AGENDA
CITY OF EL CENTRO
CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025
CITY HALL REGULAR MEETING 4:00 PM
CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET
EL CENTRO, CA 92243
The public may attend in person. Any member of the public attending in person and wishing to make a comment is asked to complete a speaker slip and follow the instructions below regarding “Notice to the Public”. Any member of the public is invited to submit public comments in advance of the meeting to be answered at the meeting. Please email your questions to [email protected] or call 760-337-4515 by March 18, 2025.
COUNCIL MEMBERS, STAFF AND THE PUBLIC MAY ATTEND VIA ZOOM.
To participate and make a public comment in person, via Zoom or telephone, please raise your hand, speak up and introduce yourself.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4180375132?pwd=Rmo5UjZ1cWdyV1VoWUhSZWp6R0tVZz09&omn=87565382445 Optional dial-in number: 1 (669) 444-9171
Meeting ID: 418 037 5132 Passcode: 5iHJYM
Public comments via Zoom are subject to the same time limits as those in person.
Mayor Pro-Tem and Council Members may be reached at (760) 336-8989 Mayor:
Mayor Pro-Tem:
Council Members:
Sonia Carter
Sylvia Marroquin
Claudia Camarena
Marty Ellett
Interim City Manager: Daniel Paramo
City Attorney: Elizabeth Martyn Evans
City Clerk: Norma Wyles
4:00 PM - CLOSED SESSION - CONFERENCE ROOM "A":
ROLL CALL
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT:
Any member of the public wishing to address the City Council on any matter appearing in the closed session may do so at this time. Unless the Mayor Pro-Tem extends the time limit, remarks shall be limited to three (3) minutes. Additional opportunities for Public Comment will be given during and at the end of the meeting.
CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNS INTO CLOSED SESSION
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION:
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Property: Hospital - 1415 Ross and associated residential properties Negotiators: Eric Newson and Megan Rooney, Sheppard Mullin Negotiating with: Josh Schneiderman, Snell & Willmer
Under negotiation: Definitive Agreement
CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) - Summary of Existing Litigation - Vindiola v. City of El Centro, Rafael Beltran v. City of El Centro, Irma Hill v.
City of El Centro, Ibanez Gomez v. City of El Centro, Alejandro Temores v. City of El Centro.
CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2) - Summary of outstanding claims.
CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(4) - Possible initiation of litigation by the City - 1 case
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
This is a public meeting. If there is an item on the agenda on which you wish to be heard, you are asked to complete a blue speaker slip and submit it to the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. Persons wishing to address the Council are not required to identify themselves (Gov’t Code § 54953.3); however, this information assists the Mayor Pro-Tem by ensuring that all persons wishing to address the Council are recognized and also assists the City Clerk in preparing the City Council meeting minutes. When the item is announced and your name is called by the Mayor, please step to the podium and state your name for the record. Unless the Mayor Pro-Tem extends the time, there is a three (3) minute time limit for each public presentation. If you wish to address the Council concerning any other matter not appearing on the agenda, you may do so during the public comment portion of the agenda. However, you may not show a visual presentation without review of that material. If you do so, you will be considered out of order. * Any information provided on the “Speaker Slip” is voluntary and will be public record 6:00 OPEN SESSION
ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE AND MAY VARY:
CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL BY CITY CLERK:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
INVOCATION:
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION:
(TIME MAY VARY) PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The City Council welcomes your input. At this time, members of the public may address the City Council on any matter not listed on the posted agenda. Pursuant to the Brown Act, no action will be taken on any issue brought forth under Public Comments. We ask that you please complete a “Speaker Slip” and submit it to the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting.
Although you are not required to identify yourself (Gov’t Code §54953.3); this information on the “Speaker Slip” assists the Mayor Pro-Tem that all persons wishing to address the Council are recognized and also assists the City Clerk in preparing the City Council meeting minutes. Unless the Mayor Pro-Tem extends the time, there is a three (3) minute time limit for each public presentation. * Any information provided on the “Speaker Slip” is voluntary and will be public record.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS - ):
Consent agenda items are approved by one motion. Council members or members of the public may pull consent items to be considered separately at a time determined by the Mayor Pro-Tem.
1. Approve Warrant Registers for the Month of February 2025
2. Approve Payroll Registers for the Month of February 2025.
3. Approval of Treasurer's Report of February 2025.
4. Approval of City Council meeting minutes of an Adjourned Special Meeting of March 4, 2025, and Regular Meeting of March 4, 2025.
5. Funding from the Department of Homeland Security allocated for the 2023 Operation Stonegarden program.
NEW BUSINESS:
6. Discussion and any Necessary Action Regarding the Acceptance of the 2024 General Plan Annual Report.
Presentation: Angel Hernandez, Community Development Director Recommendation:
Accept the City’s General Plan Annual Progress Report and direct that it be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
7. Filling the vacancy left by former Mayor Oliva's resignation.
Presentation: Elizabeth Martyn, City Attorney, Daniel Paramo, Interim City Manager, Norma Wyles, City Clerk
Recommendation:
Determine the appointment process at this meeting and publish the Notice of Vacancy as soon as possible.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
8. Received and referred to Community Development Department, Application for Alcoholic Beverage License - 7 ELEVEN 2131 26684 D, 485 E. Main St., El Centro, CA 92243
9. Received and referred to Community Development Department, Application for Alcoholic Beverage License - 7 ELEVEN 21836C, 2050 S 4TH ST., EL CENTRO, CA 92243-4513
10. Received and referred to Community Development Department, Application for Alcoholic Beverage License - MAHS KITCHEN, 290 N. IMPERIAL AVE., EL CENTRO, CA 92243- 2325
TASK FORCE REPORTS AND MAYOR - COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS:
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
ADJOURNMENT:
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet will be available for public inspection at the Office of the City Clerk, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California 92243, Monday-Friday during normal business hours.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, you should contact the office of the City Clerk at (760)337-4515.
Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangement to assure accessibility to this meeting.
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2025-69)
Item: 1.
Meeting: 3/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: Finance
Category: Action Item
Prepared by: Esmeralda Nunez,
Accounting Assistant
Department Head:
DOC ID: 2025-69
Approve Warrant Registers for the Month of February 2025 CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
FISCAL IMPACT:
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
CONCLUSION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. February 2025
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2025-70)
Item: 2.
Meeting: 3/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: Finance
Category: Action Item
Prepared by: Cristhian Zambrano,
Payroll Specialist
Department Head: Elizabeth Fuchen
DOC ID: 2025-70
Approve Payroll Registers for the Month of February 2025.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Payroll Registers for the Month of February 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
CONCLUSION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. PAYROLL REGISTERS FEBRUARY 2025
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2025-66)
Item: 3.
Meeting: 3/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: Finance
Category: Informational Items
Prepared by: Nora Salas, Accountant
Department Head:
DOC ID: 2025-66
Approval of Treasurer's Report of February 2025.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Treasurer's Report for the Month of February 25, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
CONCLUSION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Treasurer's Report February 2025
CITY OF EL CENTRO
TREASURER'S REPORT
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
FEBRAURY 2025
Maturity
Date
Rate
tPcntl
Market
Par YTM Cost Value
GENERAL ACCOUNT
U.S. Savings and CD’s
U.S. Corporate Obligations
Metro Cr Un Chelsea Mass 59161YBH8
Bank of China New York City 06428FZ26
Subtotal
$ 245,000 $
235,000 $
03/11/25 $
03/17/25 $
245,000 5.650
235,000 5.150
5.650
5.150
245,176
S 235,071
480,000 480,000 480,247
U.S. Government Obligations
Federal Home Loan Bks 3130AM2B7
Federal Home Loan Bks 3130AMQU9
Federal Home Loan Bks 3130AM2F8
Subtotal
04/29/25 $
06/16/25 $
04/29/26 $
750,000 0.625
750,000 0.625
750,000 1.125
0.630 $ 750,000 $
750,000 $
750,000 $
746,618
743,670
723,915
0.630 $
1.170 $
2,250,000 2,250,000 2,214,203
Other Investments
Cash Equiv.
Local Agency Investment Fund
Subtotal
$ 7,200,800
$ 65,000,000
S 7,200,800
65,000,000
0.010
4.366
0.010
4.366
$ 7,200,800
$ ’ ’ $ 65,000,000
72,200,800 72,200,800 72,200,800
Subtotal 74,930,800 74,930,800 74,895,250
Bonds
Series B - 2007 Redevelopment
2021 Series A - Library Bond Project
2023 Series A - Police Station Project
$ $ 1,928,585
1,096,962
38,659,615
$ 1,928,585
1,096,962
38,659,615
1,928,585
1,096,962
38,659,615
0.010 0.010
0.010
0.010
$ 0.010 $ $
$ 0.010 $ $
41,685,162 41,685,162 41,685,162
Total 116,615,962 116,615,962 116,580,412 i i i 1
CITY OF EL CENTRO
TREASURER’S REPORT
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
FEBRAURY 2025
Prior Fiscal
Year YTD
Same Period
Fiscal
YTD
This
Month
Interest Received
274,342 $
2,322,313
20,800 $ 553,380
1,786,342
Other Investments
LAIF
Total 20,800 2,596,655 2,339,723
Balance
01/31/25
Balance
Change 02/28/25
Monthly Activity
General Accounts
U.S. Savings and CD's
U.S. Corporate Obligations
U.S. Government Obligations
Cash Equiv. & Other Investments
LAIF
235,000
480,000
3,750,000
5,704,735
67,322,314
(235,000)
480,000
2,250,000
7,200,800
65,000,000
(1,500,000)
1,496,066
(2,322,314)
77,492,049 (2,561,249) 74,930,800
Trustee Accounts
Series B - 2007 Redevelopment
Library 2021 Bond Project
El Centro Police 2023 Bond Project
1,928,585
1,096,962
38.659.615
41,685,162
1,928,577
1,096,935
38,523,211
41,548,723
26.76 136,404
136,439
Total S 119,040,772 $ 116,615,962
I hereby certify that this report reflects the pooled investments of the City of El Centro and is in conformity with the Investment Policy of the City as adopted by the City Council on February 21,2001.
A copy of this Policy is available at the Office of the City Clerk. In the opinion of the undersigned, the City’s expenditure requirements for the following six months, can be met from projected revenues and maturities of Investments listed herein.
Elizabeth Fuchen
Interim Finance Director
Cityof El Centro
Treasurer's Report
Summary of Investments
as of 02/28/2025
Investment Unrealized
gain/loss Net increase
decrease
Market Value
end of Period
percent
of total
income
Cost/Par to-date (*)(**)
$ 0% 1 U.S. Savings and CD's
247 480,247 1% 2 U.S Corporate Obligations $ 480,000
$ 2,250,000 (35,798) $ 2,214,203 3% 3 U.S. Government Obligati' $ 7,200,800 $ 7,200,800 10% 4 Cash Equiv. & Other Inve:
5 LAIF $ 65,000,000 $ 65,000,000 87%
Total $ 74,930,800 (35,551) $ 74,895,250 100%
(*) Investments 1 through 5
Investments are held to maturity redemption is at cost rendering no loss.
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2025-60)
Item: 4.
Meeting: 3/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: City Clerk
Category: Action Item
Prepared by: Norma Wyles, City Clerk
Department Head: Norma Wyles
DOC ID: 2025-60
Approval of City Council meeting minutes of an Adjourned Special Meeting of March 4, 2025, and Regular Meeting of March 4, 2025.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of City Council meeting minutes of an Adjourned Special Meeting of March 4, 2025, and Regular Meeting of March 4, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
CONCLUSION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 03-04-2025 Adjourned Special Meeting CC Minutes
2. 03-04-2025 Regular CC Minutes
Book 37
ADJOURNED SPECIAL MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, CONFERENCE ROOM A
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025, 3:00 P.M.
OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in an adjourned special meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 3:14 p.m. in Conference Room A, El Centro City Hall, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California.
PRESENT: Council: Ellett, Carter, Marroquin, Camarena
City Clerk Wyles, City Manager Paramo, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: Council: Oliva (absent)
MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION:
Moved by Ellett, second by Camarena to go into closed session.
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT:
No comments were received.
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Property: El Centro Regional Medical Center, 1415 Ross Avenue, El Centro Negotiators: Mayor Oliva and Council Member Marroquin
Negotiating with: IVHD representatives
Under Negotiation: price and terms
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
No reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before City Council, the meeting adjourned 4:50 p.m. ____________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
_________________________
Tomas Oliva, Mayor
Book 37
REGULAR MEETING
EL CENTRO CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1275 MAIN STREET, EL CENTRO, CA
TUESDAY, MARCH 04, 2025, 4:00 P.M.
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 4:55 p.m. in Conference Room A, El Centro City Hall, 1275 W. Main Street, El Centro, California for the purpose of closed session.
PRESENT: Council: Ellett, Carter, Marroquin, Camarena
City Clerk Wyles, Interim City Manager Paramo, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: Council: Oliva (Absent)
CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Ellett, second by Camarena, to adjourn into closed session for:
REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS:
Property: El Centro Regional Medical Center, 1415 Ross Avenue, El Centro Negotiators: Mayor Oliva and Council Member Marroquin
Negotiating with: IVHD representatives
Under Negotiation: price and terms
CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SECTION 54956.9(d)(1):
Summary of existing litigation –
Vindiola v. City of El Centro
Rafael Beltran v. City of El Centro
Irma Hill v. City of El Centro
Ibanez Gomez v. City of El Centro
Alejandro Temores v. City of El Centro
CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVT. CODE SECTION 54956.9(b)(2) – Summary of outstanding claims.
