The Hanford Civic Auditorium | Photo courtesy of Rob Bentley

Editor’s note: The Business Journal published its 2026 Regional Economic Forecast issue on Nov. 28. This is one of those stories.

Economic development professionals from Kings County travel the country to promote the benefits of locating there. And their efforts pay off, with several projects in the pipeline. 

Reaching decision makers

The Kings County Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with the California Central Valley Economic Development Corporation, facilitates the growth of the local economy by participating in marketing events to promote Kings county — and the Central Valley as a whole — to brokers, site selectors and investors.

Kings EDC and CCVEDC representatives attended the WestPack Trade Show  —  an event which showcases innovations in packaging solutions — in Anaheim this February. 

They also attended the NAIOP Industrial Committee, which was held by the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks in San Francisco this April. 

Representatives also met with 13 brokers and site selectors during the Virtual Broker Mission Zoom call that same month — making similar connections at several other events throughout the year.

For the first time ever, Kings EDC attended the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. Referred to as the highest profile event in the United States, the summit connects thousands of companies, investors, economic development organizations and industry experts to secure deals. 

Over 5,500 attendees, including more than 2,700 representatives and international delegates from across the nation participated in this year’s summit — a new record for the event.

Strategic approach

Kings EDC also completed the Kings County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, a five-year economic development plan which functions as a vehicle for organizations, local government agencies, private industry, educational institutions and individuals to participate in conversations about the future.

The development plan increases the area’s chances of receiving funding for infrastructure improvements as well as assistance from state, federal and private foundations.

Committed to the growth and profitability of local businesses, Kings EDC will provide and arrange capital for the expansion of local businesses. If eligible, businesses may borrow up to 90% of the cost of the project. 

These fixed term loans will have competitive interest rates. The organization will work with lenders to acquire funds for businesses that don’t qualify for traditional loans. Applications and funds are processed and approved on a first come, first serve basis.

Retail openings, development

Hanford Place has recently been approved by Hanford City Council. The medical and mixed use development will feature retail stores, a hotel and conference facility and residential buildings — providing jobs and housing to Hanford residents. The roughly 40-acre building site sits north of Highway 198, between 11th Avenue and 12th Avenue.

An even larger mixed use project is also in the works. Fargo Village, an approximately 300-acre mixed use center on the north side of Hanford will supply more than 1,100 units of residential developments. The area will also include retail space, a school site and a park. Fargo Village is located at the northeast corner of 12th Avenue and Fargo Avenue.

Burlington is set to open in the suite formerly occupied by the 99 Cents Only Store in the Hanford Towne Centre. Hanford continues to attract new and familiar retailers to the Valley. 

The City hopes to share more exciting retail news in 2026. When it does, Hanford’s new ribbon cutting program, Cut to Business, will be present to celebrate grand openings and mark other important business milestones.

Hanford has received a $15.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through its Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program. 

The city plans to apply RAISE funds to its historic downtown improvement project which will transform an underutilized alley into a bicycle and pedestrian accessible corridor.

The proposed Fast Track would improve walkability and seamlessly connect pedestrians and cyclists with the Hanford Amtrak Station and the City’s new KART Transit Station.

Hanford’s East Lacey corridor improvement project takes a turn toward a complete street design — a transportation design that prioritizes safety and accessibility for all users. 

Upgrades to East Lacey Boulevard will include people-friendly designs including protected bike lanes, on-street parking, transit amenities — such as bus stops, a raised landscape median and more. 

The complete street design encourages economic activity and aligns with Hanford City Council’s quality of life objectives.

Hanford’s Development Resource Center continues to help individuals, businesses and developers navigate the City’s planning and permitting process a year and a half after launching. The free program offers 30-minute consultations both virtually and in-person.

New in Lemoore

A new development appeals to pedestrians by offering a walkable outdoor shopping center that bans cars. The already budgeted public works project will feature tree lined streets, new landscaping, public art installments and comfortable seating. 

This upcoming attraction will light up at night, creating a safe environment for young locals and visitors looking to partake in downtown Lemoore’s “night life”.

Tennessee based Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC, opened a new fertilizer storage facility in Lemoore this summer. The company operates several retail stores, offices, and specialty shops throughout California.