Strategic Plan
Development Management Group, Inc. and Thomas Topuzes and Associates, LLC were retained by the County of Imperial, with support from the Imperial Irrigation District, to produce a comprehensive economic development strategic plan to guide the region in its efforts to build the economy. The Economic Development Strategy applies to the entire County of Imperial. It consists of specific activities, projects, and programs that, when implemented by local business, community, and political leaders, will have a favorable impact on the Imperial County economy. The strategy is divided into two major sections: economic analysis and recommendations to attract additional economic investment/development. The economic analysis section provides specific demographic and economic growth information for the region and provides a comparison to other regions with similar demographics, proximity to the international border or is located along the same transportation corridors.
After significant research regarding the greatest economic potential, the following are the region’s growth industries opportunities:
| -Food Processing |
-Distribution/Warehousing/Transportation |
| -Energy Generation |
-Specialized Manufacturing/Assembly |
| -Inbound Call Centers |
-Construction Materials |
| -Tourism |
-Applied Biotechnology |
Local governments seek opportunities to expand their sales tax base to fund government operations. Below is a list of the greatest retail opportunities:
| -Consumer Electronics |
-Specialty Book/Music |
| -Full-Service Restaurants |
-Home Furnishings |
| -Automotive Sales (new) |
-Sporting Goods |
The region must focus its regional efforts on projects that increase the overall quality of life for residents. The following quality of life initiatives are recommended:
| -Executive/Upscale Housing Opportunities |
-Performing Arts Facilities |
| -Medical Facilities |
-Entertainment Opportunities |
| -Formal/Fine Dining |
-Local/Regional Parks |
| -Golf Courses |
-Activities/Facilities for Active Adults |
To successfully take advantage of the opportunities identified above, the region must take a series of steps to unite the region and work as a team. The following recommendations will allow Imperial County to achieve economic development success:
| -Engage regional stakeholders and secure commitments to participate |
-Define roles and responsibilities for stakeholders |
| -Create a brand for region |
-Market internally to shape attitudes regarding the region’s potential |
| -Marketing externally to introduce region to those making economic investments |
-Evaluate effectiveness (cost benefit approach) of these efforts |
The report provides a significantly more detailed explanation of each of the items listed above. The bottom line is that if the Imperial County region commits to implementation of this plan over a three to five year period of time, significant economic benefits will be realized that will increase the overall quality of life for those concerned.
For the complete Imperial County Economic Development Strategic Plan click here.
