Realizing the Future

In San Benito County

OUR VISION

The Vision

A focus on the
future of mobility

A global mobility revolution is underway, with a huge concentration of vehicle innovation occurring in the Silicon Valley. While the Silicon Valley does not have an optimal location to adequately test electric and automated vehicles– San Benito County does– creating a once in a generation opportunity for our community.

The combined location, scale, and topography of Strada Verde is irreplicable. We have the opportunity to create a world class vehicle testing facility in San Benito County. Strada Verde’s focus on innovation and environmentally sustainable technologies will draw the emerging mobility industry, along with associated educational and job opportunities, and billions of dollars in investment, into the County. This will significantly benefit both the current residents and future generations to come.

automated driving collage
birds eye view of automated cars on road and charging car

Project Overview

A state-of-the-art automotive research and testing facility

Located in northwestern San Benito County, Strada Verde will create a state-of-the-art automotive research and testing facility. At its core, Strada Verde will be comprised of vehicle testing and handling facilities that simulate various highway and urban environments, as well as climate conditions. The campus will include automotive research and education facilities, a driver experience center, e-commerce, and retail center. Strada Verde will provide a regional technological hub supporting groundbreaking automotive innovation.

Promote regional economic growth

Strada Verde is positioned to make San Benito County a center for technology enterprises, fueling job growth in the emerging e-commerce industry, as well as the research and development of zero-emission vehicles, and other advanced automotive systems. In addition to an estimated 15,000 construction jobs, Strada Verde will create over 5,000 permanent direct jobs and generate additional property and sales tax revenue to substantially improve the economic vitality of the County, providing jobs for local residents at all skill levels.

Learn About the Benefits
Rendering of Strada Verde

15,000+ Construction Jobs
$2 Billion annual recurring business operations
$2 Million annual sales tax revenue
Over 5,000 permanent direct jobs at build out

Person testing body of water
Over ⅓ of the project area is reserved for agriculture and open space

Protect natural resources & respect agricultural history

Strada Verde will create two biological preserves; one adjacent to  the Pajaro  River, and a second at the base of the Lomerias Muertas Hills. These will provide permanent resource protection for important biological resources. Additionally, the establishment of areas identified exclusively for agriculture uses will ensure that farming remains an important chapter in the legacy of San Benito County. 

Learn More

Agricultural District

The Agricultural district, located within the FEMA 100-year floodplain will be limited to agriculture uses, including row crop production and the use of new agricultural technologies and practices that increase farming efficiency, maintaining the agricultural heritage and regional identity that is so predominant in San Benito County.

Biological Preserve

Two areas will be designated as biological preserves to protect and enhance natural resources. By means of conservation easements, both preserves will be managed and maintained by a qualified public and/or non-profit agency, as approved by San Benito County and responsible state and federal regulatory agencies.

Testing Grounds

The Testing Grounds district will serve as an area for testing new technology in the mobility sector, including electrified and automated vehicles. It will consist primarily of open area, roads, tracks, and other features designed for the testing and engineering of vehicles and their components. Intended land uses include a three-mile straight track adjacent to the Union Pacific railway. Supporting ancillary office, research and development, labs, storage, maintenance, and fueling facilities are also envisioned.

Commercial District

The Commercial district will consist of ancillary commercial land uses including hospitality and retail establishments, as well as public service facilities such as fire and police stations. It is adjacent to the Central Greenway which, with its on-site pathways/trail, will enable employees to enjoy a healthy walk or bike ride as a part of their daily work routine.

Research Park

The Research Park (RP) district will be situated in the southwestern portion of Strada Verde. It will provide space for research, office, and light manufacturing uses. Premium research and development facilities will be encouraged. The RP district may also include education facilities and a driver experience center with associated tracks, retail, and hospitality.

E-commerce

The Ecommerce district includes a range of commercial and light industrial facilities, including distribution and logistics, data centers, research and development, and large footprint laboratories.

Greenways

Located within the center of Strada Verde and along the perimeter, the Greenway areas serve several functions including the provision of open space, buffer zones, and stormwater management.

Primary Access

To minimize traffic on State Route 25, access to Strada Verde will be from Highway 101 via the existing Betabel interchange with no public access to State Route 25. To accommodate additional trips, the east side of the Betabel Interchange will be improved. Additionally, Y Road will be reconstructed with two travel lanes, landscaping on both sides. To facilitate wildlife movement, culverts and bridge crossings will be constructed along this roadway.

