California’s Resource of Opportunity

Regional Profile 2015

Compiled by the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation

Our Corporation provides complimentary information,

facilitation and referral services within the following areas: growth industries

• Site selection • Entitlement processing 1. Food Processing • Incentive analysis and financing options 2. Clean Renewables and Energy Generation • Utility acquisition 3. Distribution/Warehousing/Transportation • Workforce development • Economic forecasting and market analysis 4. Specialized Manufacturing/Assembly 5. Construction Materials

6. Applied Biotechnology

7. Inbound Call Centers

8. Tourism

IVEDC STAFF

Timothy E. Kelley Teri Brown PRESIDENT/CEO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT [email protected] [email protected] IMPERIAL VALLEY REGIONAL PROFILE

Sean Wilcock Judy Dang VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS SERVICES INVESTOR RELATIONS [email protected] [email protected]

Cynthia Mancha BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT [email protected]

CONTACT INFORMATION

Physical Address: 1405 N. Imperial Ave., Suite 1 Mailing Address: PO Box 3005 El Centro, CA 92243 El Centro, CA 92244

Office Phone: (760) 353-8332

Fax Line: (760) 353-9149

Website: www.ivedc.com

2 Staff, Contact Information ALLEY PROFILE E L I F O R P L A N O I G E R Y E L L VA L A I R E P M I

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 4 History 5 Regional Overview 6 Geography ...... 6 Population ...... 6 Location ...... 7 Imperial Valley Aerial Map ...... 8 Community Factors 9 Culture & Recreation ...... 9 Housing ...... 10 Educational Facilities ...... 10 Healthcare ...... 11 Business Climate 12 Economy ...... 12 Labor and Wages ...... 14 Industrial Parks ...... 15 Incentives ...... 16 Transportation 18 Highways ...... 18 Airports ...... 18 Rail Roads ...... 18 Ports of Entry ...... 19 Government/Taxes 19 Utilities 20 Water ...... 20 Electricity ...... 20 Natural Gas ...... 20 Telecommunications ...... 20 Contacts 21 Target Industries 22 Community Profiles 24

Table of Contents 3 INTRODUCTION

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OR RY TO S I H

HISTORY

Archeological evidence indicates human occupancy in the form of hunter-gatherers throughout the Salton Trough area until the filling of Lake Cahuilla in approximately A.D. 1050. The very early inhabitants were ancestors of the Desert Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Cocopah, Kumeyaay, and Quechan. They established settlements at least 1,000 to 1,500 years ago in the Colorado River area, near present-day Yuma. In 1540, Hernando de Alarcon sailed up the Colorado River and was the first to encounter the native inhabitants. In 1775, an expedition by Spaniard Juan Bautista de Anza resulted in the formation of two missions, but by 1781 they were destroyed by an uprising of the Yuma Indians. In 1846, General Kearney with 100 men of the Mormon Battalion crossed the Colorado River to Warner’s Ranch during the war with Mexico, and afterwards the United States acquired the area in 1848. In Imperial Valley Bank 1902 in Brawley, CA 1850, Americans operated a ferry across the Colorado River but were massacred. This resulted in the Governor of California sending the state’s militia to suppress the uprising and thereafter established Fort Yuma. Mail by mule was inaugurated in 1857 from Fort Yuma to San Diego through Warner Springs from 1858 to 1861. The Butterfield Stage took over the overland mail route and was controlled by Wells Fargo. The adobe ruins of some of the Butterfield stage stations can still be found today. In the 1860’s gold was discovered in the Picacho and Cargo Muchacho mountains. Tumco was a thriving town site from approximately 1884 to 1914. The search for gold continues today with the Mesquite Gold Mine owned by New Gold, currently approved for further gold mining. The Homestead Act of 1862 passed by Congress offered 40 acres to any person, with up to 160 acres per family to settle on the land for more than a year in order to bring new residents to the area. In 1878, the Southern Pacific Railroad (SPRR) constructed a transcontinental railroad line through the area from Los Angeles to Yuma, Arizona. In 1903, to serve the new settlements springing up, a branch line was built by SPRR from Niland southward. In 1901, the California Development Company conveyed the first irrigation water by the opening of the Alamo Canal. This project created a series of towns and a large agricultural First auction sale of lots at Imperial on April 12, 1904, inside the tent with the California Development Co. and hopeful landowners area with the first town site laid out called “Imperial”. From 1901 to 1905, Imperial Valley’s agricultural activities developed rapidly until the disastrous Colorado River flood between 1905 and 1907 that inundated the newly constructed irrigation ditches, farm fields and thus creating the Salton Sea. The river’s flow was stopped by the combined efforts of the California Development Company and the Southern Pacific Company and the Colorado River was turned back into its previous channel. In 1907, the California Development Company had attracted nearly 15,000 people and the County of Imperial was formed. In 1916, the “Plank Road” was constructed across the eastern Sand Dunes and in 1926 it was replaced by an asphalt road increasing the population arriving from the east.

History 5

GEOGRAPHY

Imperial Valley extends over 4,597 square-miles in the Southeastern corner of California. Imperial Valley borders Baja California, Mexico to the south, Riverside County to the north, San Diego County to the west, and the State of Arizona to the east. The terrain varies from 253 feet below sea level at the Salton Sea to 4,854 feet at Blue Angel Peak.

