Introduction

The Los Banos Redevelopment Agency's three main goals are to revitalize the blighted areas of the City, promote economic development to increase the quality of life and assist in the improvement and production of affordable housing in the community.

Mission Statement

Within the time period permissible under the law, and operating with fiscal responsibility; the Los Banos Redevelop Agency pledges to build a stronger community by planning, promoting and facilitating economic development; increasing, improving and preserving existing jobs and creating new ones; working to implement the City's General Plan; and to as great a degree as possible, working with owners and tenants to increase entrepreneurial opportunity and property values in the community.

Background

The Redevelopment Agency was created in 1997 for the purposes stated above. It is made up of five (5) members which also serve as the City Council. The Agency Chair is the Mayor, Tommy Jones, and the Executive Director is the City Manager Steve Rath. Elaine Post manages the Agency from its location at City Hall.

Meetings of the Agency are held at 7:00 p.m., on the third Wednesday of each month at the Los Banos City Hall in the Council Chambers, located at 520 J Street, Los Banos, California. Agendas and Minutes for these meetings are available on the City Council Agendas and Minutes Index at this Web Site. For additional information, please contact, Elaine Post, Redevelopment Manager, at (209)827-7000 x 146, email: elaine.post@losbanos.org.

Redevelopment Area

The Redevelopment Area covers approximately 2,734 acres within the City of Los Banos. Within this area the RDA is charged with providing service as outlined in its Mission Statement. Businesses within the RDA are encouraged to work with RDA staff if they are preparing to expand or construct new businesses within the RDA boundaries. Those businesses within the RDA Project Area might also be eligible for grant or loan assistance through the RDA. Please contact Elaine Post, RDA Manager, at (209) 827-7000 x 146 for additional information.

RDA Project Area Map

Rail Corridor Revitalization Web Page

The City and the Redevelopment Agency have drafted a Los Banos Rail Corridor Master Plan.

The Master Plan details how the Downtown Rail Corridor will be developed over the next 20 years.

The Redevelopment Agency currently owns the majority of the Corridor and is aggressively seeking interested developers to participate with it in successfully completing the Master Plan.

A copy of the Plan is available below in PDF. You may also contact the Redevelopment Manager at (209) 827-7000 ext. 146.

Click here for a PDF of the  Downtown / Rail Corridor Revitalization Project Map

Enterprise Zone

The City of Los Banos Redevelopment Agency has been working with other cities throughout Merced County to establish an Enterprise Zone for the region. We currently have a conditional approval from the California State Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) and are working on finalization of the Enterprise Zone map and EIR. Los Banos’ area will include all commercial, retail and industrial areas within the city limits. Please contact Elaine Post at (209) 827-7000 x 146 to see if your business lies within these boundaries.

If located within the Zone, businesses will be eligible for various tax credits ranging from credits for hiring staff that qualify financially, to credits for major equipment purchases. To learn more, contact Elaine Post.

Industrial Parks

There are over 800 acres within the City limits zoned for light to heavy industry; over 40 percent is vacant and available in parcels ranging in size from 1 to 200 acres. Included in this area are two industrial parks, one on the northwest side of the community, the second, approximately 250 acres is zoned for Highway Commercial (HC) and light industrial uses. The terrain is flat. Drainage is good. Subsoil is clay loam, and piling is not required. Sizes of water mains range from 4 to 12 inches. Sizes of sewer lines range from 6 to 24 inches.

The G Street Industrial Park, home of Kagome Foods and Lifetime Doors, offers many condominium style offices still available to the public, as well as a 23,000 sq. ft. building formerly housed by Fisher Laboratories. For inquiries regarding either Industrial Park, contact Elaine Post at (209) 827-7000 x 146.

Micro Enterprise Program

The Micro Enterprise Loan Program is available to residents and businesses located within Los Banos who qualify under the Community Development Block Grant guidelines. This grant provides business counseling, seminars, marketing information, business plan training, as well as an opportunity for loans up to $40,000.

To see if you qualify, or for counseling, visit Los Banos City Hall on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Other days are available upon request by calling 827-7000 x 118.

Housing Rehabilitation Program

The Housing Rehabilitation Program is funded through Home Improvement Partnerships (HOME). Local residents who qualify financially can apply for a zero interest loan of up to $80,000. This program provides loans with no payments due for 30 years unless the home is sold, transferred, or the resident no longer resides in the home. Residents must live within the city limits, own their own home, and qualify as low income. Repairs include building code and safety issues, plumbing or electrical repairs, roof replacement or repair, installation of central heating and/or air, interior and exterior painting, and installation of vinyl floor or carpet. To learn more about this program call (209) 827-7000 x 118.

Business Incentives

The Redevelopment Agency has a variety of business incentives for new or expanding businesses from program income loans to deferral of fees for those businesses located within the Redevelopment Area. Assistance in business planning, working with other city departments, or referral to other city, county or regional programs, please contact Elaine Post, RDA Manager, at (209) 827-7000 x 146.

• Commercial Properties
• Los Banos Demographics
• Los Banos Chamber of Commerce