Press Room

August 16, 2026 By Faughn Logistics • Manufacturing • New Location • Uncategorized 0 Comments

Regional Agricultural Manufacturer Leases Entire Former Quad/Graphics Plant In Merced

A regional agricultural manufacturer has leased the entire former Quad/Graphics plant in Merced, returning the approximately 500,000-square-foot facility to industrial use. Industrial Realty Group announced the full-building lease for the property at 2201 Cooper Ave., which sits on approximately 42.6 acres near Highway 99.

The facility includes manufacturing and warehouse space, an on-site electrical substation, employee and trailer parking and land available for potential expansion. The property is also served by Union Pacific and BNSF rail lines, with interior and exterior rail access that can be used to transport raw materials and finished products. Industrial Realty Group Chief Investment Officer Justin Lichter said the property’s infrastructure, rail access and location in the Central Valley made it well suited for agricultural manufacturing.

The lease fills a large industrial property that became available after Quad/Graphics ended operations at the Merced plant in 2023. The commercial printing company had operated at the Cooper Avenue location for decades. Industrial Realty Group later acquired the facility and marketed it for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution use. The property’s location provides access to Highway 99 and agricultural operations throughout Merced County and the San Joaquin Valley. Industrial Realty Group owns and manages industrial and commercial properties across the United States.

https://losbanosenterprise.com/business/industry/2026/regional-agricultural-manufacturer-leases-entire-former-quad-graphics-plant-in-merced/

August 16, 2026 By Faughn Distribution • New Location 0 Comments

Global Tenant Commits To 1.27 Million Square Feet At CapRock Partners’ Central Point III In Visalia

CapRock Partners (“CapRock”), a privately owned investor and developer of industrial real estate in the Western and Central U.S., today announced that Building 1 at CapRock Central Point III in Visalia, has been fully leased to an undisclosed global corporate tenant. The 1,270,750-square-foot commitment ranks among the largest industrial lease transactions completed in California’s Central Valley in recent years, as CapRock continues to provide best-in-class industrial facilities that serve modern logistics, distribution and manufacturing enterprises.

Building 1 is a Class A logistics and distribution facility spanning approximately 75 acres. It represents the first building within CapRock Central Point III, a four-building, 2.7-million-square-foot speculative industrial development. The project is part of CapRock’s larger 5-million-square-foot, LEED-certified Central Point masterplan, which has consistently attracted major occupiers seeking operational scale, efficiency and strategic access to the Western U.S.

“CapRock Central Point III is designed for the next generation of supply chain strategy,” said Monique Snowden, vice president of asset management at CapRock Partners. “Today’s occupiers are looking for strategic locations that can help them move faster, operate more efficiently and scale with confidence. Visalia delivers a rare combination of access, labor and capacity, and this Building 1 lease further validates the Central Valley’s emergence as a prime logistics hub serving the West Coast and beyond.”

Strategically positioned in the heart of California, Visalia has evolved into one of the state’s most compelling industrial markets. The region offers direct access to major transportation infrastructure, a growing labor force and a business-friendly environment, while providing the scale and cost efficiencies increasingly sought by large occupiers. Industry leaders including UPS, Amazon, Ace Hardware, Smucker’s, VF Corporation, FedEx and International Paper have established operations within Visalia’s expanding industrial corridor.

Located at 4001 N. Plaza Drive, Building 1 provides convenient access to State Route 99 and regional transportation networks connecting to Interstates 5 and 80. The property’s location enables tenants to reach more than 50 million consumers within a one-day ground shipping radius, making it one of the few locations in the United States capable of serving such a significant population base with next-day delivery.

The cross-dock facility features 40-foot clear heights, 274 dock-high doors, two ground-level doors and approximately 6,600 square feet of office space. Additional features include ESFR sprinklers, ample power, 890 automobile parking stalls, a fully secured and fenced yard, drive-around circulation, 185-foot truck court depths and 542 excess trailer parking stalls designed to support high-volume logistics operations.

