As we move into the fall, we are delighted to share with you a snapshot of what’s been happening behind the scenes at Plan Shafter this Spring and Summer and some of our upcoming plans for the Fall.

Project Status Update:

• Response to new state law and challenges: Over the past several months, the General Plan team has been working through issues related to housing and circulation and crafting an approach to respond to new state laws that directly impact planning for Shafter's future.
• GPAC #2 Meeting Minutes and Discussion Summaries: In the Spring, the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) met for the second time. At the meeting, the GPAC had discussions about tradeoffs and opportunities of various policy issues related to growth and development around the city core. The meeting minutes and discussion summaries are now available in English and Spanish.
• Shape our City Workshop Series Summary: Over the Summer, the City hosted a series of community engagement events at various locations throughout Shafter and conducted an online survey called “Shape Our City.” Read the workshop summary to see how participants responded.
• Community Journal Pop-up summary: The General Plan Update team tabled April’s First Friday (4/4/25 | 6-9 pm) to create a community journal for community members to share their favorite memories and favorite things about Shafter, as well as what they would like to see in the future of Shafter. Participants were able to write these out and post them onto the community journal. These personal stories will help guide a new 20-year vision and the policy guidelines to help us get there. Check out the results in the journal summary.

What’s Next?

GPAC#3 Meeting: We will conduct our third General Plan Advisory Committee meeting Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 6pm to 8pm at the Shafter Police Department Conference Room, 201 Central Valley Hwy. At the meeting, the GPAC will explore land use and circulation scenarios in a live design charrette. Members of the public are welcome to observe the GPAC meeting and provide feedback during the public comment period. Learn more under meeting #3 on the GPAC page.

EJWG Inaugural Meeting: In early October, we are planning for the inaugural meeting with the Environmental Justice Working Group (EJWG). This meeting is only open to EJWG members. However, the planned outcomes from the meeting will help inform the next phase of the General Plan.

We will be announcing additional engagement opportunities throughout the Fall, please keep an eye on social media and the website!

Your participation in the planning process for the Shafter General Plan is important in shaping the City’s future. If you have any questions, please visit our main project page: PlanShafter.com.

Thank you so much for your continued interest in the Shafter General Plan.

Best regards,

The City of Shafter General Plan Update Team