The Valley is largely flat terrain with mountains toward the west. Its central portion has been irrigated with water from the Colorado River since nearly the turn of the century. Historically, Imperial Valley has been one of California’s leading agricultural areas. Today, the economy is driven by logistics firms,

REGIONAL OVERVIEW warehousing, retail trade and light manufacturing.

Imperial Valley has seven incorporated cities: The picture depicts the vast contrast between the openness that characterizes Impe- Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Holtville, rial Valley and the metropolis of Mexicali, Mexico Imperial and Westmorland. The city of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, is located across the border from Imperial Valley. Mexicali has a population of nearly one million and hosts a robust and diversified industrial base. This base (especially the large Maquilladora facilities, with their sister plants located elsewhere) results in significant cross border traffic and cargo shipment into and through Imperial Valley totaling more than $7.7 billion in 2013. The liberalization of trade under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and our strategic border location, gives companies relocating to Imperial Valley a global competitive advantage. POPULATION

Imperial County Population Imperial County Projected Population Population by City 2012 2006 167,026 2020 239,149 Brawley 25,465 Calexico 39,533 2007 172,672 2030 283,693 Calipatria 7,980 2008 175,622 2040 334,951 El Centro 43,396 2050 387,763 2009 181,500 Imperial 15,353 California Department of Finance 2010 174,528 Holtville 6,049 2011 175,712 Westmorland 2,270 2012 177,441 Unincorporated 37,395 Total 177,441 California Department of Finance; Southern California Assoc. of Governments (SCAG) Southern California Assoc. of Governments (SCAG)

Imperial County Population by Race 2012 Imperial County Population by Age 2012 Hispanic 82.4% 65 and over 19,527 60 to 64 years 7,905 White 12.1% 55 to 59 years 9,882 45 to 54 years 21,951 Black 2.8% 35 to 44 years 22,327 Asian 1.1% 25 to 34 years 24,728 American Indian & Alaska 20 to 24 years 14,212 .9% 15 to 19 years 14,386 Native 10 to 14 years 13,845 All Other .7% 5 to 9 years 13,797 Under 5 years 14,388

Southern California Assoc. of Governments (SCAG) U.S. Census Bureau

Geography, Population 6 OVER W E I RV E V O L A N O I G E R

LOCATION

Location 7

IMPERIAL COUNTY AERIAL

REGIONAL OVERVIEW

8 Imperial County Aerial Map F ORS S R TO C FA Y T I N U M M O C

CULTURE & RECREATION

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love about Imperial Valley. From a sand dune recreation area that draws hundreds of thousands of off-road enthusiasts on holiday weekends, to habitats so abundant that bird watchers flock from around the globe to view rare species, and a desert so beautiful it invites poetic musings. Imperial County has it all. The Imperial Sand Dunes is one of the most striking features in the Imperial Valley and just about anywhere. The 40-mile-long dune system is one of the largest in the United States. Its crests soar to Father and son fishing at dusk on Sunbeam Lake heights of more than 300 feet. And it has become the sandy playground destination of off-road enthusiasts from far and wide. More than once, the supple, windblown expanse has served as the setting for movies and television commercials. Often referred to as the American Sahara, the Imperial Sand Dunes are surreal reminders of the ancient and enormous Lake Cahuilla that once filled the Imperial Valley and receded about the time Columbus sailed to America. The dunes are just one of a number of outdoor pleasures awaiting discovery in the Imperial Valley. Scores of recreational opportunities are highlighted in “Escape to Adventure” a tourism brochure View from the crest of a sand dune at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area published by the Imperial Valley Joint Chambers of Commerce. Because of its location on the Pacific Flyway, there have been over 400 species of birds recorded at the Salton Sea and you can see up to 100 species every day. Held each winter, Salton Sea International Bird Festival brings in several hundred bird watchers from throughout the country. The festival consists of tours, lectures and exhibits. For additional information, contact the Brawley or El Centro Chamber of Commerce. Imperial Valley is bordered on the east by the Colorado River; it provides many water based recreation activities including water skiing, canoeing, boating, and fishing. Other recreational lakes include Sunbeam and Weist lakes located a few minutes drive from El Centro and Brawley.

Brawley is location of an annual rodeo

Performers at the annual Mariachi Festival in Calexico

Culture & Recreation 9

HOUSING

Housing Units in Imperial County Types of Housing in Imperial County Multi Single Single Multi Mobile Vacancy 2003 45,944 5 or Detached Attached 2 to 4 Homes Rate % 2004 47,086 More 2005 48,495 2003 26,714 1,893 3,552 6,064 7,721 10.02 2006 51,792 2004 27,635 1,913 3,570 6,234 7,734 9.9 2007 54,789 2005 28,557 2,032 3,611 6,519 7,776 9.86 2008 55,644 2006 31,253 2,003 3,784 6,956 7,796 9.94 2009 56,237 2007 33,840 2,003 3,845 7,270 7,831 10.51 2010 56,067 2011 56,291 2008 34,232 2,124 3,888 7,545 7,855 11.01

