Facilities Management West’s Vision
Facilities Management West represents two multi-generational Orange County families who love the OC Fair and are prepared to commit substantial resources to see it – and its associated exposition, entertainment and agricultural facilities – improved for the enjoyment of the community. We are long-term investors, not developers. Our goals are to improve upon the entertainment venues and related community experiences at the OC Fair and Event Center, not to build homes or transform it into a big-box shopping center.
Paramount to Facilities Management West is the continued success of Orange County’s annual fair in a manner that honors the integrity and traditions of its agricultural roots, and which has made it iconic in California.
FMW will also preserve and enrich Centennial Farm, equestrian center, swap meet, amphitheater and existing community uses.
A Fiscally-Responsible Approach
Facilities Management West offers a win-win solution for state, county and the city of Costa Mesa governments – and the local community, during one of the worst economic crises ever.
- A commitment to the full continuation of all entertainment and related services the public currently receives.
- A guaranteed $100 million sales price paid to the state ($255 million over the life of the loan).
- $1 million in new annual property tax revenue for the state, Orange County and Costa Mesa.
- Take 81 fairgrounds employees off the state’s payroll and onto FMW’s private payroll. FMW will also restore the workers’ state-instituted 4.6-percent pay cut.
- The sale to FMW puts all regulatory and land-use under the jurisdiction of Costa Mesa, protecting all current uses. Continued state ownership could result in development to any use. The fair board recently proposed shopping and hotel uses.