“The Building 1 lease transaction represents a broader evolution taking place across the supply chain, as occupiers seek greater resiliency, speed to market and long-term operating advantages,” said Bob O’Neill, executive vice president at CapRock Partners. “The Central Valley is a compelling alternative for companies looking to optimize distribution networks while maintaining access to the West Coast’s largest consumer base. CapRock continue invest in facilities that not only meet the sophisticated needs of global tenants but also generate meaningful economic benefits and employment opportunities throughout the region.”

The lease was facilitated by Mike Fowler, executive managing director at JLL, and his partners, Mike McCrary and Mac Hewett. Terms of the lease transaction are undisclosed.

CapRock now owns approximately 3.5 million square feet in the Central Valley, with additional land for future phases of CapRock Central Point.

https://caprock-partners.com/global-tenant-commits-to-1-27-million-square-feet-at-caprock-partners-central-point-iii-in-visalia/

August 16, 2026 By Faughn Uncategorized 0 Comments

Kristina Gallagher brings statewide policy experience to Madera County economic development leadership

After building a career in state government, legislative affairs and local government advocacy, Kristina Gallagher is helping shape the next chapter of Madera County’s economy. Since becoming executive director of the Madera County Economic Development Commission (MCEDC) in 2024, Gallagher has focused on attracting new investment, supporting local businesses and building partnerships that strengthen the county’s long-term economic future.

In this Executive Profile, Gallagher discusses her career journey, the opportunities and challenges facing Madera County, and the personal experiences that continue to shape her leadership.

What we do:

We work to position Madera County as an economically viable and vibrant county by aggressively pursuing growth avenues for new and existing businesses, thereby maximizing employment opportunities, the tax base and the quality of life.

What are your roots in the Central Valley?

Kristina Gallagher: I moved to Madera County from Galt, California, in 2024 to accept the executive director position with the MCEDC. In my previous position, I had the opportunity to work with county leaders throughout the Central Valley and grew to understand the issues they faced and found that their values closely aligned with my own.

I ultimately decided to put down roots and purchased a home. The strong sense of community, family and excellent schools made it an easy decision. I knew it was the right place to raise my daughter, and I couldn’t be happier to call Madera County home.

Tell us about your career.

My career path took an unexpected turn because of a deeply personal tragedy. In April 2023, my husband and the father of my daughter was killed in a horrific car accident. That loss changed my life and everything I had ever known.

When the opportunity at MCEDC came along, I knew it was the right next step. Moving from Galt to Madera meant leaving behind everything familiar, but it also gave me and my daughter a chance for a new beginning. While I continue to navigate that loss, I’m grateful for the welcoming community and renewed sense of purpose I’ve found here.

Before joining MCEDC, I worked for the California State Association of Counties, where I worked on legislation and secured state funding for housing and transportation initiatives. I also worked at a Sacramento lobbying firm representing local governments, nonprofit organizations and trade associations, and earlier in my career served in Gov. Jerry Brown’s constituent affairs unit.

Looking back, each step of my career has prepared me for this role. Housing, transportation, business and the political environment are all interconnected, and each plays a vital role in economic development.

Tell us about your current position.

A huge part of my job is bringing people together at the table. I work closely with businesses, developers, state and local government officials to build partnerships and advance initiatives that create opportunities that benefit the entire community.

My primary focus is business attraction, expansion and retention. I work with local businesses to understand their challenges, identify solutions and connect them with resources that help them remain and grow in Madera County.

How would you describe the current economic landscape in Madera County and the opportunities you see ahead?

I believe we’re at such an exciting moment in Madera County’s history. While many communities across California have experienced slower housing and population growth, Madera County continues to thrive, ranking second in the state for housing growth and third for population growth, according to the California Department of Finance.

At the same time, we are not immune to the challenges facing rural communities across California. Inflation, unfunded state mandates and an evolving political landscape continue to impact businesses and economic development efforts.