COMMUNITY FACTORS 2012 56,117 2009 34.417 2,157 3,901 7,885 7,877 10.99

California Department of Finance 2010 34,517 2,157 3,890 8,074 7,883 10.91

2011 37,597 945 3,932 7,637 5,663 13.3

2012 35,929 1,721 5,535 6,385 6,425 16.7

California Department of Finance

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

K-12 Districts Imperial County has 62 schools in 16 school districts and the County Office of Education. Among these schools there are 24 elementary schools serving K-6, eight elementary schools serving K-8, nine middle schools, seven alternative education high schools and eight high schools. In the county our average class size for 2008-2009 was 24.5 right below California’s average class size of 25.4. Imperial Valley offers alternatives to public education with twelve private schools located throughout the County. Imperial Valley College As part of the California Community College system, Imperial Valley College (IVC) offers education opportunities that can lead to associates degrees, career program certification and college transfers in a variety of subject areas. Equally as significant, IVC offers a source for hiring and training employees by providing customized training designed to fit an employers specific needs. San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus provides well-balanced, high quality education for undergraduate and graduate students. Contributing knowledge and solution of problems through excellence and distinction in teaching, research and service. SDSU’s Imperial Valley Campus offers locally earned bachelor’s degrees and opportunities for pursuit of advanced degrees at its main campus in San Diego. University of Phoenix The University of Phoenix opened its Imperial Valley Campus in July 2004. It presently offers four undergraduate majors and three graduate degrees. Student enrollment is currently at 115. Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program The Imperial Valley Regional Occupational Program (IVROP) is a public education service which provides free practical hands-on training, career guidance and job placement assistance. IVROP provides employers with a pool of students who have been trained to acquire entry-level jobs, update and/or improve job skills and prepare for advanced training and education. 10 Housing, Educational Facilities F ORS S R TO C FA Y T I N U M M O C

HEALTHCARE

El Centro Regional Medical Center El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) is a licensed 165- bed general acute care facility located in El Centro, California. ECRMC is committed to providing the community with healthcare excellence as reflected in its mission statement: "To Provide Healthcare Excellence For The Imperial Valley.”

ECRMC has completed a recent $44 million dollar expansion The new emergency room addition to ECRMC providing the community with a state of the art facility. El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) is pleased to announce the addition of Oncology and Hematology of Imperial Valley to its group of outpatient centers. The management and employees want to provide their patients with the highest quality healthcare experience.

Pioneers Memorial Hospital Pioneers Memorial Hospital is 107-bed acute care facility. Accredited by The Joint Commission (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), it is committed to providing state-of-the -art healthcare, complemented by the highest quality of community education.

Pioneers Memorial Hospital lit up at night

Clinicas De Salud Del Pueblo, Inc. Clinicas De Salud Del Puelbo, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation providing an array of com- prehensive primary care services to residents throughout Imperial County and Riverside County. Established in 1970, Clinicas De Salud Del Pueblo has expanded from two original clinics to seven clinics, two dental centers, one mobile dental unit, and three Women, Infant and Children centers. All clinics have bilingual and bicultural staff to assist patients. Clinicas de Salud is dedicated to providing excellent care, committed to contributing high level of customer service and promises to uphold services with uncompromising adherence to the highest standard of moral and ethical conduct.

Healthcare 11

ECONOMY

Employment by Sector 2013 Labor Force in Imperial County Unemployment Industry No. of Workers Labor Force Employment Unemployment Rate Total Non-farm 51,100 Total Private 33,400 2003 59,200 49,900 9,300 15.7 Goods Producing 4,800 2004 60,000 49,700 9,300 15.7 Service Providing 46,300 Private Services Providing 28,600 2005 61,500 51,800 9,700 15.8 Total Farm 10,200 2006 64,200 54,400 9,800 15.3 BUSINESS CLIMATE Mining, Logging and 2,300 Construction 2007 66,700 54,600 12,000 18.1 Manufacturing 2,500 Durable Goods 500 2008 73,500 56,700 16,800 22.9 Nondurable Goods 2,000 Trade, Transportation, and 2009 76,200 54,700 21,500 28.2 11,900 Utilities Wholesale Trade 1,800 2010 75,400 54,400 21,000 27.9 Retail Trade 8,100 2011 Transportation, Warehous- 80,400 57,200 23,200 28.9 2,000 ing and Utilities 2012 80,900 58,900 22,000 27.2 Information 300 Financial Activities 1,400 2013 80,200 60,600 19,700 24.5 Professional and Business 2,800 Services California Employment Development Department Educational and Health 7,500 Services Leisure and Hospitality 3,900 Other Services 800 Government 17,700 Federal Government 2,400 State and Local 15,300 Government State Government 2,700 Local Government 12,600

California Employment Development Department

This CalEnergy geothermal plant operates in the middle of crops in Imperial Valley. High mineral contents of some southern California geothermal reservoirs provide salable byproducts like silica and zinc.

