Which agency oversees postal and ZIP code matters?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) oversees all post offices and ZIP code boundaries. The USPS is an agency of the U.S. federal government, governed by the USPS Board of Governors under the oversight of the U.S. Congress. At times, Congress enacts specific policies that direct the USPS to revamp, change, or enhance its current operations. Congress also approves the USPS’ budget every year. On occasion, Congress passes legislation that directly requires the USPS to assign new ZIP code boundaries or revise existing ZIP code boundaries.

What has Eastvale accomplished so far in terms of advocating for an independent ZIP code?

To date, the City of Eastvale has convinced the State of California and the County of Riverside to pass official resolutions that support Eastvale to obtain a new and independent ZIP code. Additionally, more than 1,300 residents, businesses, community organizations, and stakeholders have submitted letters of support. Due to the tremendous amount of support received, the USPS expressed willingness to adjust ZIP Code 92880’s municipal designation from “Corona” to “Eastvale.” This was enacted on January 1, 2024.

The City simultaneously partnered with Congressmembers Ken Calvert and Norma Torres to introduce and sponsor H.R. 696 and H.R. 860 in Congress. Both bills were introduced in February 2023. If either one of the bills passes, a new and independent ZIP code would be granted to Eastvale. H.R. 696 is a standalone congressional bill that directs the USPS to assign a new and independent ZIP code for Eastvale within 180 days of the bill’s passage. The other bill, H.R. 860, is a congressional bill that directs the USPS to assign new and independent ZIP codes to 7 communities across the nation, including Eastvale, within 270 days of the bill’s passage.

To embrace the spirit of collaboration, the City of Eastvale partnered with the City of Castle Pines in Colorado to form the National ZIP Code Advocacy Coalition in 2023. Under the leadership of both cities, the Coalition has grown to include more than two dozen cities across 12 states. The Coalition convenes virtually every quarter to allow cities that are impacted by ZIP code and postal challenges to exchange best practices and collaborate with one another. This has led to Eastvale’s H.R. 696 and H.R. 860 bills to receive support from Senators and Congressmembers from other states.

What is there left to do?

The City remains determined in advocating for a new and independent ZIP code. This can be accomplished if the USPS unilaterally decides to grant the independent ZIP code, or if Congress enacts legislation to direct the USPS to grant the change. Since the USPS has not been receptive to making any additional changes to Eastvale’s ZIP codes, the City now relies on Congress to resolve the issue. The current efforts focus on obtaining support from Senators and Congressmembers from across the nation to support the passage of either H.R. 696 or H.R. 860.

Why does Eastvale not have a post office? If Eastvale is granted an independent ZIP code, does the community also get a post office?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is responsible for the operations of all post offices, including making the decisions of when a new post office is needed or when a post office needs to be closed. The City of Eastvale has extended multiple invitations to the USPS and offered to collaborate with the USPS to establish a new post office in Eastvale. Unfortunately, the USPS declined to open a new post office in Eastvale at this time.

If Eastvale is granted an independent ZIP code, that does not necessarily imply that a new post office would be established in Eastvale. A new and independent ZIP code does not automatically imply that a new post office would be established in the community, and vice versa. ZIP codes were established by the USPS to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of mail delivery routes. Post offices, aside from providing mail and other government services to the public, also serve as mail processing centers for multiple ZIP codes in a community. If a new ZIP code is established for Eastvale, Eastvale’s existing mail delivery routes will be adjusted by the USPS. It is possible that the existing post office branches in Jurupa Valley and Norco can continue to handle Eastvale’s mail delivery routes.

Nonetheless, the City of Eastvale is strongly supportive of a new post office being established in Eastvale. If you desire to see a post office in Eastvale, we encourage you to contact your respective Congressmember by phone or mail to express your support for a new post office in Eastvale.