City of Clovis - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The City of Clovis, California, is a dynamic municipal entity dedicated to upholding local governance and fostering a welcoming "Home" for its residents. Its core vision centers on building a thriving and cherished community characterized by shared values, diverse perspectives, unity, safety, civility, prosperity, innovation, and sustainable living. Strategically located between major California metropolises, Clovis harmoniously blends a small-town atmosphere with the conveniences of the larger Fresno metropolitan area. The city is highly regarded for its family-friendly neighborhoods, exceptional schools, and a strong reputation for safety, positioning it as one of California's fastest-growing municipalities. Clovis stands out through its commitment to orderly growth, economic vitality, public safety, heritage preservation, and a high quality of life.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

The City of Clovis's strategic focus is derived from annually reviewed and updated objectives set by the City Council:
Orderly Community Growth: The City aims to plan and execute growth in alignment with its overarching vision, actively involving the community in determining expansion areas. This includes integrating advanced technological solutions into future planning to ensure long-term sustainability. Key growth zones encompass Heritage Grove, Loma Vista, and Northeast Growth Areas, with concurrent efforts to enhance established sectors like the Southwest area, Shaw Avenue, and Old Town Clovis.
Vibrant and Sustainable Local Economy: Efforts are concentrated on diversifying revenue streams, fostering workforce development, ensuring the availability of job-ready land, and forging strategic collaborations with educational institutions. This involves attracting new enterprises, bolstering existing businesses, and nurturing an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and job creation.
Public Safety and Well-being: A paramount objective is to prioritize resident safety and well-being through the provision of effective public safety services, meticulous infrastructure maintenance, and comprehensive community preparedness. A key aspiration is to sustain its distinction as the "Safest city in the Valley."
Preservation of Heritage and Traditions: The City is committed to safeguarding, educating about, and transmitting its heritage, history, and traditions, while also graciously integrating new traditions as the community diversifies and grows.
Quality of Life and Community Connection: Clovis endeavors to offer diverse recreational opportunities, including parks and trails, a senior center, and various community programs. These initiatives are designed to promote active, healthy lifestyles and cultivate a robust sense of community connection.
Fiscal Sustainability and Good Governance: The City operates as a diligent steward of financial resources, making prudent and informed decisions that serve the community's future interests. This includes implementing innovative financing paradigms to facilitate the realization of the General Plan.

Specialization Areas

The City of Clovis specializes in fostering a high quality of life through:
Managed Urban Development: Strategic, community-involved planning for sustainable growth.
Exemplary Public Safety: Commitment to maintaining a secure environment.
Strong Educational Foundation: Support for high-quality schools.
Community-Centric Amenities: Provision of parks, trails, and recreational programs.
Heritage Preservation: Active efforts to maintain historical identity while embracing new traditions.

Target Markets

The primary target markets for the City of Clovis include:
Residents and Families: Particularly those seeking a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and a strong sense of community safety.
Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Companies looking for a supportive economic environment, workforce development opportunities, and strategic alliances.
Real Estate Developers: Entities involved in residential and commercial development, aligning with the City's orderly growth plans.

2. Financial Overview

The City of Clovis operates on an annual budget encompassing its spending plan, debt obligations, and operational data.

Funding History

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26, the City's total estimated resources amount to $576 million. This comprises $385 million in current revenues and $191 million in available fund balances earmarked for projects. The comprehensive budget allocates $345.1 million for operating expenses and $50.2 million for capital improvement expenditures channeled through the Community Investment Program. The projected ending fund balance is $181 million.

Property and sales taxes collectively contribute over two-thirds of all General Fund and Measure Y Fund revenues. Estimated General Fund revenues for FY 2025-26 are $114.7 million, with Measure Y Fund revenues at $26.2 million, culminating in a total of $140.9 million. Major revenue categories include Property Tax totaling $43.8 million, Sales Tax—Bradley Burns at $29.6 million, and Sales Tax—Measure Y at $26.2 million. Discretionary revenues, which the City Council can allocate without restriction, represent approximately 29% of the total annual revenues and are specifically utilized to fund essential activities such as public safety operations.

Impact on Company Growth

The City has recently encountered financial pressures, with expenses surpassing revenues. A budget forecast in March 2024 projected a potential general fund shortfall of $14 million by 2029 if current expenditure trends persist. Specifically, a $1.3 million revenue shortfall for FY 2024-2025 is anticipated, potentially escalating to $4.2 million by FY 2028-2029. These challenges stem from escalating expenses across staffing, benefits, services, materials, and supplies, alongside a decline in sales tax receipts. Expenses for water, sewer, and community sanitation have also exceeded revenues, prompting an ongoing water rate study. Consequently, contributions to the city's emergency fund have been paused, although reserves are maintained at 15% (below the stated goal of 25%), and capital project transfers have been suspended.

