Partnership Origins
The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley (Partnership) was formed in June 2005 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger with Executive Order S-5-05. The Partnership brought together state agency secretaries and San Joaquin Valley representatives charged with making recommendations to the governor for improving the economic vitality of the Valley.
The 40-member Partnership board of directors includes eight state government members, eight local government members nominated by respective County Councils of Government, and eight private sector members, along with two deputy chairs.
The board engaged hundreds of people in the eight-county San Joaquin Valley to focus on action strategies. In October 2006, the board released its Strategic Action Proposal, which calls for a sustained public-private partnership for a 10-year period, allowing for a two-year implementation of the initial organizational structure. In November 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order S-22-06 to implement the Partnership's vision.Secretariat Appointment
The Office of Community and Economic Development was appointed the lead coordinating agency for the Partnership board of directors—Secretariat. This includes organizing quarterly board meetings and reporting Partnership progress.
Secretariat efforts also include tracking 10 work groups established to implement six major initiatives: build a 21st Century Transportation Mobility System; grow a diversified, globally competitive economy supported by a highly sklled workforce; create a model K-12 public education system; develop high-quality health and human services; attain clean air standards; and implement an integrated framework for sustainable growth.University Collaboration
The nature of the Partnership's efforts has subsequently involved a number of Fresno State institutes:
California Water Institute
Central California Social Welfare Evaluation, Research & Training Center
Central Valley Educational Leadership Institute
Central Valley Health Policy Institute
International Center for Water Technology
The Maddy Institute