12 Economy TE E AT M I L C S S E N I S U B ECONOMY

Household Income in Imperial County Taxable Sales in Imperial County

Median Household In 1000's % Change

Income 2012 $2,356,313 8.0 2012 $40,849 2011 $2,181,800 10.7 2011 $37,843 2010 $1,970,332 11.1 2010 $41,802 2009 $1,773,930 -18.6 2009 $38,594 2008 $2,452,537 2.9 2008 $37,936 U. S. Census Bureau; Southern California Assoc. of 2007 $2,253,133 4.9 Governments (SCAG) 2006 $2,148,730 7.4 2005 $ 2,000,619 18.4 2004 $ 1,689,539

California Board of Equalization Personal Income in Imperial County

Per Capita Total Personal Income CA Per Capita US Per Capita Income In 1,000’s Income Income 2012 $30,894 $5,466,646 $46,477 $43,735 2011 $30,459 $5,357,598 $44,666 $42,298 2010 $27,342 $4,788,627 $42,514 $39,937 2009 $27,417 $4,715,918 $41,301 $38,846 2008 $27,648 $4,642,497 $44,003 $40,947 2007 $26,055 $4,288,576 $43,211 $39,506 2006 $24,874 $3,992,432 $41,518 $37,725 2005 $23,831 $3,720,263 $38,731 $35,452 2004 $23,116 $3,519,628 $36,887 $33,909

U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis

Shoppers at Imperial Valley Mall

Economy 13

LABOR & WAGES

Occupational Earnings for 2013 Mean Annual

Earnings Management Occupations $95,900 Business & Financial Operations $61,900 Computer & Mathematical Science $63,250 Architecture and Engineering $81,270 BUSINESS CLIMATE Life, Physical, & Social Science $70,880

Community and Social Services $46,400 Legal Occupations $77,500 Education, Training & Library $57,060 Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, $48,350 & Media Healthcare Practitioner & Technical $77,430 Occupations Healthcare Support $29,370

Protective Service $66,470 Food Preparation & Service Related $22,120 Building, Grounds Cleaning, & $25,950 Maintenance Personal Care & Service $21,500

Sales & Related Occupations $28,340

Office & Administrative Support $32,820

Farming, Fishing, & Forestry $20,030

Construction & Extraction $48,770 Installation, Maintenance, & Repair $47,630 Production Occupations $36,470 Transportation & Material Moving $27,290 Occupations All Occupations $40,750

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

14 Labor & Wages TE E AT M I L C S S E N I S U B

INDUSTRIAL PARKS

Mesquite Lake Specific Plan Area • 5,100 acres • Zoned industrial with railway access

Gateway to the Americas Center • 1,700 acres  Zoned commercial and industrial  Adjacent to the Calexico East Port of Entry Imperial Business Park • 60 acres  Zoned commercial and industrial • Taxiway available-bordering Imperial County Airport Maggio Industrial Center • 78 acres  Zoned commercial and industrial • Adjacent to the Calexico East Port of Entry

Portico Industrial Park • 131.7 acres • Zoned Industrial with railway access

Colace Brothers Industrial • 20 acres • Zoned Industrial with railway access

Crown Business Center • 30 acres • Located near Interstate 8

Castillo Construction Industrial Park • 30 acres • Located near Imperial County Airport

Center Point • 45 acres • Located near Imperial County Airport

Mealey Industrial Park • 14 Acres • Access to Interstate 8

Industrial Parks 15 Imperial Valley is the fastest growing county in the State of California and offers a vast number of business opportunities along with a large number of trade possibilities. There are several state and federal initiatives that promote economic development through incentives to employers in the County. These incentives are available for qualifying existing and new businesses.

FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

A foreign trade zone (FTZ) provides incentives for domestic BUSINESS CLIMATE BUSINESS CLIMATE manufacturers that utilize imported raw material and are located inside the designated areas of the FTZ. Imperial Val

Imperial Valley has seven areas in FTZ #257. These areas are considered outside the United States by U.S. Customs. Imported materials or merchan- dise imported into the zones are excluded from customs duties and excise taxes until they leave the FTZ. Materials and goods exported outside the U.S. are excluded from being charged a duty.

Additional benefits include: • Reduced tariffs  Duty exemptions  Duty elimination on waste, scrap and yield loss • Weekly entry fee savings • Duty deferral

For more information, visit www.ftzconsultants.com.

HUBZONE

In order to stimulate job creation in underutilized business areas, the Small Business Administration (SBA) introduced the Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program. Small businesses operating within HUBZones gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities such as:  Competitive and sole source contracting  10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, as well as subcontracting opportunities To be eligible firms must be located in the HUBZone, be owned and controlled at least 51% by U.S Citizens, or a Community Development Corporation, or an agricultural cooperative or an Indian tribe, and have at least 35% of employees reside in the HUBZone. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/content/hubzone.

16 Incentives TE E AT M I L C S S E N I S U B

CALIFORNIA COMPETES TAX CREDIT

The California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to come to California or stay and grow in California. Tax credit agreements will be negotiated by GO-Biz and approved by a newly created “California Competes Tax Credit Committee,” consisting of the State Treasurer, the Director of the Department of Finance, the Director of GO-Biz, one appointee from the Senate, and one appointee of the Assembly.

For more information and application documents, visit www.business.ca.gov/Programs/ CaliforniaCompetesTaxCredit.

SAN DIEGO/IMPERIAL VALLEY RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ZONE (RMDZ)

The goal of this program is to increase diversion of non-hazardous solid waste away from California landfills and to promote market demand for secondary and postconsumer materials.

The Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) program provides economic incentives and technical services to businesses that divert waste from California’s landfills while adding jobs and revenues to the local economy.

This program is a partnership among local businesses, local zone administrators, and state and local agencies. Hundreds of companies that manufacture goods made from recycled materials, such as plastic, glass, paper, wood, organics, tires, and construction debris, use these services. Some companies have benefited from a business loan, while others have taken advantage of the free technical assistance and/or product exposure opportunities through the RecycleStore.com website.