Economic Engine for San Benito County

Photo of construction during sunset

$2.5 Billion

Annual recurring business operations in the local economy
Fire station

$3.7 Million

Recurring fiscal surplus to the County’s General Fund
Photo of car overhead with trees

Roadway Improvements

$19 million in impact fees and $2 million in annual Measure G sales tax revenues
Two construction people talking with laptop

15,000+

Total construction jobs over project buildout
Automobile be checked by a tester

5,000+

Permanent direct jobs at build out
Person Working on Piece of Machinery

Educating our Future Workforce

$8.42 million in property taxes for schools and education

Strada Verde Does Not Propose Any Residential Development.

What are San Benito County’s Trusted Community Leaders
saying about Strada Verde Innovation Park?

Kathleen Rose

Kathleen A. Rose, Ed.D., NCC

Superintendent/President, Gavilan Joint Community College District

Shawn Tennenbaum

Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum

Superintendent, San Benito High School District

Michele Huntoon

Dr. Michele Huntoon

Superintendent Aromas San Juan Bautista Unified School District

Margie Barrios

Margie Barrios

Retired San Benito County Supervisor and Hollister School District

Damon Felice

Damon Felice

President, Hollister Little League

“

The Strada Verde Innovation Park will be an excellent educational opportunity as Gavilan College expands to better serve the region and connect to this evolving industry.”

It has been a pleasure working with the Strada Verde team to create potential future educational opportunities for students to explore, grow, and develop innovative skills for the future. With a future dependent upon the next generation to create environmentally sustainable technologies, I am excited about the educational pathway possibilities the Strada Verde project could provide our students.”

Strada Verde Innovation Project will generate needed revenue for our local schools. Schools are projected to receive a significant increase in revenues every year while allowing students to participate in a Mobility Career Pathway Program that will prepare them for new, higher-wage employment opportunities in our community. Strada Verde has supported Anzar High School with a Library Grant to provide computers and furniture, improving the learning environment for a local college-prep high school.”

Strada Verde Innovation Park will generate millions of dollars in revenue to go to local government, schools, and road repairs. It will also create thousands of good-paying jobs for residents, all at zero cost to taxpayers. Many of our neighbors will have the opportunity to work in San Benito County and not spend time commuting to work outside our community, meaning they’ll be able to spend more time with their families.”

Strada Verde will bring numerous community benefits including the complete renovation of Veterans Memorial Park. Our baseball little leagues will be able to play on new and redesigned baseball/softball fields. The park will also have new walking paths, a dog park, and a new swim center just to name a few improvements. This revitalization of Veterans Park is going to mean a lot for our young people and their families.”

“The Strada Verde Innovation Park will be an excellent educational opportunity as Gavilan College expands to better serve the region and connect to this evolving industry.”

Kathleen A. Rose, Ed.D., NCC

Superintendent/President, Gavilan Joint Community College District

“It has been a pleasure working with the Strada Verde team to create potential future educational opportunities for students to explore, grow, and develop innovative skills for the future. With a future dependent upon the next generation to create environmentally sustainable technologies, I am excited about the educational pathway possibilities the Strada Verde project could provide our students.”

Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum

Superintendent, San Benito High School District

“Strada Verde Innovation Project will generate needed revenue for our local schools. Schools are projected to receive a significant increase in revenues every year while allowing students to participate in a Mobility Career Pathway Program that will prepare them for new, higher-wage employment opportunities in our community. Strada Verde has supported Anzar High School with a Library Grant to provide computers and furniture, improving the learning environment for a local college-prep high school.”

Dr. Michele Huntoon

Superintendent Aromas San Juan Bautista Unified School District

“Strada Verde Innovation Park will generate millions of dollars in revenue to go to local government, schools, and road repairs. It will also create thousands of good-paying jobs for residents, all at zero cost to taxpayers. Many of our neighbors will have the opportunity to work in San Benito County and not spend time commuting to work outside our community, meaning they’ll be able to spend more time with their families.”

Margie Barrios

Retired San Benito County Supervisor and Hollister School District

“Strada Verde will bring numerous community benefits including the complete renovation of Veterans Memorial Park. Our baseball little leagues will be able to play on new and redesigned baseball/softball fields. The park will also have new walking paths, a dog park, and a new swim center just to name a few improvements. This revitalization of Veterans Park is going to mean a lot for our young people and their families.”

Damon Felice

President, Hollister Little League

Highlight Video

Hear more local perspectives on Strada Verde Innovation Park

Latest News