Beaumont, California

A City that is Thriving and is Blessed with Beauty

Seizing growth opportunities while embracing its community spirit

Situated amid the scenic vistas of the San Gorgonio Pass, Beaumont, California, is a city defined by its natural beauty, affordability, and rapid transformation. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of the 10 and 60 freeways and Highway 79, Beaumont has become more than just a waypoint—it is a thriving hub for residents and businesses seeking opportunity. Over the past two decades, this vibrant city has grown extraordinarily, with its population surging from 13,000 to over 56,000 residents. Despite these changes, Beaumont continues to embrace its small-town charm—a unique blend of progress and community spirit that sets it apart.

“We often say all roads lead to Beaumont,” says David Fenn, Mayor of Beaumont. “With our central location and growing community, we’ve become a destination for families looking for affordable housing and businesses seeking accessible land.” However, growth comes with its challenges, and Beaumont’s leaders are navigating these with vision, dedication, and a strong commitment to preserving what makes the city special.

Partnering for progress

Rapid growth often tests the limits of a city’s infrastructure, and Beaumont is no exception. As thousands of new residents have moved to the city over the years, traffic has become a major concern. “Being in the Pass Area, we deal with a lot of regional traffic passing through,” explains Elizabeth Gibbs, City Manager. “It’s not just about our population; events like Coachella and Stagecoach bring additional congestion to our highways and local streets.”

Beaumont is tackling these challenges head-on with a series of ambitious infrastructure projects. The $71 million Potrero Boulevard Interchange project is a prime example. Scheduled to begin construction in fall 2025, the project will provide additional freeway access, easing congestion and improving connectivity for residents and businesses. “This interchange will not only benefit residents but also help with the flow of traffic from logistic centers in the area,” notes Lloyd White, Council Member. Other significant projects include eliminating the at-grade crossings where the train tracks intersect with Pennsylvania Avenue, enhancements to the Oak Valley Parkway Interchange, and an extension of Second Street to divert traffic from busy intersections like Highland Springs Avenue.

While these projects address immediate traffic concerns, Beaumont’s leadership takes a long-term approach. To secure funding and support, the city works closely with regional agencies like the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG). “We’ve built strong partnerships with these organizations,” White explains. “Their backing is critical for completing large-scale projects, and we’re ensuring Beaumont is a priority on their radar.”

The city has also proactively informed its residents during construction and emergencies. Tools like the Everbridge emergency notification system allow officials to send real-time updates on road conditions, train blockages, and significant events. “It’s all about keeping our community informed,” Gibbs says. “Whether it’s alerting residents to avoid certain streets or sharing the progress of our projects, communication is key.”

Keeping residents connected

Growth extends beyond infrastructure—it’s about building meaningful connections with the community and fostering engagement. Beaumont has made significant strides in this area, launching innovative communication tools to keep residents informed. The city publishes a quarterly magazine mailed to every homeowner alongside an electronic version for broader accessibility. “It’s a user-friendly resource that keeps our residents updated on city activities and services,” says Gibbs.

Social media platforms, an enhanced community calendar, and the Everbridge emergency response system further enhance communication. The latter has proven particularly useful during train breakdowns, a common occurrence given Beaumont’s location at the top of the Pass.

Revitalizing downtown Beaumont 

As Beaumont grows outward, city leaders also turn their attention inward to revitalize the historic downtown area. Once the heart of the community, downtown Beaumont had become overshadowed by new developments on the city’s outskirts. “When the city expanded, it grew outward rather than through infill,” Mayor Fenn explains. “Our downtown remained a little old—not neglected, but it needed attention.”

Revitalization efforts are now in full swing, with plans to create a more walkable and inviting environment. The city is considering reducing lanes on Beaumont Avenue and Sixth Street to improve pedestrian accessibility, adding tree-lined medians, diagonal parking, and ambient  street lighting. “We want to create a cozy atmosphere where people can park, walk from business to business, and enjoy an evening out,” says Mayor Fenn.

Events like Beaumont Nights, a summer market series, have already brought new life to downtown. With live music, vendors, and family activities, the event drew crowds of over 3,500 people per night. “It was a huge success,” Gibbs shares. “It demonstrated the potential of our downtown area becoming a gathering place for the community.”