By tapping into the resources offered through the RMDZ program, you can help conserve resources and increase your bottom line at the same time.

We are Here to Help CalRecycle, the agency responsible for managing California’s solid waste stream and The Southern California Boarder Region Recycling Market Development Zone can help you identify new markets for recycled content products, help recycling-based businesses, and provide public education and outreach programs, to divert waste from disposal to higher and better use.

Program Benefits Business loans Creative partnerships Free advertising Permitting assistance

For more information, visit www.socalrmdz.com or contact Sean Wilcock at [email protected] or (760) 353-8332.

NEW MARKET TAX CREDITS

Taxpayers who make equity investments in designated Community Development Entities (CDEs) may qualify for Federal income tax credits. These investments must then be used by the CDE to provide investments in low-income communities. The Investor will receive a credit that totals 39% of the cost of the investment. This credit is claimed over a seven year credit allowance period, 5% for the first three years and 6% for the last four years.

Incentives 17

HIGHWAYS

1] Interstate 8 is a major east-west route from San Diego through El Centro and entering Yuma, Arizona in the east. 2] SR 7 links Interstate 8 with the Calexico East Port of Entry. 3] SR 111 is a major north-south route from Calexico, north through Brawley and Calipatria and past the Salton Sea to link with Interstate 10 in Coachella. 4] SR 86, a designated NAFTA Highway, provides another link between Interstate 8 (connects TRANSPORTATION to San Diego) and Interstate 10 (connects to Los Angeles).

Distance to Major Markets City Miles Drive Times Los Angeles 213 3 hours, 26 minutes Las Vegas 384 6 hours, 2 minutes Phoenix 243 3 hours, 53 minutes

Sacramento 596 9 hours, 36 minutes San Francisco 591 9 hours, 21 minutes Tucson 296 4 hours, 16 minutes El Paso 613 8 hours, 40 minutes San Diego 113 1 hour, 49 minutes Ensenada 172 3 hours Mexicali 13 20 minutes RandMcNally.com

AIRPORTS

Airports in Imperial

Community Runway 1 (ft) Runway 2 (ft)

Imperial County Airport Imperial 5304 4500 Brawley Municipal Airport Brawley 4402 Calexico International Airport Calexico 4679

Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport Calipatria 3423 RAILROADS

1] Union Pacific Railroad has direct routes to Los Angeles in the west and El Paso to the east. The main line through Imperial County provides service to eight communities in the County. 2] Carrizo Gorge Railway provides freight service between the Imperial Valley and San Diego, passing through Tecate, Mexico before entering the U.S. at the San Yisdro Port of Entry and linking to the Los Angeles Port.

18 Highways, Airports, Railroads

TTION / GOVERNMENT T S E X TA / T N E M N R E V O G / N O I RTAT O P S N A R T

PORTS OF ENTRY

1] Calexico East Port of Entry provides eight lanes for passenger vehicles and four lanes for commercial traffic. In 2013, 3,527,110 vehicles and a total of $7,578,862,766 of trade crossed the Port of Entry. Source: US Department of Transportation

2] Calexico Downtown Port of Entry provides access to ten lanes open to passenger vehicle and pedestrian crossing.

3] Andrade Port of Entry provides two lanes for passenger vehicles and one informal lane designated for commercial traffic.

GOVERNMENT Pedestrian Entrance to the Calexico East Port of Entry

A five-member Board of Supervisors leads the Imperial County. They are elected for four year staggered terms by voters in their specific district. Imperial County contains seven incorporated cities that are managed in the council-manager form of government: • Brawley • Holtville • Calexico • Imperial • Calipatria • Westmorland • El Centro

The Imperial County Court House in TAXES the City of El Centro

State and Local Taxes—Income and Employment Income Taxes Base/Measure Rate (Range) Administering Agency Corp. income and franchise Net income 8.84% Franchise Tax Board tax Sub-chapter S corp. Net income 1.5% Franchise Tax Board

Sub-chapter S financial corp. Net income 3.5% Franchise Tax Board

Bank and financial corp. Net income 10.84% Franchise Tax Board

Personal income tax (state) Taxable income 1-9.3% Franchise Tax board

Payroll and Dept. of Industrial Relations (oversight); private Workers' comp insurance Variable occupation insurers (administration) Unemployment insurance tax Wages, up to $7,000 1.5-6.2% Employment Development Department (EDD)

Employment training tax (funds employment training Wages, up to $7,000 0.1% Employment Development Department (EDD) program)

Wages, up to 1.0% Disability insurance tax Employment Development Department (EDD) $101,636 (Employees pay thru withholding)

Imperial County Property Tax Assessed Value 1% Imperial County Assessor & Tax Collector Sales Tax 8.00% Board of Equalization *Calexico 8.50%

California Franchise Tax Board, 2013; California Employment Development Dept., 2014; California Dept. of Industrial Relations, 2014; Imperial County Assessor, 2014; Board of Equalization, 2013

Ports of Entry, Government, Taxes 19

WATER

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is the largest irrigation district in the nation and employs more than 1,100 people. The IID Water Department facilitates the transfer of raw Colorado River water for agricultural, as well as industrial, rural-residential and municipal non-potable use in Imperial Valley. An extensive drainage system is also maintained by the IID Water Department that allows for agricultural runoff.