Motion carried.
Closed Session concluded at 5:50 p.m.
City Council recessed to 6:00 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
The El Centro City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:01 p.m. in Council Chambers, El Centro City Hall, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, California.
Book 37
PRESENT: Council: Ellett, Carter, Marroquin, Camarena
City Clerk Wyles, Interim City Manager Paramo, City Attorney Martyn Evans ABSENT: Council: Oliva (Absent)
Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was led by Council Member Camarena and Invocation was given by Council Member Ellett.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
By Interim City Manager - We had a discussion regarding the term sheet and the discussion between the El Centro Regional and IVHD that will be moved to a special public forum to be scheduled for the 11th at 5:30 p.m. We will have it posted on the website as well.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comment was received Steven Monreal.
PRESENTATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MAYOR
1. Certificate of Recognition to the Central Union High School Cheer Squad – CIF San Diego and CIF State Champions. Received by Cheer Captain Alyssa.
CONSENT AGENDA (ITEMS 2-3)
Moved by Marroquin, second by Ellett, approving consent items # 2-3.
2. Approval of City Council meeting minutes of February 18, 2025 and February 26, 2025.
3. Approval of agreement with Tyler Technologies Software as a Service (SaaS).
AYES: Ellett, Carter, Marroquin, Camarena
NOES: None
ABSENT: Oliva
ABSTAINED: None
NEW BUSINESS
4. Motion by Ellet, second by Camarena, approval of Letter of Support requested by the Office of Senator Steve Padilla for SB 461 – State Surplus Property, City of Imperial. Presented by Clarissa De La Torre, representative with the Office of Senator Steve Padilla.
AYES: Ellett, Carter, Marroquin, Camarena
NOES: None
ABSENT: Oliva
ABSTAINED: None
5. Motion by Marroquin, second by Ellett, approval of community sponsorship request for Harlot Heart Foundation, Jaz Ledbetter in the amount of $500.
AYES: Ellett, Carter, Marroquin, Camarena
NOES: None
ABSENT: Oliva
ABSTAINED: None
Book 37
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
6. Presentation by Police Chief Sawyer, El Centro Police Department unmanned Aerial System Program update.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
None
TASK FORCE AND MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBERS REPORTS
Council Members reported on their activities since last City Council meeting and upcoming events.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Reported on recent activities.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m. __________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED BY:
________________________________
Sonia Carter, Mayor Pro-Tem
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2025-36)
Item: 5.
Meeting: 3/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: Police
Category: Resolution
Prepared by: Rene McNish ,
Lieutenant
Department Head: Rene McNish
DOC ID: 2025-36
Funding from the Department of Homeland Security allocated for the 2023 Operation Stonegarden program.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution. 25- , RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO AUTHORIZING THE EL CENTRO POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE
IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM FOR OPERATION STONEGARDEN 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
With the acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2023 Stonegarden Grant, a corresponding budget expenditure account of $64,249.60 will be processed and included as part of the adjusted Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget. No match by the City is required.
Description Account Number Amount
Overtime - Stonegarden 510106 $ 59,999.60
Gasoline & Oil 630112 $ 4,250.00
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
Community Health, Safety & Welfare
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
BACKGROUND:
The El Centro Police Department has been awarded $64,249.60 in support of the 2023 Operation Stonegarden program: The El Centro Police Department has participated in Operation Stonegarden for several years. The 2017 passage of SB 54 forced a review of existing protocol to ensure our operations were in line with legislation. Through a collaborative approach, operations and subsequent reporting of activities were modified to ensure compliance with legislation as written.
DISCUSSION:
Funding from the Department of Homeland Security allocated for the 2023 Operation Stonegarden program will allow the El Centro Police Department to conduct proactive and collaborative police enforcement within the City of El Centro and its surrounding areas.
CONCLUSION:
Adopt Resolution. 25- , RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL
CENTRO
AUTHORIZING THE EL CENTRO POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM FOR
OPERATION STONEGARDEN 2025
ATTACHMENTS:
1. FY23 Stonegarden award letter
2. A25-0023 - Stonegarden Reso
02/2025/cdz/A25-0023/Reso/OperationStonegardenFY23
RESOLUTION NO. 25-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO
AUTHORIZING THE EL CENTRO POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM FOR
OPERATION STONEGARDEN 2025
WHEREAS, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has made funds available to units of local government for the purpose of establishing Operation Stonegarden, a DHS initiative operation designed to develop a multilateral enforcement effort between Border Patrol and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies for the purpose of assisting the Border Patrol in its priority mission of preventing the entry of terrorists, terrorist weapons of mass effect and other risks to national security; and
WHEREAS, the DHS has awarded sixty-four thousand, two hundred and forty-nine dollars and sixty cents ($64,249.60) to the City of El Centro (the “City”) Police Department for operational funding exclusively for the Operation Stonegarden Program (the “Program”), which is a southern border combined agency operation developed and led by Border Patrol through the DHS grant funding; and
WHEREAS, such funding will allow for reimbursement of operational overtime, fuel, and vehicle maintenance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of El Centro, California (the “City Council”), desires to accept the funds from the DHS for the Program.
NOW, THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CENTRO, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS;
1. That the foregoing is true, correct and adopted.
2. That the City Council hereby accepts the grant funds of sixty-four thousand, two hundred and forty-nine dollars, and sixty cents ($64,249.60) for the Program.
3. That the City’s Police Chief is authorized to execute, on behalf of the City, the grant award agreement, if any, for the Program, a copy of which will be on file in the Office of the City Clerk, including any extensions or amendments thereof.
4. That the City agrees to comply with all requirements for the Program (including any extensions or amendments thereof) and that funds will be appropriated as required thereby.
5. That grant funds received hereunder shall not be used to supplant expenditures controlled by this body.
02/2025/cdz/A25-0023/Reso/OperationStonegardenFY23
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of El Centro held on the 4th day of March, 2025
CITY OF EL CENTRO
By ___________________________
Tomás Oliva, Mayor
ATTEST:
By _______________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Office of the City Attorney
By _______________________________
Elizabeth Martyn, City Attorney
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF IMPERIAL ) ss
CITY OF EL CENTRO )
I, Norma Wyles, City Clerk of the City of El Centro, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 25- was duly and regularly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of El Centro, California, held on the 4th day of March, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAINED:
By ___________________________
Norma Wyles, City Clerk
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2024-278)
Item: 6.
Meeting: 3/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: Community Development
Category: Reports
Prepared by: Andrea Montano,
Associate Planner
Department Head: Angel Hernandez
DOC ID: 2024-278
Discussion and any Necessary Action Regarding the Acceptance of the 2024 General Plan Annual Report.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the City’s General Plan Annual Progress Report and direct that it be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not Applicable
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
Financial & Governance Stability & Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability & Infrastructure
Community Health, Safety & Welfare
Recreation & Lifelong Learning
City Beautification, Engagement & Civic Pride
Economic Opportunity
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND:
The City’s General Plan consists of nine elements: Land Use, Mobility, Environmental Justice, Housing, Conservation/Open Space, Noise, Safety, Economic Development, and Public Facilities. While a comprehensive update was completed in 2004, a major update in 2021, titled "El Centro 2040," revised the Land Use and Mobility Elements (formerly the Circulation Element) and introduced a new Environmental Justice Element. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65400, the City is required to prepare an annual report on the status and implementation of the General Plan for submission to the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
The General Plan provides a framework for the orderly growth and development of El Centro. The 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report, evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of the current General Plan. See Exhibit A- 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report.
State law requires that every jurisdiction prepare an annual progress report on the status and progress in implementing the jurisdiction's Housing Element. This is a separate submittal from the General Plan Annual Progress Report as HCD requires City staff to use standard forms to monitor Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) progress. The City of El Centro 2021-2029 Housing Element was adopted by the City Council on February 1,
2022, and certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development on April 11, 2022. The Housing Element establishes the City’s strategy for meeting community housing needs for the period 2021-2029 and is one of nine integral and interrelated elements of the City of El Centro General Plan. Summaries of the Housing Element Annual Progress report are included in the General Plan Annual Progress Report.
DISCUSSION:
For the reporting period, key accomplishments include the adoption of the Zoning Code Update in September 2024 and the Complete Streets Plan in February 2025. Additional achievements include ongoing investments in public art, public spaces, and infrastructure, as well as continuous public outreach and education efforts by city staff. The report also highlights the need to update several General Plan elements, including the Noise, Safety, Open Space/Conservation, and Public Facilities elements, which were last updated in 2004. Additionally, the Economic Development Element, last revised in 2011, should be evaluated for an update.
The Housing Element Annual Progress Report must be reviewed by the City Council before submission to OPR and HCD.This year’s Housing Element Annual Progress Report accounts for the third full calendar year of the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) period beginning on January 1, 2024 and ending on December 31, 2024. Below are the highlights from the Report for this period:
HOUSING UNITS ISSUED BUILDING PERMITS DURING CALENDAR YEAR 2024 Category Units
Single Family Homes 10
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) 45
Multi-Family Units 110
Mobile Home 0
Total Units 165
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT GOALS 2021-2029
Income
Level
RHNA
Allocation
2021-2029
2022 2023 2024 RHNA
Goal
Remaining
Very Low ≤
50% AMI
1,001 4 96 869
Low 51%
to 80%
AMI
490 31 48 83 295
Moderate
81% to
120% AMI
462 3 26 72 352
Above 1,489 0 0 10 1,474
Moderate >
120% AMI
Total
Units
3,442 38 170 165 2,990
Staff recommends that the City Council accept and direct staff to submit the City’s Annual General Plan Annual Progress Report and Housing Element Annual Progress Report Standard Forms to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
CONCLUSION:
Accept the City’s General Plan Annual Progress Report and direct that it be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Annual Progress Report 2024
2024 Annual Progress Report
2 THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
2024 Annual Progress Report
3 Table of Contents
1. Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................4 Purpose of General Plan Annual Progress Report ...........................................................................................4 El Centro Historical Information............................................................................................................................4 Demographic Information......................................................................................................................................4
2. Planning Activities..............................................................................................................................................5 General Plan Overview ........................................................................................................................................5 Land Use Element....................................................................................................................................................5 Mobility Element......................................................................................................................................................8 Environmental Justice Element............................................................................................................................ 11 Housing Element ................................................................................................................................................... 15 Conservation/Open Space Element................................................................................................................. 20 Noise Element ....................................................................................................................................................... 23 Safety Element ..................................................................................................................................................... 24 Economic Development Element ........................................................................................................................ 27 Public Facilities Element ...................................................................................................................................... 32 Active Transportation Plan & Safe Routes to School Plan............................................................................ 35 Service Area Plan................................................................................................................................................ 36 Imperial Avenue Complete Streets Plan.......................................................................................................... 36
3. Development Activities................................................................................................................................... 37 Major Development Applications ..................................................................................................................... 37 Capital Improvement Projects ........................................................................................................................... 38
2024 Annual Progress Report
4 1. Introduction
Purpose of General Plan Annual Progress Report
Government Code Section 65400 requires the City to prepare a report annually regarding the status of the City’s General Plan and progress in its implementation to both the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), formerly named Office of Planning and Research, and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The General Plan serves as a guide for the orderly growth and development for the City of El Centro. The 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report is the first edition and will be used as an assessment to the level of implementation and effectiveness of the current edition of the General Plan. The Annual Progress Report is required to be prepared and submitted to the City Council, Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This report covers the 2024 calendar year and was presented to the City Council on March 18, 2025.
El Centro Historical Information
The arrival of water in the Imperial Valley over 100 years ago led to the establishment of the agricultural industry, a population boom, and the construction of railway lines. El Centro was founded in 1906, rapidly growing and incorporating its local government by 1908. By the mid-1940s, El Centro became the second largest city in the Imperial Valley, with a thriving economy centered around agriculture. In the 1970s, agriculture remained important, but El Centro began to transition into a regional administrative and commercial center, with government, wholesale trade, and retail trade becoming prominent sectors.
Demographic Information
The City of El Centro is home to a population of 44,952 residents per the California Department of Finance’s 2024 population estimate. Growth has remained stable, with a small population increase from 44,808 residents in 2020 to 44,952 in 2024.
The cultural composition of the City is significantly shaped by its geographical proximity to the United States-Mexico border, as reflected in the 38,566 individuals who identify as Hispanic or Latino. Spanish is the primary language spoken in 75.8 percent of households, underscoring its prominence in daily communication within the community. English is the primary language spoken in 22.9 percent of households, while the remaining 1.3 percent of residents communicate in Asian, Pacific Islander, or other Indo-European languages.
Residents in El Centro are younger and in larger households compared to statewide figures according to the 2023 American Community Survey (2023 ACS). El Centro residents skew young, with a median age of 31.6 years compared to the California median of 38.2 years of age. Families are also larger, with the average family size being 3.92 compared to the state average of 3.36.
2024 Annual Progress Report
5 El Centro, like many communities in Imperial County, is home to lower income households and higher levels of poverty compared to the state. According to the 2023 American Community Survey (2023 ACS), the median household income in El Centro is $56,093, significantly lower than the state median household income of $91,521. Poverty levels are also significantly elevated, with 20.1% of residents living in poverty compared to the statewide percentage of 12%.
