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Hanford, CA – April 3, 2025
By Francisco Ramirez

The City of Hanford has unveiled a bold vision for the future, laying out nearly $460 million in proposed capital projects over the next five years. Presented during a study session at the April 1, 2025 City Council meeting, the draft Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) aims to address aging infrastructure, meet growth demands, and strengthen core services.

The presentation, led by Financial Director Christopher Tavarez, offered councilmembers a detailed look at dozens of upcoming projects across water, wastewater, storm drainage, fleet upgrades, and public facilities.

“This plan is not just a wish list—it’s a roadmap,” said Tavarez. “It allows us to prioritize based on available funds, long-term needs, and opportunities to leverage outside funding.”

Funding Gaps and Top Priorities

The City’s total identified needs exceed available revenue, making project prioritization essential. Though many improvements are planned, only the first two fiscal years—2025–2026 and 2026–2027—are currently funded.

Key proposed projects include:

• Replacement of the city’s outdated water meters ($16.5 million)

• Major sewer and storm drain improvements, including work in the 8th and Irwin area

• Utility upgrades in China Alley, linked to a federal RAISE grant

• Acquisition of Basin 55 for long-term flood control in the Mussel Slough area

Storm Drain System: A Red Flag

One of the most underfunded areas is the city’s storm drainage system. The city currently brings in only $16,000 annually for storm drain improvements—far below the projected $17.3 million needed over five years.

Councilmember Mark Kairis and Vice Mayor Travis Paden raised concerns about the funding shortfall, noting that some critical areas are at risk of being deferred if no action is taken.

“If we don’t act now, we’ll be facing the same issues—only more expensive to fix later,” Paden said.

Staff and council discussed the likely need for a Proposition 218 process to increase storm drain fees, which would require community approval.

Deferred Maintenance and Energy Planning

Council also discussed longstanding maintenance issues and emphasized the need for proactive planning. Several members called for smarter investments that prepare the city for electric vehicle adoption, building resilience, and cost-saving infrastructure.

Managing Expectations

City Manager Mario Cifuentez emphasized that while the CIP outlines hundreds of projects, only those in the first two years will be authorized for spending in the upcoming city budget. Remaining projects will stay in planning phases unless further appropriations are made.

“We want to be transparent with the public,” Cifuentez said. “This is about looking forward and building a stronger, smarter Hanford—not just reacting to emergencies.”

The City Council will continue its budget deliberations on April 15, with adoption of the full operating budget and CIP scheduled for June 3, 2025.

What infrastructure project do you think Hanford should tackle first?
Share your thoughts in the comments.