U T I L I T I E S IID has a longstanding right to divert Colorado River water, and holds legal title to all its water and water rights in trust for landowners and water users within the District. These date from as early as 1885, when a number of individuals, as well as the California Development Company, made a series of appropriations of Colorado River water pursuant to stipulations of California law for use in the Imperial Valley.

As a public entity, IID does not make a profit from the sale of its water. All benefits stay in the local areas in the form of lower rates and progressive services to meet local needs. As such, IID has a special commitment to innovations and the wise use of resources.

The IID Water Department is comprised of five sections: Administration, Resources Planning and Management, Engineering Services, Water Operations, and Construction and Maintenance. These five sections allow IID to meet the water needs of its customers today, while implementing practices and procedures that will conserve and protect Colorado River water for generations to come. ELECTRICITY

IID Energy provides electric power to almost 140,000 customers in the Imperial Valley Southern Riverside County and a small portion of Eastern San Diego County. As the sixth largest utility in California, IID Energy controls more than 1,000 megawatts of energy derived from a diverse resource portfolio that includes its own generation, and long and short term power purchases. As a consumer-owned utility, IID Energy works to efficiently and effectively meet its customers’ demands at the best possible rates, tying our area’s low-cost of living directly with low-cost utilities. They accomplish this by producing much of the power supply locally, using efficient, low-cost hydroelectric facilities, steam generation facilities, as well as several natural gas turbines.

Imperial Valley promises to be a future renewable resource capital and IID Energy firmly supports green energy use and its development. As such, they are seeking opportunities to integrate renewable energy in their resource portfolio.

Capacity Rates $20/KW demand and Economic Development Peak Load: 993.0 Megawatts Service area is $0.02/KWh (based on Rate IID-Owned Resource (60%): 655 Megawatts 6,471 sq. mi. with load factor) current customer Firm Power Purchases (40%): 525 Megawatts base of 140,000. Total From All Sources: 1180 Megawatts

NATURAL GAS

Southern California Gas Company serves the Imperial County with natural gas and is headquartered in Los Angeles. Southern California Gas Company is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy and is the largest natural gas utility in the nation.

Southern California Gas Company delivers natural gas via twin ten-inch lines which generally run south through the county in Range 14 East. Liquid petroleum products are delivered to and are transported through the County via the twenty-inch Santa Fe Pacific Pipe Line.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AT&T, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the U.S. and the world, provides telephone service to Imperial County. Due to the County’s seismic conditions, the AT&T telephone system is one of the most elaborate communication networks in the country. The equipment and facilities in Imperial County are earthquake resistant up to 8.0 magnitude. High speed Internet access in Imperial County is offered by both AT&T and Time Warner. Time Warner high speed internet provides access over the existing cable network. AT&T has one of the world’s most advanced and powerful global backbone networks, which offers up to 99.999% availability.

20 Water, Electricity, Natural Gas, Telecommunications ACTS S T C TA N O C

CONTACTS

Local Government

Imperial County City of Brawley City of Calexico Planning and Development Services Community Development Services Community Development 801 Main St. 205 S. Imperial Ave. 608 Heber Ave. El Centro, CA 92243 Brawley, CA 92227 Calexico, CA 92231 (442) 265-1020 (760) 344-8622 (760) 768-2105 www.co.imperial.ca.us www.brawley-ca.gov www.calexico.ca.gov

City of Calipatria City of El Centro City of Holtville 125 N. Park Ave. Economic Development 121 W. 5th St. Calipatria, CA 92233 1275 Main St. Holtville, CA 92250 (760) 348-4141 El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 356-1863 www.calipatria.com (760) 337-4543 www.holtville.ca.gov www.cityofelcentro.org City of Imperial Economic Development City of Westmorland 420 S. Imperial Ave. 355 S. Center St. Imperial, CA 92251 Westmorland, CA 92281 (760) 355-3326 (760) 344-3411 www.cityofimperial.org www.cityofwestmorland.net

Economic Development

Imperial Valley Economic Development Corp. 1405 N. Imperial Ave., Ste. 1 El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 353-8332 www.ivedc.com Chambers of Commerce

Brawley Chamber of Commerce Calexico Chamber of Commerce Calipatria Chamber of Commerce 204 S. Imperial Ave. 1100 Imperial Ave. 125 N. Park Ave. Brawley, CA 92227 Calexico, CA92231 Calipatria, CA 92233 (760) 344-3160 (760) 357-1166 (760) 348-4141 www.brawleychamber.com www.calexicochamber.net www.calipatria.com/chamber

El Centro Chamber of Commerce & Holtville Chamber of Commerce Imperial Chamber of Commerce Visitors Bureau 101 W. 5th St. 297 S. Imperial Ave. 1095 S. 4th St. Holtville, CA 92250 Imperial, CA, 92251 El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 356-2923 (760) 355-1609 (760) 352-3681 www.holtvillechamber.org www.imperialchamber.org www.elcentrochamber.com Niland Chamber of Commerce West Shores Chamber of Commerce Westmorland 8031 Hwy. 111 4112 Haven Ave. 355 S. Center St. Niland, CA 92257 Salton City, 92275 Westmorland, CA 92281 (760) 359-0870 (760) 394-4112 (760) 344-3411 www.cityofwestmorland.net/ State Representatives chamber-of-commerce