The City's strategic location and role as a commercial center contribute to its dynamic and diverse workforce. The City of El Centro is home not just to its own facilities but also regional services such as Imperial County Superior Court, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, County of Imperial Administrative Facilities, the County of Imperial Public Health Department, Bureau of Land Management, California Highway Patrol Station and also the California Southern District Federal Court House. El Centro's employment environment is characterized by a blend of public sector employment, healthcare services, administrative support, retail, and agriculture. Educational, health care, and social assistance jobs made up 28.2% of the labor force, retail trade jobs made up 11.6%, public administration jobs made up
10.6% of the labor force, arts, entertainment recreation, accommodation, and food services made up
9.4% of the labor force, and agricultural jobs made up 6.2% of jobs in the labor force according to the 2023 American Community Survey (2023 ACS).
2. Planning Activities
General Plan Overview
The City of El Centro General Plan is composed of nine elements that cover: Land Use, Mobility, Environmental Justice, Housing, Conservation/Open Space, Noise, Safety, Economic Development, and Public Facilities. A comprehensive update was completed in 2004, however a major update was completed in 2021. The last update titled “El Centro 2040” was an update to the Land Use Element, Mobility Element (formerly called the Circulation Element), and adopted a new Environmental Justice Element.
Land Use Element
Background
The Land Use Element designates the proposed general distribution, general location and extent of uses of land within the City focusing on preserving established land uses and accommodating the future growth and physical development of the community. The primary purpose of the Land Use Element is to establish the policy foundation that will direct future land use decision-making for El Centro and its Sphere of Influence (SOI) to achieve the community’s long-range goals. It was last updated in June 2021 as part of the El Centro 2040 General Plan Update.
2024 Annual Progress Report
6 The El Centro 2040 update serves to achieve the following goals: Achieve a Balance of Land Uses; Support Sustainability; Achieve Balance Growth; Support Economic Prosperity; Improve Quality of Life; Health, Safety, and Compatibility; and Promote Aesthetics, Design, and Community Character. It will achieve this through the following methods:
• Facilitate a range of housing through mixed-used development, missing middle housing, and other strategies in promoting infill development.
• Supporting Business Generation in the Downtown Area by allowing artisan/small manufacturing uses, “pop-up” shops and restaurants, and reduce/remove requirements for discretionary permits. • Update the City’s Urban Development Program to facilitate sustainable and balance growth in areas in the Sphere of Influence without access to public services. • Update the City’s Visual Enhancement Areas by designated certain corridors for enhancement.
Implementation Progress
The table below is a list of Land Use Element Programs or Policies that have been completed, in progress, or not started.
Policy
No.
Description Status
LUE
IP-1
Update the Zoning Code: Update the Zoning Code and
Zoning Map to be consistent with and implement the
General Plan land use designations and General Plan
land use policy map.
Complete – The first phase of the
Zoning Code update was completed
in December 2022 to address
changes to the Land Use Policy Map
and to incorporate ADU statutory
standards. The second phase of the
Zoning Code Update was completed
September 2024.
LUE
IP-2
Prepare Visual Enhancement Area Plans: Prepare
Visual Enhancement Area Plans for the Visual
Enhancement Areas (VEAs) identified in the Land Use
Element. Coordinate with the Engineering Department
to incorporate appropriate infrastructure
improvements to implement the Mobility Element, as
appropriate. Incorporate public art wherever possible.
(See LUE IP-5)
In progress - The Imperial Avenue
Complete Streets Plan incorporates
the Visual Enhancement Area in El
Centro from Adams Avenue to Treshill
Road was completed February 2025.
Funding for additional plans is
continuing to be sought as available.
LUEIP-3Prepare a Gateway/Wayfinding Program: Prepare a unified and coordinated gateway and wayfinding
program that incorporates design features that
highlight El Centro’s unique identity, including design themes developed for Visual Enhancement Areas
(VEAs) as appropriate (in accordance with LUE Policy
6.4; see also LUE-IP-2).
Not Started - While a gateway
signage/wayfinding program has
not been established, the City has
incorporated remodeled gateway
signs and wayfinding signs as part of
its Embellece El Centro Downtown
Project and ATP Cycle III
2024 Annual Progress Report
7 pedestrian/bicycle improvement
projects.
LUEIP-4Encourage Lot Consolidation: Consider revisions to the municipal code as appropriate to expedite the process
and/or reduce fees. Identify incentives to encourage
lot consolidation and methods to implement them, such
as: density and/or intensity bonuses, parking
reductions, and other zoning incentives; and reduction
of fees, expedited permit processing, improvement
bonding, grants, and other economic development
strategies.
Not Started- A formal incentive
program has not been established.
LUEIP-5Prepare a Public Art Program: Prepare a program to incorporate art into public projects, facilities, programs and private development to the extent possible.
Consider including public art for capital improvement
projects throughout the city, with a special focus on
gateways, wayfinding, opportunity areas, and VEAs);
temporary public art (including for local events,
temporary CIP projects, crosswalk designs that could
become permanent, etc.); public art on public property, such as libraries, City Hall, parks; privately funded art in public locations; and privately or publicly funded art on private property. Involve community arts
organizations, local artists, K-12 schools, and Imperial Valley College. Encourage local businesses to support
the program.
In progress - A formal art program
has not been developed. Draft
standards and procedures to permit
murals have been created but yet to
be adopted. As funding permits, the
Economic Development Division
programs City funds for public art
projects such as murals and also utility
box covers. In addition, the City was
most recently awarded 4.7 Million
dollars for the Embellece El Centro
project which will provide murals,
gateway signage along with other
items within the Downtown Area.
LUEIP-6Facilitate Pop-Up establishments & events: Evaluate and revise existing City ordinances, policies, and/or
programs to facilitate “pop-up” shops, restaurants, and events on vacant lots and in vacant store-fronts (private property) and on public property, with a special
emphasis on the Downtown. Develop expedited City
review and business licensing for pop-up shops,
restaurants, and events. Cross-reference with EJE-IP-16 re: City-hosted/sponsored pop-up events.
Ongoing- This was included in the
second phase Zoning Ordinance
Update that was adopted by City
Council in September 2024. The
Finance Department is studying oneday or temporary business license for vendors at City events.
LUEIP-7Coordinate Land Use Issues: Coordinate on land use issues with adjacent jurisdictions and other affected
agencies such as Caltrans, the Imperial County Air
Pollution Control District, County of Imperial, Local
Agency Formation Commission, Imperial County Airport
Land Use Commission, the City of Imperial, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and
other affected entities.
Ongoing – City staff are serving on
the Imperial County Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan project advisory
committee.
LUEIP-8Expand Opportunities for Home-Based Businesses:
Update the Zoning Ordinance to allow the expansion
Complete - This was updated in the
second phase Zoning Ordinance
2024 Annual Progress Report
8 of home occupation uses and/or creating a second tier of home occupation permit, which would allow for more
intensive commercial activity while still retaining
residential as the primary use.
Update that was adopted by City
Council in September 2024.
Planned Updates
The Planning Division is currently processing the following two (2) General Plan Amendments: GPA 22-02 (El Centro Town Center Village Residential and Industrial Development), GPA 22-05 (1274 Pico Avenue Zone Change). There was one (1) General Plan Amendment, GPA 23-03 (CR&R Waste Transfer Station), approved.
Mobility Element
Background
The Mobility Element serves to identify a long-range vision for a balanced, multimodal transportation system that accommodates future growth while preserving the local character. It sets forth goals and policies and a series of transportation networks intended to improve connectivity and adequately support existing and planned land uses. Updated as part of the El Centro 2040 General Plan Update, it replaced the former Circulation Element, with a strong emphasis in including the needs of residents, visitors, and businesses across all modes of transportation such as pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and vehicular. It includes the following six goals:
• Goal 1 - Adopt Complete Streets policies to provide streets in an equitable manner that are safe and accessible by users of all ages and all abilities
• Goal 2 - Support a safe pedestrian and bicycle transportation network in an equitable manner for people of all ages and abilities.
• Goal 3 - Promote a public transportation network that allows for convenient access to major destinations, both within El Centro, as well as within the Imperial County subregion. • Goal 4 - Provide appropriate vehicle circulation, especially along streets classified as Arterials • Goal 5 - Provide and maintain a safe and efficient system for delivering goods and services. • Goal 6 - Continue to utilize regional airports and railways to facilitate economic development, as well as the movement of people, and establish El Centro as a regional hub of commerce and travel.
2024 Annual Progress Report
9 Implementation
Policy
No.
Description Status
1 Develop Transportation Study Guidelines to
implement Senate Bill (SB) 743 by
establishing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
thresholds for El Centro and to ensure
acceptable levels of traffic flow on City’s
Mobility Element roadways.
Complete - The Public Works Engineering
Division developed the El Centro
Transportation Study Guidelines and they
were adopted in June 2022.
2. Develop a Transportation Impact Fees (TIF)
program to establish a mechanism for
Complete Streets network implementation as
illustrated in the Planned Roadway Network
Classifications (Figure ME-4).
Not started
3. To improve pedestrian safety, the City
should establish a set of criteria for
pedestrian crosswalk treatments including
midblock crossings.
Completed- This item was completed in the
second phase Zoning Ordinance Update
that was approved by Council on September
2024.
4. To improve safety of all road users, the City
should develop a Local Roadway Safety
Plan (LRSP). This will also aid El Centro to be
competitive in the Highway Safety
Improvement Program (HSIP) grant
program.
Not started
5. Prioritize recommendations from the Active
Transportation & Safe Routes to School Plan
(adopted in 2019), the Planned Bicycle
Network (Figure ME-2), the Planned
Roadway Network Classifications (Figure
ME-4) including the Major Thoroughfares in
the Mobility Element – pursue grant funding
for the high prioritized projects.
Ongoing – The City currently has $2 million
in active grant and city funds for projects
found in the Active Transportation Plan
6. In addition to secure funding through grant
programs, the City should lobby local
representatives to assist on infrastructure
implementation, such as obtain discretionary
allotment.
Ongoing – City received $850,000 in
Federal discretionary funding for Phase IV
of the Imperial Avenue Extension Project.
7. Create roadway design standards including
right-of-way widths and cross-sections
indicated in the Mobility Element, Figures ME
5-8, to reflect Complete Streets principles.
These standards should include specifications
for bicycle facilities, sidewalks, travel lane
width, turn lanes, intersections, crosswalks,
Completed- This item was completed in the
second phase Zoning Ordinance Update
that was approved by Council on September
2024.
2024 Annual Progress Report
10 transit facilities, truck routes and turning, and
other details.
8. Develop a neighborhood traffic calming
program to slow down traffic speeds in both
Collector (see Figure ME-4) and local streets.
This program should incorporate a strong
element of public involvement to obtain
resident feedback and input in order to
identify appropriate improvements from
each neighborhood.
In Progress- This item was addressed in the
second phase Zoning Ordinance Update
that was approved by Council on September
2024. A program has not been developed.
9. Ensure new development or redevelopment
projects following Complete Streets
principles and constructing or paying a fee
to construct multimodal improvement along
project frontage.
Ongoing – Projects are reviewed for
compliance with the Mobility Element and
applicable requirements. No fee program
is implemented.
10. Ensure developments on large parcels, such
as Opportunity Areas 3, 4, and 5, to create
friendly environment for people to walk,
bike and access to public transit. This consists
of short blocks and grid network, bicycles
facilities, linear parks, and enhancements
included in the Pedestrian Treatment
Toolbox (Figure ME-1).
Ongoing - Projects are reviewed for
compliance.
11. Coordinate with ICTC and IVT on the
implementation of a mobility hub at the 7th
Street transit station.
Ongoing – The Downtown Embellece project
includes components of the El Centro
Mobility Hub including having mobile
vendors, improved lighting, and other
enhancements in Town Square adjacent to
the 7th Street Transit Station.
12. Coordinate with ICTC and IVT on providing
transit services to the Opportunity Areas 3,
4, and 5.
Ongoing - Projects are reviewed and
consultations for major projects are
distributed to ICTC for comments and early
consultation.
Planned Updates
There are no proposed amendments or changes to the Mobility Element at this time.
2024 Annual Progress Report
11 Environmental Justice Element
Background
In 2016, California required cities with communities impacted by poor environmental quality to adopt Environmental Justice Elements. This aims to ensure equitable treatment regarding environmental regulations and protection from environmental and health burdens. Any jurisdiction can decide to incorporate environmental justice policies into their General Plan. However, a city or county that includes disadvantaged communities must have an Environmental Justice Element as per state law. In the context of environmental justice, a disadvantaged community is defined by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) as an area that is either identified under Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or a low-income area significantly affected by environmental pollution leading to adverse health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation. Approximately 2/3 of El Centro has a high proportion of residents affected by environmental pollution qualifying the entire city as an Environmental Justice Community as per the policies in this element. As such the first edition of the Environmental Justice Element was adopted during the 2040 General Plan Element Update in June 2021.
The City of El Centro faces environmental challenges, including pollution, affecting residents' health and well-being. Issues include air pollution, proximity to solid waste facilities, and pesticide use. The city aims to engage all residents in decision-making processes and improve public facilities. Challenges such as incomplete pedestrian networks, lack of nutritious food options, and affordable housing are also addressed. Strategies include promoting healthy food access, enhancing physical activity opportunities, and addressing housing affordability and safety concerns. The Environmental Justice Element aims to address the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and benefits with the following goals:
1. An engaged and informed community that participates fully in the public decision-making process.
2. Equitable participation in decision-making by traditionally underrepresented groups, and by stakeholders in EJ communities and throughout the City.
3. Strong collaboration with other government agencies and community groups working to address the environmental justice issues that impact El Centro.