We need to continue advocating for policies that support sustainable growth, job creation and the business community.

What role does MCEDC play in strengthening the county’s economic future?

MCEDC’s role is to support our existing businesses while also attracting new opportunities to Madera County.

Although we’re a small team of three, we accomplish a great deal by working closely with our local governments, business community and regional partners. Our business assistance and office manager oversees business support programs, while our manager of business development and marketing leads our marketing and community engagement efforts.

What has been your most rewarding part of serving as executive director?

It has been the opportunity to build relationships and advocate for Madera County.

One accomplishment I’m proud of was organizing MCEDC’s legislative mission to Sacramento, where several of our board members met with state legislators to share Madera County’s opportunities, challenges and priorities.

I was also honored to help Gimme Health Foods Inc. secure the highly competitive CalCompetes Tax Credit, which will help create jobs and strengthen our local economy.

What are some of the challenges you have faced so far in your career?

Like in any career, there are always challenges, but I’ve learned how important it is to have people who believe in your potential.

Sometimes it only takes one person to offer encouragement or take a chance on you. I’ve been really fortunate to have a supportive family, along with mentors and leaders who have helped guide me throughout my career.

What was your very first job, and what did you learn from it?

My first job was as a teacher’s aide at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center’s preschool in La Jolla during my college summer breaks. I loved working with kids and had the best time, but it definitely taught me patience.

Any hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my daughter and playing tennis.

Fun fact: I earned a full-ride tennis scholarship to Utah State University, and I still love getting out on the court whenever I have the chance.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/kristina-gallagher-madera-county-economic-development-commission/

August 16, 2026 By Faughn Commercial • Economy 0 Comments

A $21 million Fresno shopping center sale flew under the radar until now

The largest retail investment sale in the Central Valley so far this year happened in northeast Fresno with little public notice — and it took a second major deal to reveal it.

Riverview Shopping Center, at the northeast corner of Friant and Fort Washington roads, sold for $21.02 million back in January, according to a first-quarter Fresno retail report from commercial brokerage Lee & Associates. The multi-tenant center, which includes nightlife hotspots The Standard, The Woodward and Starving Artist’s Bistro, totals 109,681 square feet in the report, putting the sale price at $191.70 per square foot. The report lists the seller as LeFever Mattson Property Management and identifies the buyer as United Brands. County assessor records list the buyer as Riverview Center LLC, with Nesser D. Zahriya listed as an agent in state records.

According to BizProfile.net , Zahriya is also involved with South San Francisco-based Jz Developments LLC as the manager and registered agent.

The transaction didn’t seem to make the local news headlines when it closed. Its standing became clear only after Cedar Tree Village Shopping Center sold in July for $20.85 million. In reporting on that deal, brokerage Visintainer Group and data provider CoStar identified Cedar Tree as the region’s second- largest retail investment sale of 2026 — ranking it behind Riverview.

Riverview sits directly across from Woodward Park, at an intersection that carries about 26,377 vehicles a day, according to leasing brokerage Retail California. The center’s tenants include Starbucks, Panda Express, Fleet Feet Sports, Sport Clips, several restaurants and a fitness center, along with salon and service uses. Retail California markets the property for lease and lists average household income within one mile at $169,402, citing Claritas data.

The sale closed as Fresno’s retail fundamentals held steady. Lee & Associates reported a vacancy rate of 5.7% in the first quarter, modestly above historical averages after recent construction added supply. Average asking rents were about $19.50 per square foot, with annual growth of 0.9%, according to the report. The brokerage said new deliveries have outpaced tenant demand over the past year, contributing to the uptick in vacancy.

Amanda Brock, a senior executive vice president and principal at Lee & Associates, wrote in the report that performance varied by property type, with power centers holding the lowest vacancy while malls and neighborhood centers remained more challenged.