3. Product Pipeline

As a municipal entity, the City of Clovis defines its "pipeline" through key development initiatives and long-range planning documents.

Key Products/Services

General Plan Update (Anticipated Adoption: End of 2027)
Description: A comprehensive document guiding the City's growth and development over a 20-year horizon, encompassing land use, housing, economic development, circulation, public facilities, environmental safety, open space, conservation, and air quality. It was last revised in 2014 and is undergoing a significant update to reflect current legislation and housing trends.
Development Stage: Active update process; a moratorium on General Plan Amendment applications became effective January 1, 2026, and will remain until the updated plan's adoption.
Target Market/Condition: All residents, businesses, and future developers within Clovis. Addresses holistic land use and future community needs.
Expected Timeline: Target adoption by the end of 2027.
Key Features and Benefits: Provides a cohesive vision for future development, ensures compliance with evolving legislation, and strategically manages growth.

Affordable Housing Plan
Description: A new policy framework, enacted responsive to a court settlement, designed to create increased affordable housing opportunities. This includes establishing a housing trust fund and exploring legislative tools like a Mixed-Income Zoning Ordinance.
Development Stage: Policy implementation and project planning. Initial court-ordered contribution of $1 million to the housing trust fund, with an additional $100,000 annually for eight years.
Target Market/Condition: Low-to-moderate income families and seniors. Addresses the city's housing affordability challenges.
Expected Timeline: Construction on a 47-unit dedicated affordable senior housing complex near the senior center is anticipated to begin in 2026, pending grants and tax credits. Discussions for a Mixed-Income Zoning Ordinance are ongoing.
Key Features and Benefits: Increases varied housing stock, addresses a critical community need, and promotes inclusivity.

Community Investment Program (CIP)
Description: A budget allocating funds for major capital improvement projects across various city services. For FY 2025-26, the budget is $50.2 million.
Development Stage: Annual budgeting and ongoing project execution.
Target Market/Condition: All residents through improved public infrastructure and services.
Expected Timeline: Ongoing through the fiscal year.
Key Features and Benefits:
Upgrades and Repairs to Fire and Police Station Facilities: ($0.5 million). Enhances public safety infrastructure.
Sewer System Improvements: ($8.8 million) Includes Master Plans and new Recycled Water Mains. Improves environmental sustainability and utility service.
Park Improvements: ($5.6 million). Enhances quality of life and recreational opportunities.

Urban Greening Master Plan
Description: A strategic document outlining objectives related to bicycle transportation, urban forestry, and overall environmental health.
Development Stage: Ongoing implementation and integration into city planning.
Target Market/Condition: All residents, promoting sustainability and active lifestyles.
Key Features and Benefits: Contributes to environmental sustainability, improves air quality, and enhances recreational infrastructure.

Master Specific Plans
Description: Detailed development plans for particular geographic areas within the city.
Development Stage: Ongoing development and periodic updates.
Target Market/Condition: Residents and developers in specific growth areas.
Key Features and Benefits: Guides orderly development, land use, and infrastructure provision in key expansion zones such as Harlan Ranch, Heritage Grove, Loma Vista, and the Shaw Avenue Corridor.

4. Technology & Innovation

The City of Clovis leverages various technological platforms and scientific methodologies to enhance its municipal services and operational efficiency.

Technology Stack

Tyler MUNIS: The City is engaged in the full implementation of this Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to modernize its business processes and transition towards comprehensive digital operations.
Online Services: The City provides a range of digital services, including utility bill payment, access to business registration information, and availability of budget documents and financial statements online, enhancing convenience and transparency for residents and businesses.

Proprietary Developments

Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) Methodologies: While not a software platform, the ICIP guides capital improvements for essential infrastructure, including water pipelines, effluent reuse systems, airport improvements, and transportation enhancements. These initiatives often incorporate advanced engineering, planning, and project management methodologies.

Scientific Methodologies

AI-Enhanced Population Forecasting: External entities apply AI-enhanced models to predict population growth and economic development specifically for Clovis at the zip code level. This indicates the City's awareness and potential future adoption of advanced analytical techniques for informed urban planning and resource allocation.

5. Leadership & Management

The City of Clovis operates under a council-manager form of government, where policy direction from the City Council is executed by the City Manager, who oversees daily operations.

Executive Team

Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua: Appointed Mayor in December 2024.
*Mayor Pro