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Board adopts Kern County'wide five'year strategic plan and 'Elevate Kern' implementation approach
Summary
The Kern County Board unanimously adopted the 2026'2030 Strategic Plan and approved an implementation proposal titled "Elevate Kern," directing departments to pursue annual performance-improvement projects and report back in one year.
The Kern County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a five'year strategic plan for 2026'2030 at its May 12 meeting, and approved an accompanying two'year implementation proposal called "Elevate Kern." Assistant Chief Executive Stacy Kuwahara presented the plan and described outreach and an annual accountability process.
Kuwahara told the board the strategic-plan process included a scientific poll across the county's five supervisorial districts, online surveys and stakeholder outreach. She summarized the plan's priorities as public safety and accountability, support for vulnerable populations, infrastructure and fiscal sustainability, and workforce and economic development.
"The proposed 2026 2030 Strategic Plan maintains the same structure as our previous strategic plan, designed to be a concise, high level document that outlines Kern's priorities and the services delivered through county departments," Kuwahara said, outlining that departments will be expected to submit at least one performance'improvement project annually under the "Elevate Kern" initiative. (Stacy Kuwahara, Assistant CEO)
Board members praised the plan'making process and emphasized economic development and streamlined permitting as tools to sustain revenue needed for county services. The motion to adopt staff's recommendation was moved and seconded and recorded as "All Ayes." The board asked staff to bring updates on accomplishments in one year.
The plan frames implementation as a mix of department-led performance measures, Lean Six Sigma training and engagement with selected vendors to support operational reviews. Staff said the approach is meant to balance flexibility for departments while ensuring measurable progress toward the plan's goals.
Next steps include departmental submission of improvement projects and a one'year update to the board. The board's action establishes a reporting cadence and affirms the county's stated priorities for the next five years.