Cedar Tree Village, a 118,417-square-foot grocery-anchored center at Herndon and Cedar avenues, closed July 16 when Cedar Tree Village LLC sold to Irvine-based Pacific Castle PM Inc. Visintainer Group, which represented the seller, said the property drew seven qualified offers.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/a-21-million-fresno-shopping-center-sale-flew-under-the-radar-until-now/

August 16, 2026 By Faughn Hi-Tech • Manufacturing • Renewable Energy • Uncategorized 0 Comments

Solar component makers plans 600 jobs

Solar components manufacturer AMPS is proposing to establish a solar module assembly facility located at 10652 Jackson Ave., the former Del Monte plant on the outskirts of Hanford. The vacant facility is huge at 1.3 million square feet. Del Monte closed the processing plant in 2025.

Now Kings County will get some of those jobs back if this deal goes through.

According to a public notice, the solar module assembly facility (up to 8 gigawatts) includes production line installation inside an existing industrial facility with no building expansion or structural changes. There are no hazardous manufacturing processes proposed. The project proposal is limited to interior equipment installation and solar module assembly operations within existing buildings. Operations will include automated assembly lines, packaging, warehousing, shipping, receiving, and related office and support uses.

Phase 1 will include assembly lines in Warehouse #1 and Warehouse #2 and finished product storage and distribution in Warehouse #3 and Warehouse #4. Phase 2 includes future expansion of assembly into Warehouse #3 and/or Warehouse #4 if needed. There will be an estimated 10-20 truck trips per day during operations. The facility will operate up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, depending on demand, and will have approximately 200 employees per shift or 600 total.

AMPS is a Hesperia-based manufacturer located just on the outskirts of Los Angeles. AMPS stands for American Made Power Solution.

“At AMPS, we proudly manufacture our high-quality solar products in Southern California, operating from two state-of-the-art factories. These facilities leverage the latest solar technology to ensure reliability and efficiency. By adhering to strict quality and safety standards, we deliver exceptional products that support the local economy and promote sustainability. Choose AMPS for solar solutions that exemplify American craftsmanship and innovation,” their website boasts.

The company serves residential, commercial, industrial (C&I), and utility-scale projects. Currently it operates out of a 150,000 square foot advanced manufacturing facility in Southern California. It has been expanding its production lines to reach an annual manufacturing capacity of 1.5 GW.

https://hanfordsentinel.com/business/agriculture/solar-component-makers-plans-600-jobs-john-lindt/article_fb64ae42-8702-4c01-b6bd-91ef1002f0f3.html

August 16, 2026 By Faughn Economy • Uncategorized 0 Comments

Where Is Homeownership Most Accessible for Young People? 2026

National trends in young homeownership

Despite ongoing affordability challenges, young adults continue to play a meaningful role in the housing market. Americans under 35 account for 36% of all home purchase loans nationwide, while their share of homeownership among all age groups stands at 14%.

The data reveals a nuanced picture of young Americans’ path to homeownership. From 2020 to 2024, the share of homeowners under 35 increased by 4.8%, suggesting that younger buyers found ways to enter the market despite a sharp rise in housing costs. More recently, however, that progress appears to be slowing. Between 2023 and 2024, the under-35 homeownership rate declined by 0.4%, raising questions about whether affordability pressures are beginning to outweigh gains made in recent years.

“Two young households with similar incomes can end up on very different financial trajectories simply because of where they live,” said Nadia Evangelou, principal economist and director of real estate research at the National Association of Realtors. “One starts building equity in their early 30s, while the other may spend much longer renting and waiting for ownership opportunities. The affordability gap we are seeing across metro areas is increasingly becoming a wealth building gap.”

Geography remains one of the strongest predictors of homeownership accessibility. In some metro areas, home prices remain relatively aligned with local incomes, financing programs help reduce barriers to entry, and younger buyers account for a substantial share of home purchases. In others, housing costs have far outpaced earnings, creating a widening gap between aspiring homeowners and the realities of the market.

