Shafter Economic Development Strategy — Powering the Next Generation of Industry and Innovation in California’s Central Valley

THE CHALLENGE

The City of Shafter is entering its next chapter—not just as a logistics center, but as a platform for the next generation of industry. Built on a foundation of advanced logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, and city-owned infrastructure, Shafter is uniquely positioned to compete in emerging sectors reshaping the Central Valley economy: automation, clean energy and hydrogen, ag-tech, and digitally enabled manufacturing.

With direct rail access, Highway 99 connectivity, high-capacity fiber, and one of California’s most development-ready industrial environments, Shafter has the physical assets that next-generation industries require. But the opportunity is bigger than land and infrastructure. It is about defining how innovation takes root locally—how new industries connect to workforce pathways, entrepreneurship, and community life.

The challenge is not growth. The challenge is direction. As global industries evolve and competition among cities intensifies, Shafter must intentionally shape what it becomes known for next: a city where innovation, production, and talent come together—not by accident, but by design.

THE CIVIC SOLUTION

CivicSol is partnering with the City of Shafter to develop an implementation-ready Economic Development Strategic Plan focused squarely on next-generation industries and innovation-driven growth. The work is designed to help Shafter move from industrial strength to innovation leadership—translating infrastructure advantage into long-term economic resilience.

The strategy centers on four integrated priorities:

• Positioning Shafter as a Central Valley hub for advanced manufacturing, ag-tech, clean energy, hydrogen, and automation.
• Building workforce and talent pipelines that prepare local residents for high-skill, technology-enabled careers through partnerships with Kern CCD, Bakersfield College, CSU Bakersfield, and Wonderful Education.
• Aligning industrial corridors, land use, and infrastructure to support innovation-oriented development and next-generation production.
• Embedding economic strategy into daily decisions so policy, zoning, and capital investments reinforce Shafter’s innovation goals.

CivicSol’s engagement includes industry cluster and supply-chain analysis, ten-year occupational forecasting, corridor and infrastructure assessments, and deep engagement with employers, educators, and innovators. Guided by a Steering Committee, the work is structured to move quickly from insight to action—prioritizing catalytic opportunities that can anchor Shafter’s next era of growth.

This is not a vision document. It will be a playbook for building the innovation economy Shafter is ready for.

THE IMPACT

The strategy now underway positions Shafter to compete for the industries shaping the future of production, energy, and food systems. By aligning infrastructure, workforce systems, and land use around innovation, the City is laying the groundwork for sustained economic leadership in the Central Valley.

This framework positions Shafter to attract next-generation employers and suppliers. It creates pathways for residents to access high-skill, future-ready careers. It supports entrepreneurship and business expansion in emerging sectors. And it ensures that innovation strengthens—not displaces—the community that makes Shafter distinctive.

Shafter is not simply an industrial city. It is becoming an innovation platform. With this strategy underway, the City is defining its role in California’s next economy—quietly, intentionally, and with confidence.

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