Photo provided by City of Shafter website.
In launching a 20-year general plan update, the City of Shafter is calling for community input, yet concerns persist that the proposed changes may overlook the needs of current residents.
The city began the planning process in fall 2023, working with staff and a consultant firm to prepare baseline condition documentation. That documentation will form the foundation for the plan’s environmental review, according to Shafter Planning Director Steve Esselman.
In March 2024, the Shafter City Council approved $1.5 million from the city’s general fund to support the update.
To shape the plan, the city formed an advisory committee, hosted City Council study sessions, and held community engagement events throughout the year. City staff aim to develop a strong community vision to guide the plan’s policies and priorities.
California law (Government Code 65302) requires every city and county to adopt a comprehensive, long-term general plan that directs physical development, including in areas outside city boundaries that relate to local planning efforts.
Esselman said early feedback revealed a need for “different housing products in the city, particularly for young adults and their families and the elderly.” He added that residents also want to see a national grocery store, more restaurant options, expanded recreational opportunities, and more bike and pedestrian paths.
Still, some residents are voicing concern that new development may repeat patterns of neglect.
“There’s a tendency for all the attention and investments to go to the new area, while the old areas get abandoned,” said Gustavo Aguirre, associate director of the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment (CRPE).
Aguirre has worked with CRPE for 19 years. The nonprofit advocates for environmental justice in low-income communities. Before that, he spent 25 years with the United Farm Workers.
CRPE joined the general plan process to ensure the city complies with SB 1000, a state law passed in 2016 that requires cities to include an environmental justice element in their general plans. The law covers issues like pollution exposure, access to healthy food, affordable housing, transportation, and parks.
“They started the general plan process, and we engaged alongside residents,” Aguirre said. “Part of what the city was intending to do at that time was increase land designated for industrial use.”
According to Aguirre, CRPE and local residents submitted legal concerns about the proposed industrial zoning, warning it would increase truck traffic and pollution. In response, the city removed the industrial expansion from the current draft of the plan.
But concerns remain.
“The concern from current Shafter residents is that—yeah, you’re going to build this new town—but what’s going to happen to downtown Shafter?” Aguirre said. “You forget about the quality of life there, the way of life. It won’t be the same. It’ll be another town.”
He added that some residents believe the city should grow by expanding from already established neighborhoods, rather than creating a new development zone.
The city continues working on the general plan update and expects to finalize a draft by the end of the year. City officials will then present it to the public and begin the environmental impact report. Esselman said general plans usually take two to three years to complete.
Residents can review the plan, attend meetings, or provide input by visiting www.myinput.com/planshafter.