US House of Representatives State Assembly, 56th District 51st Congressional District Eduardo Garcia Juan Vargas 1625 W. Main St. 380 North 8th St., Ste. 14 Valley Plaza, Ste. 220 El Centro, CA 92243 El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 355-8800 (760) 336-8912 Contacts 21

FOOD PROCESSING

Agriculture has had a rich and fruitful tradition in Imperial Valley. Today, the region is becoming fertile ground for the location of food processing firms that recognize the advantages of locating in Imperial Valley:  Imperial Valley agricultural products were valued at $ 1.9 billion for 2012 making it the 10th largest producer of agricultural products by value in the United States.  Imperial Valley is a leading livestock producer ranking seventh in the nation for cattle production and second in sheep and lamb production. 2013 Summary

TARGET INDUSTRIES

Cows in one of Imperial Valleys many feedlots.

Source: Imperial County Agricultural Crop & Livestock Report 2013

DISTRIBUTION, WAREHOUSING, TRANSPORTATION

As the fifth largest economy of the world, California is one of the largest consumer markets in the world. Imperial Valley provides access to Southern California communities, Mexico, as well as access to other cities in the desert southwest.

 Four hour drive from Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego and Tijuana.

 Neighboring Mexicali, Mexico is the location of 131 assembly/manufacturing plants, employing more than 55,000 workers.

 Gateway to the Americas Center is a specific plan area located on 1,700 acres of land adjacent to the Calexico East Port of Entry and the site of a Foreign Trade Zone.

 $7,578,862,766 of trade passed through Calexico East Port of Entry in 2013. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, TransBorder Freight Data

22 Target Industries ARGET S E I R T S U D N I T E G R TA CLEAN RENEWABLES AND ENERGY GENERATION

The State of California set a goal of generating 20% of it’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2010. Imperial Valley helped to meet this goal. Attributes like abundant sunshine, low-priced land, geothermal activity and water rights make Imperial Valley poised to be the renewable energy leader.

Geothermal Energy Imperial Valley is a hotbed of geothermal activity with 18 geothermal energy generation facilities generating over 550 megawatts, making it the second largest producer of geothermal energy in California.

Solar Energy A geothermal plant amongst the verdant fields of Imperial With the greatest amount of sunny days in the country, solar Valley. power generation has a bright future in Imperial Valley.

Ethanol Fuel

TOURISM

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love about Imperial Valley. From a sand dune recreation area that draw hundreds of thousands of off-road enthusiasts on holiday weekends, to habitats so abundant that bird watchers flock from around the globe to glimpse rare species, to a desert so beautiful it invites poetic musings.

Salton Sea One of the worlds largest inland seas, Salton Sea is a 360 large square-mile basin is a popular site for boaters, water skiers and anglers. Salton Sea is located on the Pacific Flyway, and 400 different species of birds have been counted at the Salton Sea - almost half of the 900 species known to exist on the North American Continent. During winter migration up to four million individual birds estimated to use the Sea each day there is a greater variety and more individual species here than any other place in the nation. Photographers looking to capture one of kind shots will find numerous oppor- tunities in Salton Sea with its unique landscape and vibrant wildlife.

Imperial Sand Dunes Spanning 40 miles, the Imperial Sand Dunes is one of the largest off-road sites in the United Sates. With it’s large dune crests that reach over 300 ft. and picturesque scenery it attracts more then 200,000 visitors on holiday weekends. An economic analysis of Imperial Sand Dunes show that associated with them brought in $415 million to the local economy 2005-2006.

Target Industries 23 BRAWLEY

400 Main St. Brawley, CA 92243 (760) 344-3048 www.brawley-ca.gov

Population Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Population 18,923 22,052 24,953 25,465 2,901 13.2% Source: California Department of Finance; Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) COMMUNITY PROFILE Housing Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Housing Units 6,124 7,038 8,231 8,410 1,193 17% Source: California Department of Finance Housing Permits 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Housing Permits 1,778 2,191 2,203 84 140 22 15 84 10 29 Source: U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department

Assessed Value (in thousands of dollars) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Assessment Values $ 1,088,200 $ 1,127,882 $1,069,657 $1,042,500 Source: California Board of Equalization

Income & Home Value Labor Force Data 2012 Median Household Income $41,263 2012 Labor Force 13,800 2012 Median Existing Home Sales Price $123,000 2012 Employment 10,100 Source: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2012 Unemployment 3,700 Source: California Employment Development Department

Population by Age Taxable Sales (in thousands of dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey Source: California Board of Equalization

24 Community Profile PROFILE E L I F O R P Y T I N U M M O C CALEXICO

608 Heber Ave. Calexico, CA 92231 (760) 768-2110 www.calexico.ca.gov

Population Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Population 18,633 27,109 38,572 39,533 11,463 42.3% Source: California Department of Finance; Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)

Housing Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Housing Units 4,832 6,983 10,651 10,160 3,668 52.5% Source: California Department of Finance

Housing Permits Housing 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Permits 597 519 422 230 60 15 0 52 23 29 Source: U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department

Assessed Value (in thousands of dollars) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Assessment Values $1,644,685 $1,577,425 $1,521,695 $1,402,901 Source: California Board of Equalization

Income & Home Value Total Employment 2012 Median Household Income $ 38,186 2012 Labor Force 16,000 2012 Median Existing Home Sales Price $137,000 2012 Employment 11,700 Source: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2012 Unemployment 4,400 Source: California Employment Development Department