4. The reduction of pollution from existing and new sources in El Centro and the surrounding region.
5. Mitigation of exposure to pollution in El Centro.
6. Separation of sensitive uses, e.g. residential development, senior facilities, schools, child care centers, hospitals, etc., from pollution sources
7. Equitable distribution of public facilities and infrastructure throughout the City of El Centro.
8. State of the art health care facilities to meet the evolving needs of the community and the region
9. Reliable and convenient access to healthy food for all members of the El Centro community.
10. Positive messaging and education about healthy eating habits.
11. A balanced food environmental with high-quality food outlets.
2024 Annual Progress Report
12 12. Offer a variety of recreation opportunities to meet the needs and abilities of people throughout El Centro.
13. Safe and comfortable spaces for active transportation and physical activity.
14. An active transportation network that connects important locations throughout the City.
15. Safe and well-maintained housing for all residents of El Centro.
16. A diverse range of housing options affordable to residents at all income levels.
17. A strategic approach to reducing the number of residents experiencing homelessness in El Centro.
Implementation Progress
Policy
No.
Description Comments
EJE-IP-1
Offer healthy foods and beverages at public
events: Research and adopt a policy to increase
healthy food and beverage options at public
facilities, meetings and events. The ordinance should
consider banning sugar-sweetened beverages and
increase the proportion of healthy items for sale in
vending machines and at concession stands. Include
examples of healthy vs. unhealthy food options.
Not Started - A formal policy has not
been drafted, but healthy and sugar
free options are made available at
city sponsored meetings.
EJE-IP-2 Conduct proactive outreach: Hold an annual town hall meeting, inviting the entire City to provide
suggestions and comments for how the City
government can better serve the residents.
Not Started.
EJE-IP-3 Develop a community meeting protocol: Prepare a strategy for all City departments to use when
conducting community outreach. Always provide
interpretation services and meeting notices in both
English/Spanish. Always allow for remote
participation. Consider offering food and childcare
services for in-person meetings. Use additional
innovative methods to involve the community as
appropriate.
Ongoing - All communications for city
events, public meetings, and press
releases are translated in to Spanish.
There is an incentive for staff who
speak Spanish to provide translation
services. All City Council meetings
and Planning Commission allow for
remote participation.
EJE-IP-4 Maintain a meeting distribution list: Prepare a list of organizations, non-profit groups and other
community partners, including those who have
connections with or serve traditionally
underrepresented groups, and invite them to
participate in all community outreach and decisionmaking activities. Make this list available for all departments to use.
Ongoing - All outward facing
communication is managed by the
Public Information Officer who
maintains meeting distribution lists.
2024 Annual Progress Report
13 EJE-IP-5 Develop a project sustainability checklist to use when reviewing development projects: Include such
measures as requiring developers of new projects
along the perimeter of the City to: consider air
pollution exposure especially for sensitive groups;
plant drought tolerant trees to serve as wind breaks
to mitigate blowing dust; require use of low-impact
development techniques where feasible; incentivize
the use of green building techniques; and require
sidewalks and bike lanes/paths in all residential
subdivisions.
Ongoing- Projects are reviewed for
compliance.
EJE-IP-6 Urban greening programs: Look for grant programs that provide opportunities to add trees and
vegetation in the City for shade and natural cooling,
appropriate to the local climate.
Ongoing - In 2023, the City received
$ 4.78M from the Clean California
Grant. In 2023, the City received
$1.1M in funding from the urban
greening program for Buena Vista
Park. The City also received nearly
$5 million from CalFire for an urban
forestry program. Resulting to the
planting of hundreds of trees.
EJE-IP-7 Develop indoor air quality guidelines: Incorporate techniques for improved indoor air quality into
design standards for new developments near
freeways, major corridors, or other sources causing
high levels of localized pollution.
Not Started
EJE-IP-8 Create an air quality buffer map: Buffer map should identify areas where extra effort should be made
to plant trees and/or other strategies to mitigate air
pollution impacts. See LUE-IP-1q.
Not Started
EJE-IP-9 Develop healthy food retail incentives: Explore incentives, such as the Healthy Food Financing
Initiative or California FreshWorks Fund to expand
healthy food retail throughout El Centro.
Not Started
EJE-IP-10 Conduct ongoing coordination with the Imperial County Public Health Department (ICPHD): Maintain
a productive relationship with the ICPHD and
support efforts to better serve communities of
concern through eliminating food waste and
redistributing food, and use the City’s website and
social media to provide information to residents on
food assistance programs and to offer community
classes that promote healthy eating.
Not Started
2024 Annual Progress Report
14 EJE-IP-11 Participate in healthy home education: Disseminate information to property owners and tenants about
maintaining a “healthy home” including information
on indoor mold, and low toxicity cleaning products;
look to the CDC and California Department of Public
Health for resources.
Ongoing – Information is distributed
at the front counter regarding indoor
mold and lead hazards found in
homes.
EJE-IP-12 Start a Lead Paint Program: Collaborate with the Imperial County Housing Authority to create a Lead
Paint Program, and include active enforcement.
In Progress – The City has a program
available for residents who qualify
for CDBG funds to remediate lead
paint as part of an approved
project.
EJE-IP-13 Expand opportunities for indoor recreation:
Consider using vacant retail space centrally located
near residential neighborhoods to offer indoor
recreation opportunities especially during the hot
summer months, such as indoor climbing walls for
kids, roller skating, indoor play structures, indoor
obstacle courses, trampolines, etc.
Ongoing – The City owns the Dr. MLK
Jr. Sports Pavilion, which includes
indoor soccer field, walking path,
and two half-court basketball courts.
The City also owns a gymnasium that
is air conditioned. Recently, the City
has worked with developers to bring
an indoor trampoline venue.
EJE-IP-14 Incentivize new neighborhood grocery stores: Revise the zoning code to allow neighborhood-serving
retail uses within neighborhoods at key nodes to
provide opportunities for retail services within
walking distance of homes. Allow reduced parking
requirements. Prioritize the neighborhoods on the
east side of the City. Revise the Zoning Ordinance if
necessary.
Not Started
EJE-IP-15 Promote mobile farmer’s markets: Permit mobile farmer’s markets to operate weekly or bi-weekly in
neighborhoods that are a considerable distance
from grocery stores. Allow them to locate at local
parks or community centers.
Not Started – Staff is in the process
of revising the City’s mobile vending
ordinance to facilitate the vending
food at parks and public spaces.
EJE-IP-16 Host pop-up events: Periodically, host pop-up events and feature local musicians, food trucks, and fun
activities such as bingo, raffle for tickets to the
Aquatic Center, etc. for community-building.
Consider closing down City street segments for this
purpose to provide space for these events.
Ongoing- The City hosted the
inaugural Fiesta del Valle Flavor
Fest on January 25, 2025 at the MLK
Pavilion and showcased local food
vendors, corn hole, and a beer
garden. The City also hosts fourteen
street pop up events throughout the
year.
EJE-IP-17 Develop low-impact development guidelines: Work with the Engineering Department to develop a set of
guidelines to require developers to use new
techniques to reduce runoff, such as the use of
permeable pavers, and vegetated infiltration.
Not started
2024 Annual Progress Report
15 EJE-IP-18 Partner in regional air quality improvement efforts:
Maintain a “seat at the table” in regional efforts to
improve air quality for the City and County. Identify
a consistent staff member to serve as the City’s
liaison.
Ongoing – City representative
present at AB 617 Meetings
EJE-IP-19 (Mobility or EJ Element) Develop transportation options for low income residents, seniors or persons
with disabilities for important needs, such as medical
appointments, pharmacy and grocery shopping,
and offer mobile health care options.
Ongoing – ICTC provides
transportation services for these
populations. City staff will continue
to partner with ICTC to meet their
needs.
EJE-IP-20 Offer fee-free days for the City’s recreational facilities: To better serve the recreational needs of
communities of concern, waive fees for the City’s
recreational facilities on an occasional basis.
Ongoing – Swim lesson scholarships
are provided by the Red Cross and
Imperial Irrigation District. City also
has free days at the Aquatic Center
and Conrad Harrison gym.
EJE-IP-21 Participate in regional and local efforts to end homelessness: Collaborate with local and regional
agencies working on homeless issues, including nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and the County of Imperial to support needed services and move
individuals and families into permanent housing.
Ongoing – City funds the Helping
Hands Program managed by
Catholic Charities, Catholic Charities
Day Center, and participates in the
Imperial Valley Continuum of Care
Council.
Planned Updates
The Environmental Justice Element is not proposed to be updated nor is it statutorily required to be updated as is the case with the Housing Element or the Safety Element. The plan recently being adopted is still being implemented. Future General Plan Element Updates may require an update to the plan.
Housing Element
Background
The Housing Element, a crucial part of the General Plan as mandated by California State law, is responsible for assessing housing needs, analyzing the housing market, and suggesting programs to address those needs. It involves examining housing stock, costs, incomes, special requirements, land availability, infrastructure, and RHNA. Updated every eight years, the City's Housing Element aims to devise future housing strategies based on past initiatives and present assessments. The Sixth Cycle Housing Element for the City of El Centro's statutory planning period kicks off on October 15, 2021, and runs until October 15, 2029, while the RHNA period starts on June 30, 2021, and extends to October 15, 2029.
El Centro's Sixth Cycle Housing Element focuses on expanding sites for lower and moderate-income households to achieve economic integration. RHNA sites are strategically spread across the city, with larger sites on the outskirts and smaller ones in the center, following fair housing distribution patterns.
2024 Annual Progress Report
16 Certain areas have concentrations of poverty, disparities, and sensitive communities, prompting the city to promote mixed-income neighborhoods for enhancement. The Land Use Element endorses a wellrounded mix of land uses to cater to residents' needs and enhance living conditions. Strategies involve facilitating "Missing Middle" housing, promoting infill housing, and aligning residential policies with General Plan objectives. In order to guide future growth in the City of El Centro, the following goals were included in the Housing Element:
1. Adequate housing to meet the existing and future needs of El Centro residents.
2. Maintenance and enhancement of the quality of residential neighborhoods and living environments.
3. Equal opportunity for all residents to reside in housing of their choice.
4. Housing that maximizes opportunities for energy conservation.
Implementation Progress
The table below lists Housing Element Programs or Policies that have been finished, are currently in progress, or are underway.
Program No. Description Comments
1. Adequate Sites
for RHNA
Update the Zoning Ordinance to address the
replacement requirements, implement the MU-1
and MU-2 Overlay designations of the Land
Use Element, Maintain and monitor the
residential sites inventory to ensure adequate
sites remain to accommodate the RHNA
throughout the RHNA period, provide sites
inventory information online and update at least
annually.
Rezoning of properties
identified for Mixed Use in
the General Plan was
completed in December
2022. Staff is preparing
an interactive GIS map
showing the RHNA sites
inventory that were
included in the Housing
Element for public use.
2. Monitor
Residential Capacity
(SB166 No Net Loss)
Develop and implement a formal evaluation
procedure pursuant to Government Code
Section 65863
Completed as part of the
Phase II Zoning Ordinance
Update that was updated
in September 2024.
3. By-Right Approval
of Projects with 20
Percent Affordable
(AB1397)
Develop and implement a formal evaluation
procedure pursuant to Government Code
Section 65863
Completed as part of the
Phase II Zoning Ordinance
Update that was updated
in September 2024.
4. Accessory
Dwelling Units
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to, clarify the
definition of ADUs, establish parking standards
in consistent with State law, ensure regulations
for single-family dwellings conform to State law
allowing ADUs and Jr. ADUs. By 2023 develop
incentives to facilitate ADU Production, and
Facilitate the construction of 40 ADUs over eight
years.
The Zoning Ordinance was
amended in 2022 and
clarified the local
requirements for ADUs
consistent with State law.
In 2023, staff also
streamlined the approval
of ADUs by consolidating
2024 Annual Progress Report
17 Planning and Building
reviews in to one process.
Staff is preparing permit
ready ADU Plans. In 2024,
there were 45 ADUs or
JADUs constructed.
5. Facilitate
Affordable and
Special Needs
Housing Production
Encourage and facilitate affordable and special
needs housing by collaborating with Affordable
and Special Needs Housing Developers.
In 2022, the City
approved the transfer of
property to Chelsea
Investment Corporation for
the construction of 96 units
of which a portion will be
constructed for residents
with special needs.
6. First-Time
Homebuyer Program
Maintain contact information for affordable
housing developers’ special needs service
providers for the purposes of soliciting their
involvement in development projects in El
Centro. Provide links to CalHFA programs on
City website by the end of 2022 and annually
pursue available funding programs to deliver
homebuyer assistance.
In the 2023-2024 HUD
Program Year, there were
no applicants that
qualified for the first time
homebuyer program. Staff
is reviewing guidelines for
changes to increase
participation.
7. Zoning Code
Amendments
Annually, the City will contact local and regional
affordable housing developers, especially those
that focus on housing for the disabled, seniors,
and farmworker households to explore
opportunities for affordable housing.
Phase I of the Zoning
Code Update was
completed in December
2022 and included the
majority of the proposed
changes identified in the
Housing Element. Phase II
was completed September
2024.
8. Water and Sewer
Service Priority for
Affordable Housing
Develop and establish a formal procedure to
grant water and sewer priority to developments
with units affordable to lower-income
households within one year of adoption of the
2021-2029 Housing Element.
In progress – A draft
policy has been prepared
by staff and is pending
consideration by the City
Council.
9. Coordination with
Social Services
Agencies
Continue to evaluate on an annual basis
allocation of CDBG funds to social service
agencies to benefit El Centro residents, and
attempt to assist 250 special needs and lower
income residents annually.