Read on to learn more about the metros offering the strongest pathways to homeownership for young buyers — and the places where affordability remains a significant obstacle.

Metros where young homeownership is most accessible

While affordability headwinds have begun to stall progress on a national scale, our analysis identifies geographical havens where the path to the American Dream remains wide open. These areas stand out for having a high share of homeowners under 35, a high percentage of mortgage loans taken out by younger buyers, or both. Based on our research and data, here are the 10 metropolitan areas where entry into the housing market is most accessible.

1. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Baton Rouge claims the No. 1 spot this year, climbing 18 spots in the rankings from 2025. The metro area is defined by a nation-leading under-35 homeownership rate of 22.1%. This is up significantly from last year’s study, when the rate was 17.6%. Baton Rouge also has the sixth-highest percentage of home purchase loans taken out by under-35 applicants (43.3%).

Supplementary statistics show one possible reason young buyers can enter the market: The median home sale price at the time of analysis was $253,634, the eighth lowest of any metro area we researched.

Homeownership rate among people under 35: 22.1% (highest)
Share of home purchase loans taken out by applicants under 35: 43.3% (sixth highest)

2. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas

The McAllen metro area is currently the nation’s powerhouse for youth buying activity. An incredible 46.3% of all home purchase loans in this market go to buyers under 35 — the highest share of any metro in the study. Plus, about one in five homeowners with a mortgage is in this age bracket.

It doesn’t directly affect the ranking, but it’s worth pointing out that the median home sale price of $209,859 is the lowest of the 100 biggest metros in the U.S. Federal Housing Administration loans seem to be especially popular among younger buyers: 48.9% of these loans, which can have down payments as low as 3.5%, were given to applicants under 35.

Homeownership rate among people under 35: 20.1% (second highest)
Share of home purchase loans taken out by applicants under 35: 46.3% (highest)

3. Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, Michigan

Grand Rapids is the top-ranking metro for young homebuyers in the Midwest. The under-35 ownership rate of 19.1% is supported by one of the higher median household incomes of metros in the top 10, at $73,765. The relatively high income keeps the home-price-to-income ratio below average.

Homeownership rate among people under 35: 19.1% (third highest)
Share of home purchase loans taken out by applicants under 35: 45.9% (second highest)

4. El Paso, Texas

El Paso gets a massive 35-spot jump in the rankings this year, with top 10 finishes in both the metrics we examined. Buyers under 35 utilize a large number of VA home loans; El Paso trails only three metros in the percentage of these loans, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, that go to applicants under 35. Also, the metro area’s $246,675 median home sale price is one of the lowest in the U.S.

Homeownership rate among people under 35: 17.8% (sixth highest)
Share of home purchase loans taken out by applicants under 35: 44.8% (fifth highest)

5. Salt Lake City-Murray, Utah

Only five of the 100 most populous metros finish with top 10 rankings in both metrics of our study — Salt Lake City is one. A high share of homeowners with mortgages are under 35, and a sizable percentage of home loans go to younger applicants. This is in spite of the area having a median home sale price of over $533,000 — by far the highest of any metro that finishes in the top 10 for homeownership accessibility.

Homeownership rate among people under 35: 17.5% (eighth highest)
Share of home purchase loans taken out by applicants under 35: 42.7% (seventh highest)

6. Buffalo-Cheektowaga, New York

Buffalo is the top location for young buyers in the Northeast, moving up 15 spots from last year. Close to 46% of all home purchase loans are taken out by people under 35 — the third-highest percentage in the U.S. These buyers benefit from home prices that are, on balance, lower than in other large U.S. metros. The median sale price, $244,206, combined with the median younger household income of just over $57,000, gives a home-price-to-income ratio that is 14th lowest out of the 100 metros.

Homeownership rate among people under 35: 15.4%
Share of home purchase loans taken out by applicants under 35: 45.7% (third highest)

7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, like the metro just ahead of it in the rankings, has a high percentage of home loans going to younger purchasers. One likely reason: The ratio of median home sale price to median young household income (3.5) is the lowest in the country, making it easier to qualify for a loan. Additional data shows that applicants under 35 take out a high percentage of all conventional loans issued in the Pittsburgh area.

