Imperial County

El Centro, CA. – Members of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, Chairwoman Peggy Price, Supervisor Jesus Escobar, Supervisor Ryan Kelley and Supervisor John Hawk, accompanied by County Executive Officer Dr. Kathleen Lang and Assistant County Executive Officer Bari Bean, recently traveled to Washington, DC to advocate for regional priorities and participate in the Benchmarks Conference, an international gathering focused on critical minerals and battery supply chains. 

The trip provided an opportunity for County leaders to engage directly with federal officials, congressional representatives, industry stakeholders, and communities across the country to advance initiatives that support economic growth, improve quality of life for residents, and position Imperial County as a leader in America's emerging clean energy economy. 

Among the delegation's priorities was addressing border wait times at the Calexico East Port of Entry. County officials met with Mary Hyland, Deputy Executive Director for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection Headquarters, to discuss the impacts that extended wait times have on Imperial Valley workers, businesses, and families. The delegation explored opportunities to expand services and staffing during peak morning hours to help reduce delays for those who cross the border each day for employment and commerce. 

County leaders also met with Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Adam Schiff, and Congressman Raul Ruiz to discuss federal funding opportunities that support Imperial County's most pressing needs. Conversations focused on infrastructure investments necessary to sustain safety and security, quality of roads and accessibility, economic growth, strengthen regional connectivity, and support community priorities. The delegation also highlighted the importance of continued support for veterans services, while emphasizing the transformative potential of Lithium Valley to create jobs and strengthen domestic supply chains. 

As part of the County's ongoing efforts to advance clean energy opportunities, the delegation met with leadership from the Bureau of Land Management, including Deputy Director Bill Groffy, to discuss geothermal development and critical minerals throughout the region. With approximately 64 percent of Imperial County under federal ownership, collaboration with federal agencies is essential to realizing the area's full economic potential. 

County representatives emphasized that Imperial County possesses unique assets capable of supporting national priorities related to energy independence and supply chain security. Through responsible geothermal development and domestic lithium production, the region has the potential to create high-quality jobs while strengthening America's access to critical minerals needed for advanced technologies. 

The delegation also attended the Benchmarks Conference, where they engaged with international leaders, investors, and industry representatives focused on developing resilient battery supply chains. Imperial County's participation provided an opportunity to discuss the region's abundant geothermal resources, significant lithium reserves, strategic location, and commitment to workforce development. 

As part of the Washington, DC trip, members of the delegation also visited Loudoun County, Virginia, home to one of the world's largest concentrations of data centers, to observe firsthand how a historically rural community has evolved alongside this rapidly growing industry. 

The visit was intended to support informed decision-making as Imperial County continues to evaluate emerging industries and their potential impacts on local communities. As part of the County's ongoing due diligence related to data center development, delegation members toured the area, observed how data centers have been integrated into the broader community, and spoke with residents about their experiences living in a region shaped by significant digital infrastructure investment. The visit represents one of several efforts by the County to gather information, examine best practices, and better understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with this evolving sector. 

Loudon County maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at approximately 2.5 percent and continues to sustain a strong agricultural sector, with more than 800 farms, 40 wineries, and roughly 180,000 acres of farmland in production. Although many know Loudon County as “Data Center Alley”, they have been diligent in balancing agriculture with technology sectors using policies such as their Rural Policy Area (RPA), which encompasses approximately 60% of Loudon County and is intended to preserve agriculture, open space, historic landscapes, and their rural economy. Their County's General Fund revenues exceed $2.3 billion annually, with approximately 38% generated through data center-related tax revenues that help support schools, public safety, parks, libraries, transportation improvements, and other essential community services.  

For Imperial County, where unemployment rates have historically remained among the highest in California and local governments face ongoing fiscal constraints, understanding how communities have leveraged emerging industries to expand economic opportunity and strengthen public services is an important part of evaluating future development pathways. The experience illustrated how communities can preserve traditional industries and neighborhoods while accommodating emerging sectors through thoughtful planning and clear community priorities. 

The tour provided Imperial County Supervisors with an opportunity to better understand both the opportunities and challenges associated with data center development. As discussions continue locally, the County hopes to explore opportunities for interested residents to visit Loudoun County, hear directly from those who live and work there, and develop their own informed perspectives through firsthand experience. 

"Imperial County continues to demonstrate that our region can play a leading role in advancing national energy and economic priorities while creating meaningful opportunities for our residents," said Chairwoman Peggy Price. "These conversations in Washington and beyond help ensure that Imperial County's voice is represented as important decisions are made, while also allowing us to learn from other communities as we thoughtfully plan for our own future." 

The County remains committed to advocating for the resources, partnerships, and investments necessary to improve the quality of life for residents while advancing a future built on agriculture, innovation, energy leadership, and economic opportunity. Imperial County looks forward to continued collaboration with federal, state, local, and private-sector partners to address shared challenges, unlock new opportunities, and ensure that the benefits of future growth are realized by the communities we serve.