In the 2023-2024 HUD
Program Year, CDBG
funds served 988
residents.
2024 Annual Progress Report
18 10. Rental Assistance Continue to contract with the IVHA to administer the Housing Choice Vouchers Program and assist
an average of approximately 900 extremely
low and very low-income households annually
during the planning period, promote the Housing
Choice Vouchers program on City website,
partner with its fair housing service provider to
educate the community on the new source of
income protection.
The Imperial Valley
Housing Authority over
683 housing vouchers to
assist extremely low and
very low-income
households in El Centro.
11. Conservation of
Existing and Future
Affordable Units
Monitor Units at Risk, Work with Potential
Purchasers, Tenant Education, and Assist Tenants
of Existing Rent Restricted Units to Obtain
Section 8 Voucher Assistance.
The City has not lost any
affordable housing due to
conversion to market rate
in 2024.
12. Housing
Rehabilitation Loan
Program
Assist two low-income homeowners annually with
rehabilitation loans, one low-income homeowner
annually with lead-based paint reduction, one
low-income homeowner annually with asbestos
testing and removal, and annually pursue other
funding sources (e.g., CalHome) to expand
housing rehabilitation assistance.
In the 2023-2024 HUD
Program Year, one
applicant was awarded
funding for the housing
rehabilitation loan
program.
13. Code
Enforcement
Continue to implement the applicable sections of
the El Centro Municipal Code.
Inform eligible owners about the City’s Home
Improvement Loan Program, conduct code
enforcement on 150 units annually, Adopt the
most recent version of the California Building
Code by 2022 and update every three years
according to the State Building Code update
schedule.
In 2024, 94 Code
Enforcement cases were
closed on housing related
complaints. The Code
Enforcement Officer
distributes information
pamphlets to potentially
eligible homeowners about
the City's Housing
Rehabilitation Loan
Program.
14. Fair Housing
Services
Complete meaningful actions noted in Table 50
of page 106 to affirmatively further fair
housing issues. Contributing factors identified
includes: Insufficient Fair Housing Testing and
Limited Outreach Capacity, Patterns of
concentration as well as disparate access to
opportunities/ resources for communities in the
Center of the City, and Communities with
disproportionate housing needs, like cost
burdens, overcrowding, and substandard
housing conditions, are concentrated in the
census tracts in the center of the City.
In 2024, the City
completed the housing
conditions survey that
provided data on areas
with concentrated levels of
poor maintained housing.
Also, the City updated
their Analysis of
Impediments to Fair
Housing Choice and Fair
Housing Action Plan in
2024.
2024 Annual Progress Report
19 Planned Updates
The Housing Element is not expected to be updated again prior to its required 7th Cycle Update. As mentioned previously, the Sixth Cycle Housing Element period runs until October 15, 2029. Once funding is made available for the Seventh Cycle Housing Element update, staff will begin working on the next statutory updated.
2024 Housing APR Summary
This year’s Annual Progress Report accounts for the third full calendar year of the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) period beginning on January 1, 2024 and ending on December 31, 2024. Below are the highlights from the Report for this period:
HOUSING UNITS ISSUED BUILDING PERMITS DURING CALENDAR YEAR 2024 New Units in 2024
Single Family Homes 10
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) 45
Multi-Family Units 110
Mobile Home 0
Total Units 165
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT GOALS 2021-2029
Income Level RHNA Allocation
2021-2029
20222023 2024 RHNA Goal Remaining
Very Low ≤ 50% AMI 1001 4 96 869
Low 51% to 80% AMI 490 31 48 83 295
Moderate 81% to 120% AMI 462 3 26 72 352
Above Moderate > 120% AMI 1489 0 0 10 1474
Total Units 3,442 38 170 165 2,990
2024 Annual Progress Report
20 Conservation/Open Space Element
Background
The Conservation/Open Space Element is designed to safeguard environmental and historical resources, encompassing aspects such as agricultural conservation, water conservation, and air quality. It consists of sections on Issues, Goals, and Policies, along with a Conservation/Open Space Plan. Environmental impact assessments and wildlife protection are governed by several laws and programs like the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Compliance with regulations is mandatory for development projects in El Centro to minimize environmental effects. The city enforces stormwater pollution control measures and regional transportation plans to enhance air quality and traffic management. Furthermore, the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan aligns with General Plan objectives for diverse resource conservation initiatives.
The Imperial Valley's fertile agricultural terrain stands as a cornerstone of El Centro's economy, supplying a rich array of fresh produce vital to its populace. Despite grappling with the challenges linked to the high salinity of Colorado River water, the community acknowledges the critical need for water conservation amid California's persistent water overdraft predicaments.
El Centro's deep-rooted ties to its agricultural heritage highlight the city's unique legacy, accentuating the importance of preserving historical landmarks for forthcoming generations to appreciate and glean wisdom from. As custodians of the land, residents bear the responsibility of perpetuating these customs and honoring the memory of their predecessors who cultivated the soil with care.
Although El Centro benefits from generally favorable air quality, the presence of wind-dispersed particulates underscores the delicate equilibrium between advancement and environmental repercussions.
Positioned in an environmentally sensitive locale, the city must engage in meticulous urban planning and proactive measures to mitigate potential environmental hazards and ensure the welfare of its inhabitants.
Implementation Progress
Policy
No.
Description Status
COS-1 Agricultural Preservation: Use development
incentives such as priority project processing,
density bonuses, and infrastructure improvements to
encourage redevelopment and infill projects that
reduce development pressure on agricultural lands.
Ongoing – In 2021 the City adopted a
Programmatic Environmental Impact
Report (PEIR) for the El Centro 2040
General Plan Update. The PIER
included programs to evaluate the
development of agricultural lands. The
El Centro 2040 General Plan also
resulted to an up zoning of many zones
allowing denser residential
2024 Annual Progress Report
21 development. The Zoning Code update
adopted in 2022, also includes a
streamlined density bonus process
following state requirements.
COS-2 Agriculture Preservation: Encourage the provision and maintenance of buffers, such as roadways,
topographic features, and open space, to prevent
incompatibilities between agricultural and nonagricultural land uses. During the development review process, a number of factors shall be used
to determine the appropriate buffer, including the
type of agricultural use, topography, and pesticide
and machinery use.
Ongoing – The El Centro 2040 General
Plan Update identified areas that are
planned for development abutting
agricultural uses also have policies for
adequate buffers.
COS-3 Promote Water Conservation: Work with the
Imperial Irrigation District to encourage water
conservation throughout El Centro in the following
ways:
• Require the use of drought resistant plant
species in landscaping for private and public
areas, including parks;
• Utilize xeriscape principles in all new parks,
recreation facilities, public buildings and
private developments.
• Work with the El Centro School Districts to
establish water conservation educational
programs; and
• Require the incorporation of water
conservation devices (including low-flush
toilets, flow restriction devices and water
conservation appliances) in new development,
public projects and rehabilitation projects.
Ongoing – The City monitors State
mandates on drought conditions and
implements the Water Shortage
Contingency Plan. All new development
is required to adhere to Chapter 29,
Division 6 of the municipal code which
discusses Water Efficient Landscaping.
The City utilized the 2022 California
Building Code that contains water
efficient requirements.
COS-4 4.4 Plan: Support California's "4.4 Plan"; an
ongoing effort to reduce California's use of
Colorado River water to 4.4 million acre-feet per
year, California’s entitled amount.
This program was created in 2002 and
would need to be reevaluated to
determine if it is still a valid.
COS-5 Water Recycling: Implement water recycling in El
Centro in the following ways:
• Apply for funding for a Recycled Water
Feasibility Study from the State Water
Resources Control Board;
• Conduct Feasibility Study;
• Implement recommendations through the CIP
process, a new recycled water use ordinance (if
appropriate) and requirements for new
development.
Not started.
2024 Annual Progress Report
22 COS-6 Subdivision Ordinance: Continue to implement and enforce the subdivision ordinance that contains
provisions for the dedication of land for park and
recreational purposes. The ordinance requires a
land dedication calculated on a basis of a ratio of
five acres of park for each 1,000 residents
generated by the project. A fee can be paid in
lieu of land dedication and the collection of these
and fees and other funds can be used to set up a
revolving fund to be used for the acquisition of
park and open space lands.
Ongoing - The current ratio is 3 acres
per 1,000 residents.
COS-7 Zoning Ordinance: Continue to promote the
Planned Unit Development (PUD) provision in the
Zoning Ordinance. PUDs are a way to encourage
the development of residential environments
containing more usable open space than provided
under traditional development standards.
Ongoing – The City is processing one
PUD for the Town Center Residential
and Industrial Development (CUP 22-4).
COS-8 Protect Natural Resources: Assess development
proposals for potential impacts to significant
natural and aesthetic resources pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and
associated federal regulations. Require
appropriate mitigation for all significant impacts if
impact avoidance is not possible.
Ongoing - This is reviewed in all CEQA
projects.
COS-9 “Embrace the Desert”: Invest in the City programs and facilities that highlight the unique value of the
landscape and appropriate use of materials. City
investments should include an Environmental
Education Program and a Desert Demonstration
Garden.
Not Started
COS10California Environmental Quality Act: Continue to assess development proposals for potential impacts
to sensitive historic, archaeological, and
paleontological resources pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Require appropriate mitigation for all significant
impacts if impact avoidance is not possible.
Ongoing - This is reviewed in all CEQA
projects.
COS11Downtown Business District: Continue to implement and update as necessary the recommendations of
the Downtown Business District Study as one method
of maintaining and enhancing the downtown area
to retain the character of the central area, with its
arcades and store fronts, and to create a more
lively and vibrant city center.
Ongoing – The City continues to
implement projects and programs such
as the installation of ornamental street
and pedestrian lighting and façade
improvement programs. Most recently
the City received a $4.8 million grant
for further improvements.
2024 Annual Progress Report
23 COS12Local Awareness of Community Heritage: Foster
local awareness of El Centro’s heritage by:
• Implementing a program of recognition, for
example, the placement of plaques or markers
to highlight the significance of a building or
place;
• Investigating the eligibility of local buildings for
listing in the national, State, or local register of
historic places;
• Designating historic landmarks, recognizing a
building, structure, site or collection of buildings
or sites which are found by the City Council to
have historic, cultural, or architectural
significance;
• Purchasing development rights to important
buildings or property so as to provide
protection from alteration or destruction;
• Purchasing and re-selling important buildings or
property with a covenant and reverted clause
in the deed, restricting changes in the structure
of the place.
In November 21, 2023, the City Council
updated the Proclamation Policy 605
adding that plaques may be issued for
buildings of cultural or historical interest
or significance.
Planned Updates
Being that it was last updated twenty years ago, it should be considered as part of the next comprehensive update of the General Plan.
Noise Element
Background
The Noise Element is crucial for the General Plan, meeting State planning laws and aligning with California Health and Safety guidelines. It forecasts noise levels for land use compatibility and sets standards for noise insulation. The Noise Element must integrate with other General Plan elements like Land Use and Circulation, aiming to reduce transportation-induced noise impact. In El Centro, noise mitigation efforts focus on transportation-related noise from sources like Interstate 8. Planning for future noise conditions involves addressing transportation and stationary noise sources to minimize community impact. The City of El Centro has goals and policies adopted to ensure that noise impacts are properly mitigated during the development phase. In addition, there is a noise plan that includes standards. The following goals are included in the Noise Element:
1. Minimize the effects of noise through proper land use planning.
2. Minimize transportation related noise impacts to preserve the City’s overall environment.
3. Minimize non-transportation related noise impacts to preserve the City’s overall environment.
2024 Annual Progress Report
24 Implementation Progress
The City of El Centro addresses noise issues by implementing a Noise Plan and Land Use Compatibility Standards. Different zones determine noise acceptability and mitigation requirements for development projects. The city focuses on transportation noise control through design measures and collaboration with transportation authorities. Noise from non-transportation sources is also regulated to protect sensitive receptors. Compliance with noise standards is required for new development projects to minimize noise impacts on the community. Unlike earlier sections of the General Plan that incorporated formal programs with timelines, the Noise Element contains standards and guidelines for proper noise planning during development.
Planned Updates
The Noise Element was last updated during the comprehensive General Plan Update in 2004. Since than the Circulation Element was replaced with the Mobility Element in 2021 and modifying the planned vehicle transportation network. Also, the County of Imperial is currently updating their Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, which would affect the forecasted noise generated from aircraft landing at the Imperial County Airport north of the city.
Safety Element
Background
The Safety Element in El Centro aims to identify and address potential hazards for residents, workers, and visitors, including earthquakes, fires, floods, and hazardous materials. It is a mandated part of the General Plan, covering hazards like seismic events, flooding, fires, and hazardous materials. The Safety Element includes sections on Issues, Goals, Policies, and a Safety Plan outlining actions to reduce risks and enhance emergency preparedness. Government Code section 65302(g) sets forth a list of hazards that the Element must cover if they pertain to conditions in the City. These hazards are:
• Seismically induced conditions including ground shaking, surface rupture, ground failure, tsunami and seiche;
• Slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides; • Subsidence and other geologic hazards;
• Flooding;
• Wildland and urban fires; and
• Evacuation routes, water supply requirements and design standards for new development as they relate to identified fire seismic and geologic hazards.
2024 Annual Progress Report
25 Implementation Progress
The City of El Centro has 14 programs addressing safety standards including seismic hazards mitigation, flood risk reduction, fire prevention, crime prevention, transportation safety, and emergency response coordination. Measures include enforcing building codes, retrofitting hazardous buildings, promoting fire prevention, educating the public, enhancing transportation safety, and minimizing health risks from hazardous materials. Following is a list of each program with a summarized description:
Program
No.