Homeownership rate among people under 35: 15.5%
Share of home purchase loans taken out by applicants under 35: 44.9% (fourth highest)

8. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is the only metro in the top 10 that maintains its exact position from last year. Young people secure 42.6% of all home purchase loans, the eighth-highest rate in the nation. Mortgage applicants are helped by lower home prices — the median sale price, at just under $286,000, is 23% lower than the national median. Incomes among younger households are right around the national median.

Homeownership rate among people under 35: 16.4%
Share of home purchase loans taken out by applicants under 35: 42.6% (eighth highest)

9. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Nearly 18% of homeowners with a mortgage in the Colorado Springs area are under 35, the seventh-highest rate, despite home prices being on the expensive side. Of the top 10 metros, it sees the highest number (2,089 in 2024) and highest percentage (41.9%) of VA loans going to borrowers under 35. (El Paso County, Colorado, has one of the highest populations of veterans in the U.S.)

Homeownership rate among people under 35: 17.6% (seventh highest)
Share of home purchase loans taken out by applicants under 35: 39.7%

10. Bakersfield-Delano, California

There are 12 California metros among the 100 biggest in the U.S. 10 finish at No. 75 or below on our list, one at No. 33, and one — Bakersfield — in the top 10. About one of every six homes with a mortgage is owned by someone under 35, and 41.3% of home purchase loans are taken out by younger applicants. Young borrowers take out over 45% of FHA loans, the third-highest percentage of all metros.

Homeownership rate among people under 35: 16.6% (10th highest)
Share of home purchase loans taken out by applicants under 35: 41.3%

Metros where young homeownership is least accessible

The metro areas where homeownership is most accessible to younger people are spread across each region of the country. On the other hand, the least welcoming metros are overwhelmingly concentrated in California and Florida, where housing costs and other barriers have made homeownership less achievable.

The metros where homeownership is least accessible for younger buyers are:

North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida
Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, California
Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Sunrise, Florida
West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Delray Beach, Florida
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, California
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida
Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, Connecticut
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, California
Oakland-Fremont-Berkeley, California
Stockton-Lodi, California

Why aren’t young people buying homes in these areas?

Supporting data from metros at the bottom of our rankings underscores how high housing costs have pushed homeownership out of reach for many young adults. In California, metros like Los Angeles and Oakland have home price-to-income ratios that approach 13-to-1. In three metro areas — San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco — the median sale price exceeds $1.2 million.

Florida presents a different affordability challenge. In markets like North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota — the least accessible metro in our study — young buyers face expensive insurance costs. “A lot of first-time homebuyers are still on the fence, waiting for relief on insurance rates, taxes and the overall cost of ownership,” said Cole Murray, a real estate agent based in North Port. As climate-related risks continue to drive insurance premiums higher, many prospective buyers are finding that the true cost of homeownership extends far beyond the mortgage payment. In these regions, the path to homeownership isn’t just difficult — for many, it is becoming impossible.

Data: Homeownership access by metro area

Our 2026 analysis reveals that while certain metros offer the best paths to homeownership for young people, many of the largest population centers put more obstacles in the way. Of the 20 largest metro areas in the U.S., only one ranks in the top 15 for young buyers (Minneapolis, No. 13). Of the 10 largest metros, the next highest-ranking on our list after Minneapolis is Chicago, at No. 49.

The data also highlights how quickly the homeownership picture can change in a given area. Birmingham, Alabama, had the biggest year-over-year jump, from No. 55 to No. 17, and the top 10 metros include eight that were outside it last year. Meanwhile, Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina, fell the most, from No. 36 to No. 65, and a top 10 city from last year, Tulsa, Oklahoma, dropped from No. 4 all the way to No. 22.

