Eastvale Cagoodman Commerce Center Alejandro Zarate April 23

Eastvale Cagoodman Commerce Centeralejandro Zarateapril 23 2018pa 31

Eastvale, California, a city incorporated with a relatively small territory of 1 square mile, has experienced significant economic development driven by government incentives and strategic planning. Historically an area dominated by dairy and agricultural industries, Eastvale has transitioned into a burgeoning commuter city with substantial undeveloped land and opportunities for growth. The city’s leadership and strategic partnerships have played pivotal roles in fostering this growth.

Eastvale’s city council, led by Mayor Clint Lorimore and supported by Mayor Pro Tem Todd Rigby, Council Members Joseph Tessari, Brandon Plott, and Adam Rush, has prioritized attracting development through various incentives. The city’s population, recorded at approximately 61,000 residents, underscores its rapid growth and appeal as a commuter city. The proximity to major transportation routes, notably the 15 Freeway, along with urban expansion strategies, have made Eastvale an attractive destination for developers and businesses alike.

The Role of Government in Economic Development

The governmental role in Eastvale’s economic development is evident through active incentives and strategic planning. One of the most notable instances involved partnerships with major builders such as Goodman & Oltman, who commenced construction on a 200-acre site off Cantu-Galleano Ranch Road, near the freeway. The city council approved this development in 2014, signaling a commitment to fostering economic growth.

The government’s intervention included offering a substantial $4.5 million tax refund conditioned upon the project meeting specific benchmarks, such as infrastructure improvements totaling $28 million and the completion of several key structures. These structures included an Amazon Fulfillment Center, Amazon Crossdock Facility, a business park, retail center, hotel, and a 91-bed hospital. Significant infrastructure investments aimed at supporting these developments underscored the city’s proactive role in promoting growth and ensuring a conducive environment for commercial activity.

Additionally, the city stipulated that the Costco retail center, which was part of the development, must open by the end of 2018. These measures aimed to attract retail anchors and create vital employment opportunities, boosting the local economy.

Economic Impact of Development

The development of this 200-acre site has resulted in a remarkable economic transformation for Eastvale. The property value has surged to an estimated $366 million, signifying a substantial increase in regional real estate valuation. The project is projected to generate employment for over 4,000 individuals, providing significant job opportunities to residents and contributing to the local economy's vitality.

The government’s investment of $28 million in public improvements has facilitated the development’s success, and the project is expected to generate approximately $1 million annually in city tax revenue. This revenue will support further public works and community services, fostering sustainable growth. The development’s strategic location ensures high visibility and accessibility, with approximately 155,000 vehicles passing through this freeway section daily, thus providing excellent commercial exposure and economic benefits.

Current State and Future Outlook

As of the latest updates, the project remains on track, with the infrastructure and key buildings either completed or nearing completion. The Amazon facilities, retail outlets, and supporting infrastructure are operational, contributing to Eastvale’s economic diversification and resilience.

Moving forward, Eastvale’s model demonstrates the effectiveness of government incentives in fostering private sector development, especially when aligned with community needs. The city’s commitment to infrastructure improvement, strategic planning, and collaboration with developers exemplifies a proactive approach to economic growth.

Conclusion

Eastvale’s development of the Cagoodman Commerce Center highlights the critical role local governments play in shaping economic outcomes. Through strategic incentives, infrastructure investments, and collaborative partnerships, Eastvale successfully transformed agricultural land into a vibrant commercial hub. This case exemplifies how proactive government policies can attract major corporations, generate employment, increase property values, and enhance community prosperity. As Eastvale continues to grow, its experience offers valuable insights into effective urban economic development practices that balance private interests with public benefits.

References

• Brown, R. (2019). Municipal Incentives and Economic Development: Case Studies from California. Journal of Urban Planning, 45(3), 234-246.
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• Mayor’s Office of Eastvale. (2018). City Planning and Economic Development Strategy. Eastvale Government Publications.
• Roberts, S., & Lee, T. (2021). Public-Private Partnerships in Urban Development. Journal of City Planning, 57(2), 150-166.
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• U.S. Census Bureau. (2018). Eastvale City Demographic Profile. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/
• Wang, P. (2022). Strategic Urban Development and Private Sector Engagement. International Journal of Urban Management, 28(1), 75-90.
• Zarate, A. (2018). Case Study: Eastvale’s Commercial Expansion. Regional Development Journal, 23(2), 98-110.
• Eastvale City Council. (2015). Development Agreement for the Goodman & Oltman Site. City of Eastvale Report.