November 2, 2026
MADERA COUNTY, Calif. — The Madera County Economic Development Commission (MCEDC) brought together local leaders, business representatives and community stakeholders for the State of the County, an opportunity to discuss the region’s growth, ongoing development and priorities for the future.
The event featured keynote presentations from Todd Suntrapak, President and CEO of Valley Children’s Healthcare, and Congressman Adam Gray, followed by a regional panel discussion with Madera County Supervisor Macaulay, City of Madera Mayor Gallegos and City of Chowchilla Mayor Smith.
Suntrapak discussed the continued growth of Valley Children’s Healthcare and the importance of regional development in supporting the organization’s long-term vision. As Madera County continues to grow, investments in housing, businesses and infrastructure play an important role in supporting the needs of the region and the families it serves. He highlighted future plans for Echelon and the recent groundbreaking of Topgolf as examples of development that will contribute to the area’s growth. Topgolf represents an important step in creating sustainable revenue to help support Valley Children’s mission of providing care to children and families, including those who cannot afford the cost of healthcare.
Congressman Adam Gray addressed the region’s economic outlook and the importance of continued economic development in creating jobs and supporting long-term growth. He emphasized that Madera County has a strong foundation to build upon, pointing to the growth of communities such as Tesoro Viejo and Riverstone as examples of the increasing demand for housing, services and employment opportunities throughout the area.
Gray also discussed the importance of planning for growth by investing in the infrastructure and services needed to support expanding communities, including transportation, healthcare and other essential resources. Without these investments, residents face longer commutes and higher costs. He emphasized that transportation investments are just as important as housing in creating communities where people can live and work, and that improving these systems ultimately contributes to safer communities and a better quality of life.
Gray also shared his work with members of both parties in Congress on permitting reform, with the goal of establishing a process that is easier to understand and provides clear timelines for businesses and developers to plan their projects. Greater predictability in the permitting process can help support investment, development and job creation throughout the region.
The event concluded with a regional panel featuring Supervisor Macaulay, Mayor Gallegos and Mayor Smith, who shared updates and priorities from their respective jurisdictions. Panelists discussed the importance of working together across city and county boundaries, particularly when addressing transportation needs, infrastructure and the continued development of the region. Each emphasized that collaboration is essential to strengthening local communities and ensuring that growth benefits the region as a whole.
The discussions reinforced the importance of a coordinated approach to economic development, infrastructure investment and regional planning. As Madera County continues to experience growth, partnerships between local jurisdictions, state and federal representatives, businesses and community organizations will remain important in addressing regional needs and creating opportunities for residents.
About the Madera County Economic Development Commission
The Madera County Economic Development Commission (MCEDC) works to strengthen the local economy by supporting business retention and expansion, attracting new investment and promoting economic opportunities throughout Madera County. MCEDC works in partnership with Madera County, the City of Madera and the City of Chowchilla to support businesses and advance regional economic development.