Tips for young homebuyers

While higher home prices and other constraints, like a shortage of starter homes, have created roadblocks for young Americans, the dream of owning a home isn’t dead — it just requires a more tactical approach. Navigating today’s market means looking beyond the listing price and understanding the specific financial levers that can turn a renter into a homeowner. By aligning your expectations with local economic realities, you can make homeownership a more realistic goal.

Know how much you can afford. Finance experts recommend spending no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing. Use a mortgage calculator that factors in your down payment, rate, loan amount and other variables to estimate your monthly payment. Knowing the income needed to afford a home can also help you set a realistic budget. Look beyond the monthly mortgage payment by factoring in local property taxes and homeowners insurance to avoid financial strain.
Get preapproved and shop for products. Evangelou, from NAR, recommends shopping around for mortgage products that fit your specific needs and getting preapproved. Don’t assume one size fits all; different lenders offer different loan types, including loans specifically for first-time homebuyers.
Explore federal and local programs. Forget what you’ve been told about needing a 20% down payment; many young buyers enter the market with less than 15% down with FHA, VA or USDA loans, or using local assistance programs.
Look for supply at your price point. Evangelou notes that general inventory is less important than “affordable listings” — homes priced specifically for what middle-income earners can afford.

Methodology

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team analyzed data from 100 of the most populous U.S. metro areas to identify where homeownership is most attainable for people under 35. Our study focused on two metrics, each weighed at 50%.

Homeownership rate: This is the percentage of all owner-occupied units with a mortgage that have a householder under 35. This excludes homes without a mortgage. Mortgage-free ownership is excluded from our percentage in order to emphasize market entry accessibility. Data is from the U.S. Census Bureau (2024).
Buying activity: This is the percentage of all home purchase loans that are taken out by applicants under 35. This data provides a real-time look at who is successfully financing home purchases in the current market. It comes from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, made available by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (2024).

For each metric, the metro with the highest percentage scored the maximum 50 points, and the metro with the lowest percentage was given a score of zero. Other metros received proportionally scaled scores based on where they fell within the overall range.

Our analysis also incorporated the following supplementary data points for context:

Median home sale prices from Zillow (April 2026)
Median household income for householders under 44 (including under 25 and 25 to 44 age groups) from the U.S. Census Bureau (2024)
Home-price-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the local median home price by the median income of younger households
Trends in homeownership rates from 2020 to 2024 to track long-term momentum and recent shifts
Loan type distribution, including the number of conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans taken out by borrowers under 35 and the share of these loans taken out by borrowers under 35

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/where-is-homeownership-most-accessible-for-young-people.html

June 19, 2026 By Faughn Distribution • E-Commerce • New Developments 0 Comments

Amazon confirmed for Fresno’s $100M Westgate Industrial Center

Amazon has been confirmed as the first tenant at Fresno’s Westgate Industrial Center near Highway 99 and Marks Avenue.

Natalie Banke, an Amazon spokesperson, confirmed the company’s involvement to The Business Journal on Friday. In September, it was announced that Scannell, the Indiana-based developers of the project, had landed a tenant for a 248,786-square-foot industrial office and warehouse building.

It would be the fifth Amazon distribution facility in Fresno.

Scannell broke ground on the $100 million Westgate Industrial Center in July, which marked their first project in Fresno. At the time, Scannell moved forward without securing a tenant, a speculative investment that local leaders described as a strong vote of confidence in Fresno’s industrial market.

Scannell Managing Director Todd Berryhill previously said that the leased building is expected to be completed around June 2026. It remains unclear whether the building will be completed on its previously projected timeline

“This is more than a building,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said during the groundbreaking ceremony in July. “It creates jobs, stimulates our local economy, generates revenue for city services — and it says Fresno is open for business.”

City and county officials have praised the project as a major economic development effort expected to create hundreds of construction and warehouse jobs.

