WWW.BEAUMONTCA.GOV BEAUMONT CALIFORNIA A CITY THAT IS THRIVING AND IS BLESSED WITH BEAUTY
A CITY THAT IS T IS BLESSED WIT BEAUMONT, CA 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 SEIZING GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WHILE EMB 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12
THRIVING AND TH BEAUTY BRACING 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. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12
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, council member 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 longterm 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 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 BEAUMONT, CA
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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,” council member Fenn explains.“Our downtown remained a little old—not neglected, but it needed attention.” MORE THAN A GYM An academy with state-of-the-art facilities located in the heart of San Diego THE NUMBER ONE JIU-JITSU ACADEMY IN THE WORLD ATOSJIUJITSUBEAUMONT.COM JOIN NOW 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 BEAUMONT, CA
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 council member 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,” council member Fenn notes. “It’s an investment in our community’s future.” ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DIVERSIFICATION While Beaumont’s history is rooted in residential 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12
growth, the city now focuses on economic development.“We’ve reached a point where it’s time to grow our business sector,” council member 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 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 BEAUMONT, CA
To find the perfect recipe, you need the perfect ingredients.And that’s what Nothing Bundt Cakes’ founders Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz were for each other. In 1997, they joined forces, or better yet kitchens, to make cakes to entertain their friends and family. The cakes they made were delicious, unlike anything anyone had tasted. As a result, their friends and family asked them to entertain more and more. They quickly realized this side project of theirs could be something more. There was a gap in the world for delicious cakes, readily available, that didn’t compromise on quality ingredients. Real eggs, butter and cream cheese; nothing was too good to achieve perfection. And perfection are those decadent bites we all know and love. Flash forward and Nothing Bundt Cakes has grown nationwide. Built on Dena and Debbie’s vision, each bakery has the warmth and nostalgia of its home-kitchen roots, but also take a modern approach for the world today. From “happy birthday” to “just because,” nothing says it sweeter than Nothing Bundt Cakes. Offering ten flavors and four different sizes, each cake is crowned with their signature cream cheese frosting. Make someone’s day with Nothing Bundt Cakes or visit NothingBundtCakes.com. Beaumont 1668 E 2nd St, Ste I Beaumont, CA 92223 (909) 487-5804 Decadent Bundt Cakes for Every Holiday or Special Occasion
ROOTED IN TRUSTED FAMILY VALUES. COMMITTED TO QUALITY. Firmly planted in the family values and traditions customers have come to know and love, Perricone Farms is the undisputed industry leader of premium, craft juice. The Perricone family traces its roots to the citrus groves back in 1935 with Sam Perricone, who founded Perricone Farms in 1994 with his oldest son, Joe. Having started serving its premium, delicious juices to locals and tourists alike along Disneyland’s Main Street, Perricone Farms now distributes its trusted and top-rated juice products nationwide. There’s a reason why Perricone Farms juices have been on the menus and shelves of the finest restaurants, resorts and retail chains across the country for over a quarter century. Dedicated to producing the highest quality and best-tasting products, Perricone Farms continues to dominate the craft juice market by maintaining strong relationships with their customers and growers. Most recently, Perricone Farms announced its acquisition of Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, an award-winning juice company based in Florida “We are excited to add Natalie’s to the Perricone Farms family. Natalie’s commitment to producing the highest quality products, combined with unmatched customer service, aligns with the core values we have been providing in the marketplace for years. Working together, we will be stronger and will be able to provide greater value to our customers,” said Bob Rovzar, CEO of Perricone Farms. 30 Years of Premium, Craft Juice Honest-to-Goodness Freshness Food Service • Retail • Bulk Request samples of orange juice, lime juice and more at perriconefarms.com BEAUMONT, CA
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 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12
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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.” 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12
Sustainability is also a priority. From promoting walkable neighborhoods to incorporating ecofriendly 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,” council member Fenn explains. “We want them to live, work, and enjoy life here in Beaumont.” 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 BEAUMONT, CA
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. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Atos Jiu Jitsu www.atosjiujitsubeaumont.com n Nothing Bundt Cakes www.nothingbundtcakes.com From “Happy Birthday” to “Just Because”, nothing says it sweeter than Nothing Bundt Cakes! Handcrafted from the finest ingredients, their cakes are available in four sizes and a variety of delicious flavors, all crowned with their signature cream cheese frosting. Make someone’s day with Nothing Bundt Cakes. n Perricone Farms www.perriconefarms.com Founded in 1994, Perricone Farms is one of the leading premium, craft juice producers in the nation. We focus on creating the best tasting juice and maintaining strong relationships with our customers and growers, gracing the menus of the finest resorts & retail chains across the country. We squeeze real juice from real fruit. n McDonald Property Group www.mcdonaldpropertygroup.com Formed in 2013 by Bruce McDonald, McDonald Property Group is an industrial development company that develops Class A large scale industrial projects in joint ventures with institutional capital partners and has developed over 8.0M SF both in the City of Beaumont and Ontario. n Affinius Capital www.affiniuscapital.com Affinius Capital® is an integrated institutional real estate investment firm focused on valuecreation and income generation. For more than 40 years, Affinius has built a diversified portfolio across North America and Europe by providing equity and credit to its trusted partners and on behalf of its institutional clients globally. 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12
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