The city is also investing in its historic downtown park, with a $14 million makeover planned. Dubbed Beaumont’s version of Central Park, the revamped space will serve as a focal point for community activities and events. “This park is long overdue for a makeover,” Mayor Fenn notes. “It’s an investment in our community’s future.”

Economic growth and diversification 

While Beaumont’s history is rooted in residential growth, the city now focuses on economic development. “We’ve reached a point where it’s time to grow our business sector,” Mayor Fenn says. “We want to bring more jobs to Beaumont so residents can live and work in the same city.”

Joseph Cale, Economic Development Analyst, outlines the city’s dual focus: industrial development and resident-serving retail. “There are  hundreds of acres of attractive and affordable land within the City of Beaumont and our sphere of influence available to new developers and business investors,” he explains. Currently, the city is processing plans for 23 million square feet of industrial space, with projects ranging from distribution centers to retail hubs. Major employers like Amazon already account for a significant portion of local jobs, and the city is working to attract more.

Retail expansion is another key priority. Beaumont has welcomed new shopping centers and eateries, with more on the horizon. “We want to create opportunities for residents to spend their time and money here,” says Gibbs. “It’s centered on building a self-sustaining local economy.”

Downtown as a destination 

Downtown revitalization is at the heart of Beaumont’s economic strategy. The city is working to transform the area into a dining and entertainment destination, offering incentives to attract high-quality businesses. “We’re focusing on breweries, distilleries, premium dining, and casual eateries,” says Carole Kendrick, Interim Director of Community Development. “The goal is to make downtown a date-night destination.”

To support this vision, Beaumont has purchased two historic buildings to serve as restaurant incubators. One, a 9,000-square-foot structure that once housed City Hall and the Police Station, is being reimagined as a culinary hotspot. “It’s a beautiful 1930s building with plenty of potential for outdoor dining,” Kendrick explains. “We’re creating opportunities for new restaurants to establish themselves and thrive.”

The city is also rolling out innovative incentives, including forgivable loans for new business startups and job creation programs offering $20,000 per job. “The purpose of these programs are to promote entrepreneurship and expansion of businesses within the city,” Cale says. “We want to make operating a successful business in Beaumont as accessible as possible. ”

Innovation and sustainability 

The city has partnered with Riverside County and Mount San Jacinto College to create a business incubator to foster local entrepreneurship. “A goal of the city is to make Beaumont a hub for  entrepreneurship,” Cale explains. “We want every business, new and existing alike, to feel that they are a partner with the city and every resident to be a champion for our local economy.”

Sustainability is also a priority. From promoting walkable neighborhoods to incorporating eco-friendly designs in new developments, Beaumont is paving the way for a greener future. “We’re not just planning for today,” Gibbs says. “We’re building a city that will thrive for generations.”

A unified vision 

As Beaumont looks to the future, its leaders are united in their vision for the city. “The council is fully aligned in its goals,” Gibbs notes.

Over the next five years, Beaumont aims to continue diversifying its economy, expanding its housing options, and enhancing its quality of life. Plans include new apartment projects downtown, additional office space to support local businesses, and ongoing infrastructure improvements. “We’re casting a wide net,” says Kendrick. “We are trying everything and building momentum for long-term success.”

The city is actively seeking to improve the work-life balance for its residents. “Our goal is to create an environment where people don’t have to commute hours each day,” Mayor Fenn explains. “We want them to live, work, and enjoy life here in Beaumont.”

City with heart

Through its growth, Beaumont continues to be a city with heart—where community matters. “I’ve been here for three decades, and no matter how much we grow, there’s still this incredible sense of belonging,” Gibbs reflects. “It’s something you don’t find everywhere.” For those who call Beaumont home, the journey ahead is as bright as the stars in its clear night skies.

AT A GLANCE

Beaumont, California

What: A rapidly growing city in Riverside County known for its family-friendly community, scenic mountain views, and strategic location near major transportation corridors connecting Southern California.

Where: Riverside County, California, in the San Gorgonio Pass between Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

Website: www.beaumontca.gov