Description Comments
S-1 Reduce community risk from seismic and geologic
hazards by mandating mitigation measures for
new and existing developments. Evaluate
projects for potential hazards under the
California Environmental Quality Act and
implement safety measures to address
significant risks.
Ongoing - This is an ongoing topic item
in all environmental reports.
S-2 Use open space easements and other regulatory
techniques to prohibit development and avoid
public safety hazards where seismic hazards are
identified and cannot be mitigated.
Ongoing - This is an ongoing
consideration.
S-3 Comply with structural codes like the Uniform
Building Code, Uniform Mechanical Code,
Uniform Fire Code, and National Electric Code
to prevent injury, property damage, and loss of
life. All development in El Centro must adhere to
these codes for public safety.
Ongoing – The city has adopted the
2022 California Building Code. The
2025 California Building Code edition
will become effective on January 1,
2026. Staff will be preparing necessary
ordinance updates before the end of the
2025.
S-4 Implement a seismic retrofitting program for
identifying and reinforcing hazardous buildings.
Prioritize buildings for strengthening, offer
incentives to owners like tax waivers, and
provide education on seismic upgrades.
Not Started – State funding programs
are available for lenders to finance
seismic safety retrofits.
S-5 Reduce community flooding risks by mandating
mitigation measures for existing and new
developments, assessing proposals under the
California Environmental Quality Act, and
implementing safety measures.
Ongoing - This is an ongoing topic item
in all environmental reports.
S-6 Enforce city standards for storm drainage
facilities to handle storm runoff and flash
floods. New developments must provide flood
control facilities as needed, and identify
funding sources for necessary improvements.
Ongoing – Applicable projects are
reviewed for compliance with the City’s
stormwater ordinance.
2024 Annual Progress Report
26 S-7 Promote programs and actions that educate the
public about flood hazards and how to reduce
the risks and losses associated with flooding.
Not Started
S-8 Reduce community fire risks by mandating
mitigation for brush and structural fires in
existing, new, and redeveloped areas. Evaluate
development projects for hazards under the
California Environmental Quality Act and
enforce measures to reduce significant safety
risks.
Ongoing - This topic is consistently
addressed in all environmental reports.
Additionally, the Code Enforcement
Department and Fire Department
conduct investigations and enforce
regulations within their respective
jurisdictions. Fire Department conducts
business inspections to identify and have
the owner’s correct violations.
S-9 Promote fire prevention in El Centro by
implementing fire hazard education programs,
coordinating with relevant departments for
adequate water pressure, adopting updated
fire code provisions, and reviewing the Fire
Department budget for enhanced protection.
Ongoing – Development projects are
reviewed by Fire Department staff and
evaluated for compliance with the
California Fire Code. City periodically
holds Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) trainings for the public. Fire
Department holds an annual open house
event during fire prevention month.
S-10 Continue to implement the signal preemption
program allowing emergency vehicles to
preempt signalized traffic lights in order to
reduce response time to emergencies.
Ongoing – New traffic signals are
installed with detection and phase cards
to allow signal preemption.
S-11 Provide adequate police protection and
educate the public on ways to prevent crime
including Maintaining adequate police staffing
levels, Upholding mutual aid agreements,
Integrating safety principles into development
projects, Enhancing public awareness with
initiatives such as Neighborhood Watch,
Delivering crime prevention programs in local
schools in collaboration with the police and
school districts.
Ongoing –The Police Department also
operates the Community Relations Unit
that interacts with residents and
property owners on how to improve the
safety and security. Police Department
operates the Explorer program and
conducts public outreach and education
to local schools. Coffee with a Cop
sessions are held throughout the year.
S-12 Enhance transportation safety by collaborating
with various organizations such as California
Highway Patrol, U.S. Navy, and others to
identify and address safety issues involving
railways, airplanes, automobiles, pedestrians,
and cyclists.
Ongoing – The City of El Centro Police
Department collaborated with the
California Highway Patrol on traffic
enforcement targeting street racing in
2025.
S-13 Implement and update the SEMS Multihazard
Functional Plan to coordinate emergency
service providers and minimize damage during
disasters. Encourage multi-jurisdictional
Completed – The Imperial County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update was adopted in February 2021.
In 2025, the El Centro Fire Department
2024 Annual Progress Report
27 cooperation, communication, and involvement of
private individuals and organizations for
effective emergency planning and response.
entered into an Automatic Aid
Agreement with the Imperial County Fire
Department, City of Imperial, and AMR.
S-14 Minimize health and environmental risks
associated with hazardous materials by
collaborating with regulatory agencies,
implementing waste management plans,
identifying transportation routes, following
emergency management plans, and working
with local agencies to administer Risk
Management Plans for businesses.
Ongoing
Planned Updates
The Safety Element was last updated in during the comprehensive General Plan Update in 2004. Since then, there have been statutory requirements to update Safety Elements with the next update of the Housing Element. Also, State law now requires that climate change adaptation and resiliency in the general plan safety element. AB 2140 (Gov. Code § 65302.6, 8685.9) authorizes local governments to adopt the LHMP with the general plan safety element. Integration by reference or annexation is encouraged through a post-disaster financial incentive to cover local shares of the 25% non-federal portion of grant-funded post-disaster projects when approved by the legislature.
Economic Development Element
Background
The Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008 triggered the great recession, leading to financial institution bailouts and economic challenges like job losses and housing market issues. Despite the economic constraints, the City included an optional Economic Development Element in its General Plan to enhance the local economy, aiming for a balanced community with a high quality of life. The El Centro General Plan's Economic Development Element, last updated in 2011, aims to leverage globalization forces to drive city growth. The focus is on attracting businesses offering higher wages to counter declining household incomes. The update included strategies for reusing underutilized sites, enhancing downtown areas, and integrating commercial, residential, and office spaces. The plan is part of a broader effort to adapt to economic changes and will be implemented gradually as funds allow. The City maintains the Vision 2050 Blueprint and a Strategic Plan, last updated in 2022, that are updated as needs and trends evolve. The Economic Development Plan has the following 12 goals:
• Goal 3.1: Attract Employers That Pay Higher Wages
• Goal 3.2: Encourage Entrepreneurship
• Goal 3.3: Encourage sustainable Development practices
2024 Annual Progress Report
28 • Goal 3.4: Create more shovel ready industry sites
• Goal 3.5: Continue to attract shoppers from Mexicali and neighboring communities • Goal 3.6: Improve community amenities that make El Centro a better place to visit and reside • Goal 3.7: Transform downtown El Centro into a mixed-use neighborhood • Goal 3.8: Reduce the inventory of vacant commercial space • Goal 3.9: Encourage more intensive development at underutilized shopping center sites • Goal 3.10: Upgrade the Appearance of Abandoned and Underutilized Commercial Properties Until they are Revitalized
• Goal 3.11: Convert a Portion of Vacant Industrial Land into Business Park or General Commercial Uses
• Goal 3.12: Complete the development of the Imperial Valley Commons site Implementation Progress
The Economic Development Plan has twelve goals with respective action items to help guide economic growth. In order to properly track the progress, it is important to track the 16 opportunity areas that are delineated in the Plan.
Opportunity
Area No.
Description Comments
1. Imperial Valley
Plaza
The Valley Plaza Shopping Center should
transform into a mixed-use business center
with increased business space, reduced
parking, and pedestrian-friendly amenities.
This location continues to be
developed as suites open up.
This area currently has a mixture
of tenants that includes medical
offices, governmental offices,
retail stores, a gym and
restaurants.
2. Former Heilig
Meyers Center
The underutilized shopping center should
undergo intensive development with new
business space, reduced parking, upgraded
appearance, and improved maintenance
until demand increases.
This location houses a Smart and
Final, Dollar General, and a
furniture store.
3. Bowling Area
Site
The area should support recreation or
entertainment that complements the bowling
alley while ensuring its competitiveness in
the regional market.
A formally empty portion of the
building is now use for a
vocational nursing school.
4. Valley
CenterPoint
Plaza
The site should be redeveloped or
repurposed with a blend of activities that
align with the Imagine Charter School. The
General Plan revision should promote more
intensive development on the site,
incorporating extra structures while
reducing the land allocated for parking. It's
Imagine Charter School ceased
operations in 2018. A major
portion of the site was donated
to the City in 2018. The New El
Centro Public Library was
constructed in 2023. A master
plan of the site was prepared in
2024 Annual Progress Report
29 Opportunity
Area No.
Description Comments
crucial to maintain the vacant buildings
adequately until the demand for new
commercial space increases.
2022. The former Carrow’s
restaurant building was
converted to a Jersey Mikes,
UPS Store, and a third suite.
5. Former WalMart StoreThe former Wal-Mart site should be redeveloped with a mix of business uses.
More intensive development on the site
should be encouraged along with a
reduced amount of land reserved for
parking. The vacant building should be
properly maintained until the demand for
new business space improves.
This site is no longer vacant. The
Wal-Mart building is used for
government offices, Ross, DD’s
Discount, PetSmart and a
Stanton Optical. In addition, the
parking area includes new
buildings with a Five Below,
Aldi’s, two ATMs, an insurance
company, and a cell phone
store.
6. El Centro Town
Center Phase II
The General Plan should encourage the
build out of this 30-acre area with a mix of
office, business-park uses, recognizing that
site buildout is constrained by the area's
location within the regional airport zone. A
public-private partnership could help
finance the infrastructure improvements
needed to develop shovel ready business
sites.
Complete - Off-site
improvements were constructed
funded through an Economic
Development Administration
Grant. Areas were rezoned to
Multi-family residential
consistent with the City’s review
of the Airport Land Use
Compatibility Guidelines. Other
areas are developed for light
industrial uses.
7. Adams Avenue
Corridor
Vacant and underutilized sites within this
corridor should be developed or
redeveloped for higher and better uses.
The attraction of new private investment
can upgrade the appearance and
economic vitality of the corridor.
The Mixed Use 1 (MU) zone was
applied to the area to allow
medium to high density
residential uses in the area. In
addition, there parks and
recreation amenities were
installed.
8. Downtown
Main Street
Corridor
The downtown should be transitioned into a
mixed-use neighborhood that includes
retail, general commercial, office, and
residential uses. lnfill housing should be
encouraged on vacant and underutilized
lots. Flexible zoning should attract a
diversity of people and businesses into the
vacant downtown spaces. Project Shape
recommendations for parking, landscaping
and land use changes should be
implemented.
Ongoing – In 2016, an
amendment to the zoning
ordinance prohibited housing in
the downtown area. The
updated Land Use Element
provided strategies for
economic development to
encourage small business
involving small-scale fabrication
and artisan production in the
area. The zoning code was
2024 Annual Progress Report
30 Opportunity
Area No.
Description Comments
updated in September 2024 to
reflect Land Use Element
Changes. In 2023, the City
received a $4.8 million grant to
renovate Town Square Park,
replace entry way signage,
trash cans, and other amenities.
Staff applied for grant funding
to develop a plan for the Main
Street Corridor which includes
Downtown Main Street.
9. Highway 86
Railroad
Properties
This area should be transformed into
general commercial or office uses. The
dilapidated buildings should be maintained
and the appearance improved until the site
can be revitalized.
The area remains zoned for
Light Industrial and Railroad
facilities. Rezoning it to allow
for general commercial or office
uses is not being considered at
this time.
10. 8th Street
Industrial Park
Subdivision
Shovel ready business sites should be
created for these 17 acres of vacant
industrially zoned land. The effort will
require a partnership between the private
property owners, the City and federal and
state agencies that may fund infrastructure
improvements.
Development has not occurred
on this property. A Tentative
Subdivision Map for the area
has expired.
11. Danenberg
Industrial Site
Shovel ready business sites should be
created for the 27 acres of vacant
industrially zoned land. The effort will
require a partnership between the private
property owners, the City, and federal and
state agencies that may fund infrastructure
improvements.
This area was rezoned to CTTourist Commercial in 2022.
12. South El Centro
Industrial Park
Shovel ready business sites should be
created for this 17-acre area of vacant
industrial land. The effort will require a
partnership between the private property
owners, the City, and federal and state
agencies that may fund infrastructure
improvements.
A portion of this area was
rezoned CG-General
Commercial in 2022. A gas
station and convenience store
were constructed in 2025 in the
area. Infrastructure needs
remain a barrier to
development.
13. Abatti Property This 120-acre area should be developed with a mix of business uses. The General
Plan update should allow the vacant
industrially zoned land to be reclassified
This area remains zoned Light
Industrial. No development in
this area has been proposed.
2024 Annual Progress Report
31 Opportunity
Area No.
Description Comments
and developed for business park and/or
office uses due to the weak demand for
industrial space and strong demand for
business park space. Shovel ready sites
should be created for business park/office
uses.
14. The Plaza @
Imperial Valley
The Plaza @ Imperial Valley Plaza should
remain a competitive retail destination in
the regional marketplace by a strong
marketing effort that continues to attract
corporate retailers to occupy the large
spaces. Office and general commercial uses
should be attracted to the newly built
smaller spaces on the other side of the
parking lot.
Complete The shopping center
continues to draw shoppers and
tenants and remains an active
shopping center with a variety
of tenants.
15. Imperial Valley
Mall
The covered mall should be promoted as
Imperial County's premier regional
shopping destination by marketing the area
to Mexicali shoppers, and improving the
flow of traffic along Dogwood Avenue and
at the Interstate 8 interchange.