Population by Age Taxable Sales (in thousands of dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey Source: California Board of Equalization

Community Profile 25

EL CENTRO

1275 Main St. El Centro,CA 92243 (760) 337-4540 www.cityofelcentro.org

Population Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Population 31,405 37,835 42,598 43,396 4,763 12.6% Source: California Department of Finance; Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) COMMUNITY PROFILE Housing Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010

Housing Units 10,200 12,263 14,476 14,475 2,213 18% Source: California Department of Finance

Housing Permits Housing 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Permits 644 579 105 194 194 8 0 2 74 5 Source: U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department

Assessed Value (in thousands of dollars) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Assessment Values $2,344,458 $2,359,512 $2,311,474 $2,223,295 Source: California Board of Equalization

Income & Home Value Total Employment 23,300 2012 Median Household Income $ 42,638 2012 Labor Force 2012 Median Existing Home Sales Price $ 123,000 2012 Employment 17,900 Source: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2012 Unemployment 5,400 Source: California Employment Development Department

Population by Age Taxable Sales (in thousands of dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey Source: California Board of Equalization

26 Community Profile PROFILE E L I F O R P Y T I N U M M O C HOLTVILLE

121 W. Fifth St. Holtville, CA 92250 (760) 356-2913 www.holtville.ca.gov

Population Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Population 4,820 5,612 5,939 6,049 327 5.8% Source: California Department of Finance; Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)

Housing Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Housing Units 1,477 1,617 1,937 2,091 320 19.8% Source: California Department of Finance

Housing Permits Housing 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Permits 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Source: U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department

Assessed Value (in thousands of dollars) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Assessment Values $ 166,219 $170,781 $167,672 $172,545 Source: California Board of Equalization

Income & Home Value Total Employment 2012 Median Household Income $ 38,040 2012 Labor Force 3,400 2012 Median Existing Home Sales Price $ 95,000 2012 Employment 2,700 Source: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2012 Unemployment 800 Source: California Employment Development Department

Population by Age Taxable Sales (in thousands of dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey Source: California Board of Equalization

Community Profile 27

IMPERIAL

420 S. Imperial Ave. Imperial, CA 92251 (760) 335-4371 www.cityofimperial.org

Population Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Population 4,113 7,560 14,758 15,353 7,198 95.2% Source: California Department of Finance; Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) COMMUNITY PROFILE Housing Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Housing Units 1,372 2,385 4,751 4,876 2,366 99.2% Source: California Department of Finance

Housing Permits Housing 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Permits 77 754 493 301 72 98 84 117 173 234 Source: U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department

Assessed Value (in thousands of dollars) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Assessment Values $ 892,526 $819,942 $813,536 $810,124 Source: California Board of Equalization

Income & Home Value Total Employment 2012 Median Household Income $ 54,232 2012 Labor Force 5,000 2012 Median Existing Home Sales Price $ 159,500 2012 Employment 4,200 Source: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2012 Unemployment 800 Source: California Employment Development Department

Population by Age Taxable Sales (in thousands of dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey Source: California Board of Equalization

28 Community Profile PROFILE E L I F O R P Y T I N U M M O C WESTMORLAND

355 South Center St. Westmorland, CA 92281 (760) 344-3411 www.cityofwestmorland.net

Population Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Population 1,380 2,131 2,225 2,270 94 4.4% Source: California Department of Finance; Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)

Housing Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Housing Units 432 667 678 693 11 1.6% Source: California Department of Finance

Housing Permits Housing 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Permits 68 3 11 4 0 0 2 1 0 0 Source: U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department

Assessed Value (in thousands of dollars) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Assessment Values $54,349 $49,404 $51,053 $43,083 Source: California Board of Equalization

Income & Home Value Total Employment 2012 Median Household Income $ 27,500 2012 Labor Force 1,400 2012 Median Existing Home Sales Price $ 73,000 2012 Employment 900 Source: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2012 Unemployment 500 Source: California Employment Development Department

Population by Age Taxable Sales (in thousands of dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey Source: California Board of Equalization

Community Profile 29 CALIPATRIA

125 N. Park Ave. Calipatria, CA 92233 (760) 348-4141 www.calipatria.com

Population Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Population 2,690 7,289 7,705 7,980 416 5.7% Source: California Department of Finance; Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) COMMUNITY PROFILE

Housing Absolute Change % Change 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Housing Units 767 961 1,121 1,972 160 16.6% Source: California Department of Finance

Housing Permits 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Housing Permits 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Source: U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department

Assessed Value (in thousands of dollars) 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Assessment Values $83,953 $95,299 $91,954 $94,266 Source: California Board of Equalization

Income & Home Value Total Employment 2012 Median Household Income $ 32,745 2012 Labor Force 1,800 2012 Median Existing Home Sales Price $ 60,000 2012 Employment 1,300 Source: Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) 2012 Unemployment 500 Source: California Employment Development Department

Population by Age Taxable Sales (in thousands of dollars)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey Source: California Board of Equalization

Community Profile 30 1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Population 2,690 7,289 7,705 7,980 416 5.7%

1990 2000 2010 2012 2000-2010 2000-2010 Housing Units 767 961 1,121 1,972 160 16.6%

WWW.IVEDC.COM October 2015