City of Banning - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The City of Banning operates as a municipal entity committed to providing high-quality services to foster a safe, pleasant, and prosperous environment for its residents, workers, and visitors. Its primary vision is to establish itself as the premier logistics and energy hub within the San Gorgonio Pass region. Backed by its strategic location along the I-10 corridor and its municipal utility, Banning is uniquely positioned for significant future development, contributing substantially to the economic landscape of the Inland Empire.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

The City of Banning's strategic framework is built upon five foundational pillars: Diverse Economy, Reliable Infrastructure, Safe City, Good Governance, and Quality of Life. Key objectives include establishing dominance in the logistics sector by preparing substantial industrial sites and streamlining development approvals. The city also aims to lead in energy solutions, leveraging its municipal utility for renewable energy sources. Other critical goals involve revitalizing its downtown core, securing its long-term fiscal stability, attracting diverse economic investments, expanding workforce development programs, supporting new retail developments, and fostering a robust hotel/tourism district.

Specialization Areas

The City of Banning specializes in leveraging its strategic geographical location and municipal utility. These assets enable the city to focus on becoming a significant logistics and energy hub. Its unique value proposition includes its ability to manage its own power infrastructure, offering potential advantages in energy supply and renewable energy initiatives, alongside its prime position for industrial and logistical development along a major interstate corridor.

Target Markets

The primary target markets for the City of Banning include logistics and industrial businesses seeking large-scale development sites with efficient transportation access. It also targets energy sector companies, particularly those involved in renewable energy. Furthermore, the city aims to attract new retail businesses, including essential services like a grocery store for its east end, and developers for a new hotel/tourism district. Ultimately, its services cater to current and prospective residents, businesses, and visitors, aiming to enhance their quality of life and economic opportunities.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

The City of Banning primarily generates revenue from property taxes and sales taxes. Annually, property taxes contribute approximately $7.5 million, while sales taxes amount to about $3.5 million. The city allocates approximately $8 million per year to public safety services, including police and fire protection. Financial challenges include balancing significant municipal needs with limited funding; for instance, of every property tax dollar, approximately 7 cents is allocated to City of Banning services. As of March 2022, the average home value in Banning was just under $400,000. Annually, a $400,000 home in Riverside County accrues approximately $3,200 in property tax, of which the City of Banning receives roughly $400. The city's general budget policies prioritize accountability, transparency, and maintaining a structurally balanced budget where ongoing operating revenues meet or exceed ongoing operating expenses.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

The City of Banning is actively engaged in several key development projects and initiatives:
Banning Commerce Center Project: An approved 1.3-million-square-foot industrial warehouse development situated east of Hathaway Street and north of the I-10 freeway on a 131-acre site. This project is projected to create approximately 1,400 permanent jobs and 1,900 temporary construction jobs, contributing over $500,000 in net recurring revenue to the city.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project: A crucial infrastructure improvement project designed to expand capacity and enhance treatment capabilities, aligning with the city's growth and introducing a recycled water supply.
Banning Downtown Revitalization and Complete Streets Plan: A strategic plan focused on improving mobility, connectivity, and overall quality of life within the downtown area.
Sun Lakes Boulevard Extension Project: This project, anticipated to complete design in 2022 with construction projected to start in 2023, connects Highland Home Road to Sunset Avenue, establishing a new east/west travel route south of I-10 to ease traffic congestion.
Banning Active Transportation Plan: A public works initiative aimed at promoting and facilitating alternative modes of transportation throughout the city.
Industrial and Residential Developments: Other significant ongoing projects include the AMCO Structures industrial project, CDRE Holdings "Charles St, Industrial Building," First Hathaway Logistics Project, WEKA Industrial, KCB Towers, Vista Robles by KB Homes, Atwell Homes "Butterfield Specific Plan," and Canterbury by CrestWood Communities.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

The City of Banning's Information Services (IS) Department is responsible for managing and advancing its technology infrastructure. Its core functions include network administration, end-user support, network security, website maintenance, and the implementation and support of all city computer systems and software applications. The department guides employees in the effective use of technology, software applications, and internet resources. For procurement, the city employs OpenGov, an e-Procurement system designed to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure fair and competitive supplier selection. In public transportation, the City Council has approved the adoption of battery electric buses as the foundational technology for its Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout and Implementation Plan, with the ambitious goal of achieving a 100-percent zero-emission fleet by 2040. The city also provides an online public portal for permitting, public notices, and parcel search functionalities, accessible via modern web browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

The City of Banning's leadership comprises its City Council and key administrative personnel:
Richard Royce: Mayor (District 4)
Cindy Barrington: Mayor Pro Tem (District 2)
Leroy Miller: City Council Member (District 1)
Sheri Flynn: City Council Member (District 3)
Colleen Wallace: City Council Member (District 5)
Art Vela: Interim City Manager
John Pinkney: City Attorney
Lisa Rossi: Human Resources Director

Recent Leadership Changes

In February 2025, City Manager Doug Schulze was placed on indefinite paid administrative leave by the City Council. Initially, Police Lt. Robert Fisher served as acting city manager, followed by Art Vela, who assumed the role of Interim City Manager.