The Imperial Valley Mall
continues to be a premier
destination for Imperial Valley
and Mexicali shoppers. In 2025,
new ownership acquired the
property.
16. Imperial Valley
Commons
This area should complete the site built out
by allowing the property owner to develop
a mix of office, general commercial, and
retail uses. The City should no longer
require the property owner to develop
another regional shopping center because
of saturated demand for new retail space.
The new Kohl's should be promoted to
Mexicali shoppers.
The area remains mostly
undeveloped. In 2018, a
medical office building was
constructed and an application
for a second medical office
building is currently under
building permit review. The City
opened access to the site via the
Dogwood Avenue and Wake
Avenue intersection in 2023. In
2025, new ownership acquired
the property.
Planned Updates
There are no updates planned for the optional Economic Development Plan. However, it should be updated as there have been over 10 years since it was last updated. The exhibits provided in the plan do not match with other tables that include goals, policies or procedures. In addition, there is outdated information such as the Imagine Schools property that is located at the CenterPoint Plaza and completed projects such as the former Wal-mart Building.
2024 Annual Progress Report
32 Public Facilities Element
Background
The Public Facilities Element was last updated in February 2004 and focuses on meeting the community's need for public services and utilities in El Centro. While most of the city is already developed and wellserved by existing services, expanding public services and utilities will be necessary for future development on remaining vacant land. Planning ahead for this growth will ensure that the needs of future residents are met without causing negative impacts on the current community.
Public facilities play a vital role in supporting urban growth. The Public Facilities Element addresses nine key issues through its goals and policies, including ensuring adequate access to parks, educational facilities, libraries, police stations, fire stations, civic centers, cultural facilities, sewer systems, and water systems. Each issue, along with its related goals, policies, and implementation actions, is detailed in the following section.
Implementation Progress
Policy
No.
Description Comments
PF-1 Improve Existing Parks: Work through all City Departments to share resources and activities to improve existing parks by: -Providing funds to improve infrastructure of the
existing fields in accordance with the recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan; -Providing funds to upgrade and improve restrooms, concession stands, shade structures, drinking fountains, ADA access and
parking;
-Providing funds in increase staff maintenance levels and security; -Providing funds to increase recreational
programming staff.
Ongoing – Grant funding
and Measure P funds have
resulted in improvements
and renovations at Carlos
Aguilar Park, McGee Park,
Swartwout Park, and other
parks and city maintained
facilities.
PF-2 Maximize the Value Provided by Future Parks and
Recreation Facilities: Require new development to provide usable parkland or pay in lieu fees to provide five acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents. Leverage future
planning efforts to: -Purchase additional land adjacent to existing parks to enable the expansion of programs; -
Secure 40 to 60 acres (through purchase or agreements
with developers) to accommodate a Sports Athletic
Complex to provide tournament quality fields and practice fields; Provide additional baseball, softball, soccer and football fields; Provide additional play structures and a swimming pool.
Ongoing - As funding allows
additional land may be
purchased. Most recently the
Parks and Recreation
Division repurposed City
owned property to construct
a dog park, Buena Vista
park, and to expand
Gomez Park.
2024 Annual Progress Report
33 PF-3 Create Standards for Parks: Work through the
appropriate City Departments to establish standards for parks and recreation. The standards should provide the
following: -A comprehensive list of park features and
standards taken into account the special needs of the desert climate including shaded play structures, water fountains at all parks, night lighting to maximize use and indoor
facilities; -A standard set of operating schedules; -A
recommended list of materials.
Completed - The Parks and
Recreation Master Plan
includes standards for
different park categories;
however it should be
evaluated for update.
PF-4 Maximize Funding Dollars: Work with developers, the school district, community organizations and local business owners to maximize the funding available to the program.
Encourage the business community to support leagues and encourage private entertainment investment. Maximize the use of volunteers to develop, build and maintain new parks.
Seek grants.
Ongoing - In 2023, the City
received a $500,000
donation from the Held
family to open the City’s
first dog park.
PF-5 Undertake Regular Updates to the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan: Review the effectiveness of
programs and safety and appropriateness of existing
parks by undertaking regular review of the Parks and
Recreation Facilities Master Plan. Evaluate the quality of the parks and confirm that community needs are being met.
Ongoing - The Parks and
Recreation Facilities Master
Plan was last updated in
2008. Many of the features
have been implemented
most notably facilities on
Adams Avenue and
improvements to existing
parks.
PF-6 Keep Program Estimates and Development Impact Fees Current: Assure adequate funding for the program by
updating cost estimates at each phase of the project design and by updating the Development Impact Fees to reflect
current cost estimates.
Ongoing
PF-7 Schools to Serve the Community: Review development proposals for consistency with school facility requirements, work with the district to collect student impact fees and require the dedication of necessary school sites when
appropriate.
Ongoing - City staff
annually works with school
district consultants to provide
up to date information that
is used to acquire new
school sites and facilities.
PF-8 School Districts’ Master Plans: Work with the school districts serving El Centro in future updates of their Master Plans.
Provide information about existing and planned land use to the districts. Coordinate with the districts in establishing new school facility sites, student generation formulas and facility improvement plans.
Ongoing - City staff
annually works with school
district consultants to provide
up to date information that
is used to acquire new
school sites and facilities.
PF-9 Joint Use Agreements with Schools: Work with School Districts to improve joint-use agreements in order to resolve specific issues including: -Security; -Availability of Facilities; Ongoing – The City has joint
use agreements for
recreational facilities with
2024 Annual Progress Report
34 -Shared parking and restrooms that can be accessed from outside of the buildings; -Clear definition of responsibilities in terms of maintenance, repairs, scheduling and insurance liability.
the El Centro Elementary
School District.
PF-10 Library Administrative Board: Continue to work with the El Centro Public Library Administrative Board to ensure that community needs for library services are being met.
Ongoing – The Library and
Community Services Board
periodically meets.
PF-11 Law Enforcement: Review the level of services and funding levels at budget time, adjusting when necessary to ensure that adequate levels of service are provided and facilities are maintained.
Ongoing - The service area
plan is regularly updated
every 5 years as required
by ICLAFCO which examines
levels of service for Law
Enforcement.
PF-12 Fire Protection: Review the level of services and funding levels at budget time, adjusting when necessary to ensure that adequate levels of service are provided and facilities are maintained.
Ongoing - The service area
plan is regularly updated
every 5 years as required
by ICLAFCO which examines
levels of service for Law
Enforcement.
PF-13 Civic Center Precise Plan: Create and implement a Precise Plan for the City’s Civic Center that maximizes the
efficiency of public agencies.
Not started - A Precise Plan
for the Civic Center has not
been established. There is a
zone specific to the Civic
Center has been established
with allowable uses. Funding
was applied for to develop
a plan for the Main Street
corridor which includes the
Civic Center Zone.
PF-14 Community Based Organizations: Continue to coordinate with community organizations to provide facilities that serve the diverse cultural groups and activities in El Centro.
Ongoing - The City engages
Community Based
Organizations through an
allotment of CDBG funding
and community sponsorship
requests.
PF-15 Sewer Master Plan: Update, as necessary, and implement the Sewer Master Plan. As part of the Master Plan update, the City will evaluate the need for additional pump station and piping capacity.
Ongoing - The Public Works
Engineering Division has an
RFP available for the Water
and Sewer Master Plan and
Cost of Service Rate Study.
Completion of the Plan and
Study is anticipated Spring
2026.
PF-16 Water Master Plan: Update, as necessary, and implement the Water Master Plan. As part of the Master Plan update, Ongoing - The Public Works
Engineering Division has an
2024 Annual Progress Report
35 the City will evaluate the need for additional piping capacity.
RFP available for the Water
and Sewer Master Plan and
Cost of Service Rate Study.
Completion of the Plan and
Study is anticipated Spring
2026.
PF-17 Water and Sewer Service: Review development proposals and require necessary studies, as appropriate, and water conservation and mitigation measures to ensure adequate water and sewer service is provided and maintained.
Ongoing – Projects are
reviewed for compliance
with the California Building
Code, city water master
plan, and city sewer master
plan.
PF-18 Improve Surface Water Quality: Reduce pollutants in urban runoff, by requiring new development projects and substantial rehabilitation projects to incorporate Best Management Practices pursuant to the National Pollutant System Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) to
ensure that the City complies with applicable State and Federal regulations.
Ongoing - Applicable
projects are required to
comply with the
Jurisdictional Runoff
Management Plan.
PF-19 Watershed Management Initiative: Cooperate with
regional agencies to implement the Watershed
Management Initiative.
Ongoing - Staff coordinates
with agencies as needed.
PF-20 Water Quality Education: Coordinate in the development and implementation of a public education program to
inform the public of the harm caused by pollutants and litter that can be carried on the surface of land to the drainage systems, creeks, rivers, groundwater, and Salton Sea.
Ongoing - The Public Works
Stormwater Division has
information on their
webpage on stormwater
prevention.
PF-21 Imperial Irrigation District Rules and Regulations: Continue to implement the Imperial Irrigation District Rules and Regulations governing the distribution and use of water.
Ongoing
Planned Updates
There are currently no planned updates to the Public Facilities Element. Being that it was last updated twenty years ago, it should be considered as part of the next comprehensive update of the General Plan.
Active Transportation Plan & Safe Routes to School Plan Background
The City of El Centro Active Transportation Plan & Safe Routes to School Plan (ATP-SR2S) was adopted on February 19, 2019. It aims to develop multimodal transportation options and an integrated transportation network for all members of the community by improving transportation options and the roadway infrastructure network and also supporting a safe pedestrian and bicycle transportation network
2024 Annual Progress Report
36 for people of all ages and abilities. When the plan was created it utilized the 2010 Bicycle Master Plan Update, the 2016 Imperial County Safe Routes to School Plan, the 2004 City of El Centro Circulation Element, the 2004 Public Facilities Element, Vision 2050 Strategic Plan Adopted in 2015, and the 2008 Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan.
The recommendations in ATP-SR2S Plan provide both short- and long-term improvements in order to enhance bicycling and walking in El Centro and also provides site specific improvements at all school locations. This included discussion on conventional bicycle facilities types, enhanced bicycle facility types, low stress bicycle facility types, traffic calming measures, pedestrian facility enhancements, placemaking, and green infrastructure.
Implementation Progress
City staff is currently managing $3 million in improvements and plans identified in ATP-SR2S.
Planned Updates
No grant applications were submitted for ATP funding; however, it is considered in terms of staffing time, and funding opportunities are made available.
Service Area Plan
Background
This Service Area Plan (SAP) outlines the City’s existing public services and facilities, estimates the current and future anticipated demand for such facilities and services, and describes how necessary facilities and services will or may be developed and extended to meet demands. The SAP is intended to demonstrate the City’s intent and ability to provide adequate services to the SOI boundaries at the time of annexation.
An approximately 10-year planning horizon is used to forecast growth, and the estimated demands and provision to meet demands are based on population projections for 2035.
Planned Updates
The City of El Centro is updated the Service Area Plan and it was adopted on December 2024. According to the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Reorganization Act of 2000 a review of the sphere of influence and the service area plan is required every five years.
Imperial Avenue Complete Streets Plan
Background
The City of El Centro, along with KTUA Planning and Landscape Architecture, prepared a comprehensive planning and design effort to establish recommendations for improving all modes of travel along Imperial
2024 Annual Progress Report
37 Avenue between Adams Avenue and Treshill Road. The goal of the Plan is to preserve Imperial Avenue as an important regional roadway while incorporating needed safety and beautification improvements for people walking, bicycling, and taking transit. The plan is funded through a grant from the Caltrans Sustainable Planning Program and was completed by February 2025. The Plan will include an assessment of existing roadway conditions and extensive community's engagement to help develop the best design that addresses the City’s concerns.
The section of Imperial Avenue between Adams Avenue and Treshill Road was constructed in the 1960s as a state highway, and therefore prioritized vehicle speed and throughput at the cost of the convenience and safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. Existing conditions along this segment include lack of sidewalks, open drainage channels on both sides, limited crossings, lack of bicycle facilities, and high driving speeds. Over the last 60 years, the area around Imperial Avenue has developed with a mix of land uses such as housing, commercial destinations, offices, and community facilities. The plan was adopted February 2025.
3. Development Activities
Major Development Applications
Park View Subdivision
The project is currently in the early project development phase. The Park View Subdivision would develop 114 single family lots in an area currently located within the Imperial County jurisdiction but within the City of El Centro Sphere of Influence. At completion this project would annex 26.05 acres of land into the City of El Centro. Aside from a successful annexation, the project would also require the following entitlements: Conditional Use Permit to establish the Specific Plan/Planned Unit Development; Final Subdivision Map to create individual lots.
Willow Bend Subdivision
This project was originally submitted in 2005 and was approved by the City Council in February 7, 2007.
However, due to the market crash of 2008 the annexation was never finalized. In late 2021, this project was revived and conversations initiated for a potential annexation and change in conditions. The project is currently proposing 120 single-family residential lots, 1.67-acre park, and a 3-acre retention basin.
Aside from a successful annexation the project would also require completion of a Final Map to create individual lots. This item was approved by the City Council and subsequently LAFCo in February 2025.
