Infrastructure planning has been a top priority for the Town of Apple Valley during the economic downturn, when dollars spent on construction go farther than they did a few years ago. That’s why between 2009 and 2011, the Town of Apple Valley constructed two new public facilities, and started construction on a third. Public projects infuse millions of dollars into the local economy in construction and sales tax revenue, and help create hundreds of local jobs.

A 36,000 square-foot state of the art animal shelter replaced a 7,000 square-foot repurposed warehouse. No additional staff were added, yet animal adoptions and other services have all increased. The larger facility has allowed room to expand a volunteer program from two volunteers, to now more than 40 active volunteers, with another 40 just wrapping up training. This includes a “Me and My Shadow” program for youth ages 10 to 18.

The Town also constructed a 25,000 square-foot annex to Town Hall, known as the Development Services Building. The move consolidated all development-related departments into one location. Interested developers can access Building and Safety, Engineering, Planning and Economic Development all at one counter, allowing for seamless coordination between departments. The Development Services Building also includes a nearly 6,000 square-foot conference center, providing much-needed community meeting space as well as a source of revenue through rentals.

Finally, a new public works yard will be complete in fall of 2011. Located adjacent to the new animal shelter, the public works facility will provide a fleet maintenance shop and expanded capacity for the weekly household hazardous waste collection center. Much of the Town’s public works equipment and supplies are currently stored outdoors due to a lack of space. With a larger facility and warehouse, equipment lifespan can be extended by reducing exposure to the extreme heat and cold of the high desert.