The City Council saw new members sworn in around December 2024, including Leroy Miller (District 1), Cindy Barrington (District 2), Sheri Flynn (District 3), and Richard Royce (District 4). At that time, Sheri Flynn was selected as Mayor and Richard Royce as Mayor Pro Tem. However, the current city staff directory reflects Richard Royce as Mayor and Cindy Barrington as Mayor Pro Tem. Additionally, in February 2024, former Councilmember David Happe was appointed to fill a vacancy in the District 4 seat until the November 2024 election.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

The City of Banning currently employs approximately 126 individuals. Recent job postings from late 2025 and early 2026 highlight active recruitment for various operational needs and specific departmental growth. Key roles being sought include Community Services Officer, Building Inspector, Code Compliance Officer, Communications Manager/Public Information Officer, Sr. Accountant, Police Officer (Lateral and Pre-Service), Parks and Recreation Supervisor, and Building Permit Specialist. These roles indicate a focus on public safety, infrastructure development, regulatory compliance, and community services.

The city demonstrates a positive growth trajectory, with its population increasing by 2.51% from 29,929 in 2022 to 30,680 in 2023, and projected to reach 31,929 in 2024. The median household income also saw a 6.69% increase, from $54,083 in 2022 to $57,699 in 2023. The average commute time for residents is 30.1 minutes, with the majority commuting alone by car, indicating a reliance on personal transportation within the region.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

The City of Banning maintains a robust official website, banning.ca.us, which serves as a central hub for information, public notices, and civic engagement. The website provides comprehensive access to city departments, government information, business resources, and community engagement initiatives. It also makes meeting agendas, minutes, and recordings readily available online, fostering transparency and public access. While specific social media platforms and detailed engagement metrics were not specified, the official website provides numerous avenues for public interaction and information dissemination, acting as the primary digital interface for the city.

8. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

For a municipal entity like the City of Banning, "competitors" can be understood as neighboring cities and jurisdictions that vie for economic development, population growth, and enhancements in the quality of life for their communities. Based on regional context, notable competitive municipalities include the City of Beaumont, City of Calimesa, City of Yucaipa, and unincorporated areas within Riverside County. These entities represent regional comparisons in terms of their ability to attract and retain businesses, manage urban growth, and provide municipal services and amenities. Each of these areas may offer varying incentives or appeal to residents and businesses, creating a competitive environment for investment and development within the broader Inland Empire region.

9. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The City of Banning had a population of 30,680 in 2023, with projections indicating continued growth. The median age of its residents is approximately 43.3 years. The median household income in Banning stood at $57,699 in 2023. The demographic profile reveals that a significant proportion, 80.5%, are US-born citizens, contributing to a diverse racial composition within the city. The local economy and housing market are influenced by educational attainment, with 50% of the population holding a high school diploma or less, suggesting a prevalent workforce composed of unskilled and skilled labor. The job market is sustained by over 11,000 working residents contributing to various sectors.

10. Operational Insights

The City of Banning holds a strategic current market position as a key nexus along the I-10 corridor, offering significant potential for logistics and industrial growth within the booming Inland Empire. Its competitive advantages stem from its municipal utility, which provides greater local control over energy resources, and its abundant availability of industrial development sites. Operational strengths include a commitment to modernizing infrastructure, streamlining development processes, and a proactive approach to economic diversification. Areas for improvement involve effectively balancing budget constraints with significant community needs, as well as capitalising on its strategic location to consistently attract high-value investment and expand its retail and tourism sectors.

11. Future Outlook

Strategic Roadmap

The City of Banning's future outlook is centered on its strategic roadmap to become the premier logistics and energy hub in the San Gorgonio Pass region. Planned initiatives include continued development of large-scale industrial projects like the Banning Commerce Center, ongoing upgrades to critical infrastructure such as the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the comprehensive revitalization of its downtown area. Growth strategies emphasize attracting diverse economic investments, fostering workforce development, and expanding retail and tourism sectors. Expansion opportunities are primarily focused on leveraging its I-10 corridor access for logistics and its municipal utility for renewable energy initiatives. Future challenges include navigating ongoing budget limitations while meeting increasing demands for city services and infrastructure, as well as managing rapid growth in a sustainable manner to maintain quality of life for residents. Mitigation strategies involve diligent fiscal management, strategic partnerships for funding, and robust long-range planning initiatives.