragmented cities, counties, universities and residents, or do we ever speak with one booming voice to make the economic world hear about our best qualities? Who would fund such an effort? Who would lead it?
The Modesto Bee, Fresno Bee and Merced Sun-Star are looking at how well cities, counties and other regional stakeholders are cooperating on these and other goals and examining how different approaches could work.
We’re also looking for reader input. Please share your ideas and questions with reporters Erik Galicia at egalicia@fresnobee.com and John Holland at jholland@modbee.com.
This story was originally published November 13, 2023 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Who’s guiding San Joaquin Valley economic development, and how? Join the conversation."