The Imperial Valley Civic Ecosystem Initiative, a partnership between the Governor’s Office, California Energy Commission, California Strategic Growth Council, Institute for Local Government, and the Latino Community Foundation, works to ensure local Imperial Valley communities aren’t left behind as the region gears up to bolster the state’s clean energy future.  

To help ensure that opportunities for new infrastructure, economic development, and climate resiliency reach a region of the state that is poised to play a key part in our clean energy future, the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and the Institute for Local Government (ILG) have launched BOOST Imperial Valley as part of the Imperial Valley Ecosystem Initiative, which is a program designed to help Imperial Valley communities access federal, state, and public investments to meet their infrastructure needs and community development goals. 

Encompassing seven cities (Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, and Westmorland) the Imperial Valley is known for having one of the most diverse geographies in the state. With daily heat extremes, and more than 3,000 miles of canals and drains, the Valley contains some of the largest lithium deposits in the world, underground, near the Salton Sea – a region also known as Lithium Valley. 

“We know that climate and jobs go hand-in-hand, and that the clean energy revolution must result in economic opportunity for all,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Imperial Valley is at the heart of this revolution and BOOST plays a critical role in realizing our shared vision for the region.”

For years local governments in the area, along with community-based organizations, and rural neighborhood leaders have voiced concerns about not being able to keep up with the critical infrastructure and economic development needs that have come along with the clean energy transition in the Valley. Small local governments, like theirs, often lack the staff capacity and resources to access or compete for funding opportunities like the federal Inflation Reduction Act, or the state’s California Climate Investments – which put billions of Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions. BOOST Imperial Valley will change that, allowing Valley governments to work with Program staff and receive a wide range of assistance for a two-year program cycle. 

 “The BOOST Program will work to bridge any capacity, infrastructure and socioeconomic gaps identified in the region,” said Erica L. Manuel, CEO & Executive Director of ILG. “Imperial Valley local governments will be able to work with ILG and SGC to receive tailored technical assistance, capacity building, grant writing, partnership development, and implementation support throughout the program cycle. We will work to prepare them to develop projects and successfully compete for grants that will benefit their communities and support the cities’ and county’s priorities, such as affordable housing, food access, urban greening, and climate resilience.”  

The statewide BOOST Program was created in 2019 by ILG and SGC to help under-resourced communities: Build awareness of funding opportunities to address climate action; Organize projects to be best positioned to meet its goals; Optimize existing resources and build more capacity; Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and identify new opportunities for regional engagement and collaboration; and Transform their approach to addressing climate action. BOOST Imperial Valley is enabled by philanthropic investment. It represents Round 3 of the Program, and is the first time it has focused on one specific region in need. 

 “We’re so excited to be working with the BOOST team on advancing our climate, infrastructure, and community priorities,” said Calipatria City Manager, Laura Gutierrez. “In our brief time with BOOST, we have already been able to secure funding for a climate vulnerability assessment and submit a grant for much needed youth programming. Continued support from BOOST will give us access to trainings, resources, and technical assistance that we would not otherwise have.”  

BOOST Imperial Valley has already helped the City of Calipatria secure a $50,000 grant award from the SoCal Gas Climate Champions Grant Program to conduct a climate vulnerability assessment that will serve as a basis for a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and the city’s first-ever Climate Action Plan. ILG is also currently helping the city apply for other funding opportunities, including a $400,000 grant proposal to support a youth outdoors program. 

Additionally, thanks to BOOST support, the County of Imperial was selected for a prestigious training opportunity at Stanford Law School designed to help local governments build community resilience through conflict resolution planning and capacity building.  

To learn more about the BOOST Program visit our webpage and sign up for our newsletter.  

About the California Strategic Growth Council 

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) is a 10-member council comprised of seven State agencies and three public members with the mission to build healthy, thriving, and resilient communities for all. Funded through California’s Cap and Trade system and the California General Fund, SGC’s grant programs, strategic initiatives, and interagency coordination focus on multi-benefit and community-centric solutions at the nexus of climate and equity. Since 2008, SGC has invested over $3.5 billion in projects strengthening communities and addressing climate change across California. 

 About the Institute for Local Government 

ILG is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that supports local governments with tackling their most pressing and evolving issues related to workforce development, leadership, ethics, public engagement, and climate action. Since 1955, ILG has provided conscious counsel, trainings, resources, and technical assistance to empower and educate local agency leaders and deliver real-world expertise to help them navigate complex issues, increase their capacity, and build trust in their communities. As the nonprofit affiliate of the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties, and the California Special Districts Association, ILG proudly serves municipalities large and small, urban, and rural throughout California.

Download this Press Release.