“Scannell’s Westgate Industrial Center, and the ensuing activity and interest, is a great validation of the Fresno market and the importance of having fully entitled, shovel-ready land,” Will Oliver wrote to The Business Journal in September after the tenant announcement. “Once projects like Scannell’s are entitled and built, interest quickly follows and companies commit. This is further proof of the region’s momentum in attracting investment and jobs.”

https://thebusinessjournal.com/amazon-confirmed-for-fresnos-100m-westgate-industrial-center/

June 18, 2026 By Faughn Economy • Tourism 0 Comments

Contour Airlines to launch nonstop flights from Merced to LAX, Las Vegas

Tennessee-based Contour Airlines will launch nonstop service from Merced Yosemite Regional Airport beginning July 1, giving Central Valley travelers direct access to Los Angeles and Las Vegas for the first time through the regional carrier. The airline will offer daily flights between Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (MCE) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), along with five weekly departures to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.

“We are thrilled to introduce service in Merced and provide the community with direct access to two of the West Coast’s most sought-after destinations,” said Ben Munson, Contour Airlines president. “These routes not only make travel more convenient for local residents and businesses but also support economic growth by strengthening Merced’s connectivity to key markets. We look forward to delivering a dependable and comfortable travel experience for all our passengers.”

Contour will operate the routes using 30-seat regional jets. Each flight includes extra legroom and complimentary snacks and beverages.

The City of Merced received official notification from the U.S. Department of Transportation in March that Contour Airlines had been selected to provide essential air service (EAS) at Merced Regional Airport for a four-year term beginning July 1. The EAS program helps ensure that small and rural communities maintain access to commercial air travel through federal support. Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto said the city welcomes the expanded service.

“These new routes to Las Vegas and Los Angeles provide valuable travel options for both visitors and our residents, whether traveling for business or leisure,” Serratto said. “Strengthening our regional connectivity is a key step in supporting economic growth, enhancing tourism, and improving quality of life for the people we serve.”

Rhett Williams, Merced Yosemite Regional Airport manager, said the partnership improves access for passengers using the facility.

“This partnership and these new flights enhance the convenience and accessibility of air travel for our passengers, and we look forward to providing a high-quality experience for everyone who travels through our airport,” Williams said.

https://thebusinessjournal.com/contour-airlines-merced-airport-lax-las-vegas-nonstop-flights/

June 18, 2026 By Faughn Economy • New Developments 0 Comments

Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future

Our organization is focused on thoughtful growth that builds on our strong foundation while planning for the future. Through our master plan, we are identifying opportunities to enhance our facilities and better serve our community, partners, and guests. This vision reflects our commitment to innovation, education, and business development, ensuring we continue to evolve while staying true to our mission.

https://www.internationalagricenter.com/lookingahead/

June 18, 2026 By Faughn New Developments 0 Comments

Hanford moves forward with $60 million waste water treatment plant upgrades

Hanford is proceeding with an almost $60 million contract to upgrade the City’s wastewater treatment facility.

“This is more than a repair. It’s a total modernization,” said Mark Kairis, Hanford mayor.

On May 19, the City Council approved a Limited Notice to Proceed for for project engineering with Opterra, an infrastructure modernization company. By passing the Limited Notice to Proceed, the City locked in the project price tag of $60 million, which would have continued to increase. The City negotiated that estimate down from Opterra’s original proposition of $67 million.

“They negotiated in good faith,” said City Utilities and Engineering Director Frank Senteno about Opterra. “This came through a lot of blood, sweat and tears.”

The City says the upgrades are necessary because while the facility may look okay from the outside, the equipment inside has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced. Some parts of the facility are from 1949. Along with a number of proposed upgrades, the outdated 5.5 MGD Primary Trickling Filter Plant must be replaced with a Ox-Ditch wastewater process, which is more energy efficient and capable of meeting future regulatory requirements. This replacement is necessary to eliminate the use of the hazardous pressurized gaseous chlorine, which is a potentially explosive chemical that requires staff to wear protective gear.