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Council approves $194,268.22 city contribution to Madera County EDC; director reports potential 212 layoffs at local winery

Madera City Council · February 5, 2026

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Summary

Council approved the city’s $194,268.22 share of the Madera County Economic Development Commission’s FY 2026‑27 budget. MCEDC director Christina Gallagher reported recent local developments, including a WARN notice indicating about 212 jobs potentially affected at a winery; the director said she is coordinating with workforce partners.

The council unanimously approved the City of Madera’s contribution of $194,268.22 toward the Madera County Economic Development Commission’s (MCEDC) FY 2026‑27 joint‑powers budget. Christina Gallagher, MCEDC director, described the agency’s marketing, lead generation and site‑selection work, cited recent wins and regional outreach, and presented the proposed budget allocation among partner jurisdictions.

Gallagher briefed council on recent commercial activity in the region and noted that she received a WARN notice from a winery reporting approximately 212 positions potentially affected. She said MCEDC and workforce partners are reaching out to employers and brokers and are attempting to identify options to mitigate job losses, including recruitment of replacement businesses and coordinating workforce supports.

Council asked about retail vacancy trends and about whether the city should plan for consolidation of city office space due to remote work trends; Gallagher said market conditions are shifting and that MCEDC is working with regional partners to market available sites. The council approved the contribution by unanimous voice vote.