Wake and Imperial Commercial Development
The completion of Phases I and II of the Imperial Avenue Extension has opened up the development of approximately fifty (50) acres of commercial land. This area is anticipated to be developed as a retail shopping center with fast-food restaurant options. As of February 2025, this project is paused per the
2024 Annual Progress Report
38 developer pending resubmittal. However, the developer has indicated that formal resubmittal is pending selection of retailers. Being surrounded by residential developments the project will be required to address concerns relating to pedestrian connectivity, architectural design, landscaping, parking, signage, infrastructure improvements, and compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
Courtyard Villas Subdivision
This project was approved in 2006, the Courtyard Villas Tentative Subdivision Map allowed for the subdivision of 54 single-family residential lots. The original map expired and was resubmitted for the subdivision of 50 single-family residential lots. The 19.46-acre project site, located along the western edge of the City limits, was previously used for agriculture but is now vacant, disturbed land with no structures. It is bordered by residences, Plank Park, and a vacant lot, with Orange Avenue and Glenwood Drive providing general access, though no roadways currently extend into the site. Staff, in conjunction with a consultant team, are preparing environmental documents which are expected to be published for review in Spring 2025. This item is anticipated to be presented to Planning Commission and City Council in late Summer 2025.
Capital Improvement Projects
Imperial Avenue Extension
Imperial Avenue is one of three main entrances to the City of El Centro thru Interstate 8 as well as directly intersecting with SR-86 to the north. North of Interstate 8, Imperial Ave. north provides access to numerous services and employment centers such as the city and county offices, the El Centro Regional Medical Center Hospital, and other services. Currently Imperial Avenue does not extend south of Interstate 8. The Imperial Avenue extension would construct a new roadway from Interstate 8 to McCabe Road increasing accessibility to these services’ north of Interstate 8. The project consists of four phases. Phase I (I-8 to Wake Ave.) and Phase II (Wake Ave. to Danenberg Dr.) were completed and opened to the public in May 2024. Phase III (Danenberg Dr. to Manuel Ortiz Dr.) is currently in design and staff plans to begin construction in early 2026. Staff secured funding to clear right of way for Phase IV and is exploring funding sources for design and construction.
Southern Pump Station
The Southern Pump Station will provide greater accessibility to city sewer in the southeast quarter of the city necessary for future development in the area by providing a new sewer lift station as well as extending sewer lines. The project is currently under construction and is anticipated to be completed by late Winter 2025.
Police Headquarters Reconstruction
2024 Annual Progress Report
39 The City of El Centro closed a $40.8 million Lease Revenue Bond issue on May 23, 2023, to fund the construction of a new Police Headquarters. As part of the City's Measure P Plan, this project aims to improve essential public facilities using revenue from the ½ percent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2016. The bonds, rated ‘A’ by S&P Global Ratings, were sold to investors across the U.S. with NHA Advisors assisting in the issuance, Samuel A. Ramirez & Co., Inc. as the underwriter, and Norton Rose Fulbright providing legal counsel. The bond proceeds, along with Measure P reserves, will finance the $38 million project, replacing the outdated 1950s facility with a modernized structure equipped with contemporary technologies.
The City Council awarded the construction contract to Barnhart-Reese, with the groundbreaking ceremony held on November 13, 2023, at the existing police station. Construction began in late November 2023 and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. The total project cost is $49.7 million, funded through Measure P, impact fees, and asset forfeiture funds.
Buena Vista Park
Buena Vista Park is located within an existing 8-acre retention basin at South 8th Street and Fieldview Avenue. This transformative project was made possible by a $1,143,831 grant from California’s Urban Greening Grant Program, along with an additional $1,650,000 from the City’s Measure P fund, bringing the total project investment to $2,793,831.
Spanning 2.3 acres, the park serves as a valuable recreational space for the 465 nearby homes and the broader community. Key features include:
• A full-sized basketball court with LED lighting
• A modern playground for children
• A large green space for open recreation
• A walking path with lighting around the 8-acre basin
• Landscaping with approximately 100 new trees
• A new irrigation system for sustainable maintenance
• A monument sign at the park entrance
The construction contract was awarded to Three Peaks Corporation, with work set to begin before summer 2024 and completion anticipated by May 2025.
Buena Vista Park represents a significant investment in community well-being, offering residents a vibrant outdoor space for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature.
Bark Park
Bark Park, El Centro's dedicated dog park, officially opened on April 20, 2024, at 670 Park Avenue, adjacent to the Brett Driscoll Sidewinder Skate Park. The park offers separate areas for small and large dogs, each equipped with amenities such as shade structures, trail areas, outdoor lighting, landscaping,
2024 Annual Progress Report
40 and water features. Additional facilities include fire hydrant water fountains, obstacle courses, and dog waste receptacles with complimentary waste bags. A public restroom is also included for visitors.
Construction of El Centro's Bark Park commenced following a groundbreaking ceremony held on December 30, 2022. The park officially opened on April 20, 2024. The project, totaling $1,191,565, was funded through a generous $500,000 donation from community members Phil and Elise Heald, with the remaining $696,565 covered by Measure P funds.
Gomez Park
Gomez Park is an existing park located on Hope Avenue south of Hamilton Avenue. In 2021 the City received a Proposition 68 grant to fund the expansion and remodeling of the Gomez park. Improvements include two multi-sport courts with lighting, various inclusive playground areas, adult exercise area, small pavilion, combined snack bar/restroom building, improved athletic field, and parking and alley improvements. Construction is excepted to begin in April 2025 and completed by April 2026.
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2025-76)
Item: 7.
Meeting: 3/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: City Attorney
Category: Action Item
Prepared by: Norma Wyles, City Clerk
Department Head: Elizabeth Martyn,
Daniel Paramo, Norma Wyles
DOC ID: 2025-76
Filling the vacancy left by former Mayor Oliva's resignation.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
Determine the appointment process at this meeting and publish the Notice of Vacancy as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
Council member Tomas Oliva resigned on March 4, 2025. It is not feasible to fill his position by election since the next regular election is in June 2, 2026. Therefore, the Council should use the appointment process provided by state law (Govt. Code 36512). The Council has 60 calendar days from the date of the resignation to appoint.
That process requires publication of a notice of vacancy 15 days before appointment, posting in three (3) places within the City during that time, and then an appointment by Council action within the 60-day period. The Council may seek applications for the vacancy. The basic legal qualifications to serve are to be a registered voter over 18 years of age who resides in the City. The Council cannot require that the appointee agree not to run at the next election. The appointment process is conducted in open session.
We have attached a recommended application for your review and discussion. We recommend an interview process, although it is not required. If used, you would agree on the same questions for all those being interviewed.
Sample questions could include:
What do you see as the biggest challenge for our City, and how would you address it.
How do you plan to collaborate with fellow council members to identify and make decisions that benefit the community?
DISCUSSION:
March 4, 2025 Vacancy
March 18, 2025 Council Meeting to Determine Appointment Process March 22, 2025 Publish Notice of Vacancy and Post in at least 3 locations for 15
days
April 6, 2025 Candidate Deadline to Apply
Week of April 7 - special
meeting to review
applications
Review Applications Potentially Determine Who Should Be Interviewed If Substantial Number of Applications Received) April 15, 2025 –
interviews
Interview Candidates in Open Session
April 21, 2025 Appointment (Adopt Resolution and Swearing In) Notify County Elections Office of Appointment within 15 Days CONCLUSION:
Discuss and determine how to proceed to fill the vacancy.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. COUNCIL APPOINTMENT APPLICATION CITY OF EL CENTRO
2. EC - council vacancy 3.12
INSTRUCTIONS:
Applications should be filled out completely so that the City Council may fully evaluate your qualifications. Return your completed application to: CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, City Hall, 1275 Main Street, El Centro, CA 922432 by Monday, April 7, 2025. Late applications cannot be excepted.
Candidates must be 18 years of age, reside within the city limits of the City of El Centro, and be registered to vote in the City of El Centro at the time the application is received.
The following personal information is for internal use only and will not be available to the public. The pages following the application information will be available for public inspection as part of the selection process.
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
NAME DATE
FIRST LAST
RESIDENCE ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS:
CITY STATE ZIP
HOME PHONE: ( ) CELL PHONE: ( )
ARE YOU 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER? ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THE CITY OF EL CENTRO?
DO YOU CURRENTLY SERVE AS AN ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIAL FOR ANY BOARD AND/OR AGENCY WITHIN THE CITY OF EL CENTRO? Y N
IF YES, LIST NAME OF AGENCY AND POSITION:
AGENCY NAME POSITION
AGENCY NAME POSITION
REFERENCES:
INCLUDE NAMES OF AT LEAST TWO (2) RESIDENTS OF EL CENTRO WHO ARE NOT OFFICIALLY CONNECTED WITH THE CITY:
NAME PHONE
APPLICATION FOR CITY COUNCIL APPOINTED POSITION
CITY OF EL CENTRO
APPLICATION FOR CITY COUNCIL APPOINTED POSITION
APPLICANT NAME
FIRST LAST
EDUCATION:
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION COMPLETED:
NAME/LOCATION OF COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES/HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDED: MAJOR DEGREE EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION/EXPERIENCE:
LIST EMPLOYMENT/EXPERIENCE HISTORY BEGINNING WITH YOUR PRESENT OR MOST RECENT POSITION (List Positions held for the last five (5) years)(Attach additional sheet if necessary). Does your position allow you time for Council duties? Please note that Council members do not receive a salary but a minimal stipend and expense reimbursement Name and Address of Employer(s) Position Title Dates of Employment
CIVIC OR OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
LIST ANY RECENT PRIOR OR CURRENT CIVIC EXPERIENCE (INCLUDE MEMBERSHIP(S) IN PROFESSIONAL, CHARITY OR COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS)
Dates Served
Name of Organization Start Date End Date Office Held (If any)
APPLICATION FOR CITY COUNCIL APPOINTED POSITION
APPLICATION FOR CITY COUNCIL APPOINTED POSITION
WHAT ACTIVITIES OF THE CITY COUNCIL ARE:
MOST INTERESTING TO YOU?
MOST CHALLENGING TO YOU?
WHAT CITY PROGRAMS/PROJECTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IMPROVED OR IMPLEMENTED? HOW WOULD YOU APPROACH THESE PROJECT(S) OR PROGRAM(S)?
PLEASE PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT INVOLVEMENT IN ANY ORGANIZATIONS OR ACTIVITIES THAT MAY RESULT IN A CONFLICT OF INTEREST IF YOU ARE APPOINTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL?
OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE:
WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROLE/RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CITY COUNCIL? What is your understanding of the role of a Council member Have you ever attended a meeting of this City Council
Either in person or via zoom? ? YES NO If so, how many?
Have you ever been convicted of a crime that would prohibit you from holding elective office pursuant to California Elections Code Section 20? PLEASE CIRCLE. YES NO
I CERTIFY UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE FOREGOING INFORMATION IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE.
DATE SIGNATURE
APPLICATION FOR CITY COUNCIL APPOINTED POSITION
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO FILL BY
APPOINTMENT
ONE CITY COUNCIL VACANCY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of El Centro will accept applications from qualified registered voters for appointment to the City Council to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Tomas Oliva effective March 4, 2025.
The term of this Council seat is from the date of appointment to December 2026.
Candidates must be 18 years of age, reside within the City limits of the City of El Centro and be registered to vote in the City of El Centro at the time the application is received.
The appointment and swearing in will be made at a noticed special City Council meeting on April 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the City Council Chambers.
Application Period: Saturday, March 22, 2025 (date of publication of vacancy) to Sunday, April 6, 2025, at midnight.
Applications are available at the City Clerk’s Office at 1275 Main St., El Centro, CA 92243 between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 pm. Applications also can be downloaded from the City and City Clerk websites and returned to the City Clerk via email before the application deadline.
Any questions should be addressed to the City Clerk at (760) 337- 4515; email [email protected].
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2025-66)
Item: 8.
Meeting: 3/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: City Clerk
Category: Informational Items
Prepared by: Marisol Abbott, Staff
Assistant
Department Head: Marisol Abbott
DOC ID: 2025-66
Received and referred to Community Development Department, Application for Alcoholic Beverage License - 7 ELEVEN 2131 26684 D, 485 E. Main St., El Centro, CA 92243
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
FISCAL IMPACT:
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
CONCLUSION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 03102025_TOiDcpartment of Alcoholic Beverage Control 7 Eleven
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2025-67)
Item: 9.
Meeting: 3/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: City Clerk
Category: Action Item
Prepared by: Marisol Abbott, Staff
Assistant
Department Head: Marisol Abbott
DOC ID: 2025-67
Received and referred to Community Development Department, Application for Alcoholic Beverage License - 7 ELEVEN 21836C, 2050 S 4TH ST., EL CENTRO, CA 92243-4513
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
FISCAL IMPACT:
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
CONCLUSION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Application for Alcoholic Beverage License 7 Eleven Store 21836C
City Council of the City of El Centro
1275 W. Main Street
El Centro, CA 92243
SUBMITTED
ACTION ITEM (ID # 2025-68)
Item: 10.
Meeting: 3/18/2025 4:00 PM
Department: City Clerk
Category: Action Item
Prepared by: Marisol Abbott, Staff
Assistant
Department Head: Marisol Abbott
DOC ID: 2025-68
Received and referred to Community Development Department, Application for Alcoholic Beverage License - MAHS KITCHEN, 290 N. IMPERIAL AVE., EL CENTRO, CA 92243-2325
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
FISCAL IMPACT:
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRAM 2022-2027 RELATION:
DUE DILIGENCE CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS/CONSULTANTS: DID THE
DEPARTMENT VERIFY CURRENT EL CENTRO BUSINESS LICENSE,
CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE, REFERENCE CHECKES, INSURANCE, ETC.:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
CONCLUSION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Application for Alcoholic Beverage License Mahs Kitchen