In this episode of Capital Rivers Connect: California Edition, brought to you by Team California, CEO Greg Aguirre speaks with Eastvale City Manager Mark Orme and Economic Development Manager Alexander Fung.
They explore how this young Southern California city is setting a new standard for growth, public safety, and community impact. Eastvale is a proud Team California member and a strong example of the economic momentum taking place across the Golden State. Home to major retail destinations like Eastvale Gateway, the city continues to attract both regional visitors and long-term investment.
Eastvale is only 15 years old, yet it has quickly become a regional destination for families, businesses, and visitors. The city’s growth is driven by a business-first mindset, a strategic location, and high standards for quality of life and public safety.
The conversation highlights how Eastvale has embraced its youth as an advantage. Free from bureaucratic legacy systems, the city has built a flexible, modern approach to governance and development. From infrastructure to incentives, Eastvale’s leadership has created a community where businesses thrive, families settle, and millions of visitors return each year.
Prioritizing Standards and Streamlined Growth
A recurring theme in the conversation is Eastvale’s commitment to high standards. The city uses strength-based hiring and prioritizes cultural fit alongside qualifications. Its leadership takes a business-minded approach, ensuring that permitting, inspections, and plan checks are efficient and transparent.
This mindset has reduced friction for developers and businesses. An example from the episode featured an Asian grocery store that completed ground-up construction and opened within a year. In most cities, that same process might take three to four years. Eastvale also supports businesses after opening, offering forgivable loans for high-end dining and grants for AI-powered security upgrades.
Eastvale Gateway and The Station: Regional Power Centers
With just over 70,000 residents, Eastvale’s retail centers still rank among the highest for foot traffic in the country. Eastvale Gateway recorded 10.9 million visits in 2024, while The Station drew 9.5 million. Both centers are among the top 100 most-visited shopping centers in the U.S.
Several factors drive this success. Eastvale benefits from its I-15 freeway access, a family-focused population, and proactive investment in safety and infrastructure. The city has become a regional draw for locals and travelers alike, including those headed toward Las Vegas.
Building a Future-Focused Downtown Core
Downtown Eastvale is one of the city’s most anticipated projects. Scheduled to open in phases between 2027 and 2028, it will feature a new city hall, library, police station, and civic spaces. Retail and dining will be centered in a pedestrian-friendly layout.
City leaders are currently in talks with top-tier developers. While eager to move forward, the city is focused on maintaining high standards and long-term value.
Strategic Location Meets Regional Partnerships
Eastvale is located where three major counties meet and sits directly off a key freeway. This makes it ideal for growth and investment. The nearby Silver Lakes soccer complex in Norco adds to the draw, attracting 3 million annual visitors.
The Eastvale Chamber of Commerce plays a major role in supporting business growth. Monthly events at City Hall bring together business owners and city leaders, creating a culture of collaboration that benefits the local economy.
Listen to the full episode of Capital Rivers Connect to learn more about how the City of Eastvale is shaping the future through strategic development and regional collaboration.
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Photo Credit: City of Eastvale