Wildomar Offering Incentives To Boost Development In The City

WILDOMAR, CA — Wildomar is a small and relatively young city, though the town's history is long.

The city was incorporated in 2008 and today's population is just over 37,000 people. Many parts of Wildomar feel quaint. Wildomar Elementary School at the corner of Palomar Street and Wildomar Trail has welcomed local youth since 1886. A half mile down the road is Wildomar Cemetery, established 1898.

Well into the 20th century, Wildomar was a farming and ranching community. That rural heritage and lifestyle still exist in parts of the city.

Since incorporation, however, Wildomar city officials have worked to lure businesses and developers to the area. Cityhood requires revenues to pay costly expenses like police, fire, road maintenance, and others.

During the Sept. 13 regularly scheduled City Council meeting, a new "Quality Business Incentive Program" was unveiled that aims to "encourage more quality development within the city."

The program identifies targeted industries such as entertainment, healthcare, hotels, industrial
uses, restaurants, retail and tourism.

In order for a project to qualify as a “quality business” per the program, four main points will be considered: 1) does the project add to the overall quality of life in Wildomar and the region; and 2) does it significantly contribute to the tax base of Wildomar and/or the region; or 3) does it provide jobs that may allow for area residents to work close to home; or 4) does it add a product, service or experience not found elsewhere in the region.

The program also lays out a list of potential incentives that may be negotiated with developers and businesses, including reduced fees for developers; public improvements paid for by the city; tax rebates for businesses; sale or lease of city-owned property; fast-track approval for developers and businesses; and city-conducted environmental studies that could save developers thousands of dollars.

Kimberly Davidson, Wildomar’s economic development director, was the lead city staffer tasked by City Council with developing the incentive program. She worked alongside Mayor Pro Tem Bridgette Moore and City Councilmember Carlos Marquez.

Davidson said the city "must be deliberate" in building out the remainder of Wildomar.

"We have some of the most beautiful raw commercial land that is left in Southern California and we want to ensure this is reserved for the highest and best use," she said.

Patrick Ellis is president and CEO of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce. During the City Council meeting, he praised the incentive program and said it is necessary to attract business.

Ellis pointed to some big-name retailers who he said "won't even consider a community that doesn't have something like this [incentive program]."

With the program in place, Wildomar Mayor Joseph Morabito said the city now has a new negotiating tool.

"Bring us your best dream project and, if it fits with our vision for Wildomar, then let’s figure out how we can make this a win-win for both sides," he said.