Imperial County – Friday, November 21, 2025, the County of Imperial announced the results of a comprehensive workforce and economic development study conducted by the RAND Corporation, over the last eighteen months. The report outlines a clear path for transforming Lithium Valley into one of the most significant clean energy, domestic supply of critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing hubs in the United States.
In 2023, California’s Employment Development Department awarded the Imperial County Workforce Development Board $750,000 to complete a comprehensive Lithium Valley workforce and economic development needs assessment. Following the release of the County’s Request for Proposals on December 19, 2023, thirteen proposals were received by the March 1, 2024, deadline. After a structured evaluation process involving the Valley Works Steering Committee and Evaluation Committee, which was comprised of industry, labor, community, and government entities, RAND Corporation received the highest score and the Imperial County Workforce Development Board formally approved a contract with RAND on April 10, 2024, for an amount not to exceed $640,908.
RAND’s report confirms that Imperial County is positioned to become a major leader in lithium extraction, with the potential to generate hundreds of permanent jobs, more than a thousand construction jobs, and strong growth in supporting industries such as logistics, construction, retail, and professional services. RAND notes that if action is taken now, the County may ultimately attract major components of the battery supply chain, including refining, materials processing, cell manufacturing, and recycling. This could unlock billions in long term investment and provide new career pathways for local residents.
“Lithium Valley represents a rare chance to change the trajectory of our region. We are not simply preparing for growth. We are preparing to lead,” said County Executive Officer, Dr. Kathleen Lang. “This report shows that if we take deliberate steps to train our workforce, modernize infrastructure, and support responsible development, Imperial County can become a national center for innovation and advanced energy production.”
Supervisor Ryan Kelley added, “Imperial County has spent years laying the groundwork for this moment. We have the resource, the talent, and the commitment to ensure that the benefits of Lithium Valley stay with our residents. This is about building a stronger local economy and creating opportunities for families who have lived here for generations.”
Key Opportunities Identified in the Study
The RAND study highlights four areas of focus that will help the County secure the economic benefits of Lithium Valley:
- Hiring Local: Establish clear local hire goals, expand job fairs, and build a countywide talent matching portal to ensure residents can connect directly with industry opportunities.
- Training Local Workers: Strengthen partnerships between local colleges, union training programs, and employers. Expand certificate programs, apprenticeships, and STEM pathways to prepare residents for technical and managerial roles.
- Accelerating Business Growth: Continue developing the County’s Development Concierge approach, establish a County investment fund, expand supplier matchmaking, and host an annual Lithium and Beyond investment summit to attract supporting industries.
- Community Infrastructure: Use lithium excise tax revenues to improve housing, broadband, transportation, and essential public services such as childcare, education, and public safety. These investments will ensure residents can access new jobs and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Imperial County Workforce and Economic Development Director, Priscilla Lopez, highlighted, “The County is committed to building a workforce that is prepared to participate in the opportunities emerging from Lithium Valley. This effort ensures that local residents are at the center of economic growth, supported by strong training partnerships, clear career pathways, and investments that create long term stability for our communities. We look forward to identifying opportunities from the RAND report to build on this vision.”
Acknowledging Challenges and Providing Solutions
RAND identified several challenges that must be addressed to ensure the opportunity is inclusive and sustainable. These include housing shortages, long permitting timelines, limited engineering capacity, and transportation constraints.
- Housing: Rapid development will require additional housing solutions. RAND highlights the need to continue advancing partnerships and zoning updates to accelerate workforce housing and ensure long term affordability for local families.
- Streamlined Permitting: Permitting delays may lead to development occurring in other States instead of Imperial County. RAND mentions how the County’s Programmatic Environmental Impact Report and Development Concierge model are reducing uncertainty and providing predictable timelines for responsible developers, but continued efficiencies in permitting is needed at all levels.
- Workforce Development: Education and training is critical to ensure residents are equipped for new opportunities. Imperial Valley College, SDSU Imperial Valley, the University of California Riverside, and unions, are launching programs in industrial automation, chemistry, plant operations, and critical minerals analysis.
- Transportation and Infrastructure: The County is working to expand road improvements and build transit connections; however, extensive funding mechanisms are needed from the state and federal government to improve the infrastructure in the region. RAND proposes continuing to identify these pathways as well as collaborating with industry for zero fare shuttle services that ensure reliable access to future developments.
“These challenges are important, but they are also solvable,” said Chairman John Hawk. “What matters is that we are planning ahead, acting early, and focusing on strategies that uplift our communities. Our commitment is to ensure that every city and every neighborhood benefits from this opportunity.”
A Hopeful Path Forward
Deputy CEO of Natural Resources, Bari Bean, added, “Lithium Valley is not just a project. It is a long-term vision for prosperity and a way to secure a better future for Imperial County. We are focused on delivering real results and building an economy that works for everyone who calls this region home.”
The County of Imperial remains committed to ensuring that Lithium Valley drives economic development, strengthens local communities, and helps secure a resilient domestic supply chain for the nation.
“Imperial County is ready,” Dr. Lang said. “With the right partnerships and investment, the future of Lithium Valley is bright, and it begins right here.”
RAND’s full report will be available the first week of December on RAND’s website as well as on the County of Imperial’s website: LithiumValley.CA