Imperial County Opens New North End Facility in Calipatria

The Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce facilitated a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 30, 2026, for Imperial County's new North End Facility in Calipatria, marking a significant investment in bringing county resources closer to the communities of the North End.

Themed "Growing Our Future," the new facility is designed to give residents of Calipatria, Brawley, Westmorland, Niland, Bombay Beach and the surrounding Salton Sea communities access to county services without the hour-plus drive to El Centro. The facility will operate on a rotating-office model, hosting different county departments, such as public works, planning and permitting, and behavioral health, on different days, with the full schedule to be announced in an upcoming press release. The facility officially opens to the public on October 12, 2026.

A Project Three Years in the Making

Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelly (District 4) called the facility the result of roughly three years of planning, thanking the state's economic development office, county departments, and county staff for helping bring the project to completion. Kelly specifically recognized Bari Bean and Carlos Lopez for their work ensuring every piece of the project came together.

The project was made possible through a $10 million state appropriation secured in 2024 for

Imperial County's Lithium Valley Specific Plan, credited to the office of State Senator Steve Padilla. Guillermo Hernandez, Deputy District Director for Senator Padilla, spoke at the ceremony alongside colleague Larissa de la Torre, noting the investment came during a difficult state budget year and emphasizing that the success of Lithium Valley should be measured not by what is extracted from Imperial County, but by what is created for the people who call it home.

Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez

 also spoke, highlighting his bill, AB 2163, which creates a formal statewide framework to designate strategic clean energy and critical mineral development zones, legislation intended to help advance the Lithium Valley region.

Local Leadership Behind the Investment

Calipatria Mayor Michael Llewellyn, joined by city council members, spoke on behalf of the City of Calipatria, calling the facility a reflection of what is possible when the city, county and state work together to invest in the North End.

Imperial County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Peggy Price closed the ceremony with personal reflection, having worked as a county social worker assigned to the North End more than 30 years ago. She called the facility a reminder of what communities can accomplish when they invest in their own future, thanking the project team and the broader community for bringing the vision to life.

IVRCC President Victor Nava spoke on behalf of the Chamber, noting that having these resources closer to home means real savings for small businesses in time, travel and fuel costs, while also supporting the region's agricultural heritage and its emerging geothermal and lithium industries.

Building the Facility

Supervisors also recognized the builders and project team who brought the facility to life, along with county staff, including Gabby, Carlos, Gracie and Dr. K, who worked to prepare the facility for its opening.

A New Resource for the North End

The opening of the North End Facility reflects a broader investment in Imperial County's future, bringing county resources, workforce opportunities and community connection closer to residents across the region. IVRCC congratulates Imperial County, the City of Calipatria, and everyone who helped bring this project to reality.

Celebrating a Business or Community Milestone?

Ribbon cutting ceremonies are one of the ways IVRCC helps facilitate recognition of important public and private milestones throughout the Imperial Valley. To learn more, contact IVRCC at (760) 352-7413.