Imperial County Highlights Public Safety and Infrastructure in State of the County Address

-Editorial 

Imperial County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Peggy Price highlighted developments in public safety, infrastructure improvements, economic development, health care access, and community partnerships during the 2026 State of the County address, outlining the county’s accomplishments and priorities for the coming year.

Speaking before elected officials, county employees, community organizations and residents, Price emphasized collaboration among government agencies, nonprofit organizations and the public as essential to addressing the region’s challenges.

“The message I want to share is simple: We are moving together and forward together,” Price said.

Throughout her address, Price outlined county initiatives aimed at improving public services, strengthening the local workforce, expanding access to health care and preparing Imperial County for future economic opportunities.

Price identified drug trafficking, weapons-related crime and community safety as continuing priorities for the county.

According to figures presented during the address, the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Border Crime Suppression Team seized more than 170 pounds of fentanyl in pill and powder form during 2026, along with quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.

The team also confiscated 54 firearms and made 30 arrests as part of its enforcement activities.

“These numbers represent determined efforts to disrupt criminal activity and protect our communities,” Price said.

Beyond enforcement, the county has expanded prevention and rehabilitation initiatives, including Positive Pathways, a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and Imperial County Behavioral Health Services designed to provide early intervention and support for young people.

The Sheriff’s Office also introduced a mobile application intended to improve public access to emergency notifications, safety information, and community resources.

Price recognized the Imperial County Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services for their work in emergency preparedness, training, and regional coordination.

She also highlighted the Probation Department’s mobile probation unit, which brings services to residents in outlying communities and reduces transportation barriers.

Educational and mentorship programs, including Aspire and Secure Track, have provided additional opportunities for individuals involved in the probation system.

Price cited one program participant who earned two associate degrees with honors from Imperial Valley College before transferring to California State University, Sacramento.

The District Attorney’s Office also invested in digital evidence management and added a paralegal position to strengthen prosecution operations.

Meanwhile, the Public Defender’s Office reached full staffing for the first time in more than a decade, according to Price.

Price also discussed efforts to improve employee compensation and recognize changes in county leadership.

She said the Board of Supervisors initiated a comprehensive salary and compensation study in 2024 to evaluate whether county employees receive competitive pay.

The study is nearing completion, and the county has begun implementing changes, with another phase of compensation adjustments expected to be announced soon.

Price said the effort recognizes the contributions of employees who provide essential public services throughout the year.

She also acknowledged Chris Becker, who assumed the role of interim county counsel, and Daniel Rosenberg, the county’s newly appointed public defender.

Price recognized Ben Solario for his years of service to Imperial County and congratulated him on his transition to a judicial position.

Expanding access to health care and social services, particularly in rural communities, was another focus of the address.

“A strong county must be a healthy county,” Price said.

The University of California Cooperative Extension’s CalFresh Healthy Living program provided nutrition education to more than 13,000 residents, while its 4-H youth development programs reached more than 16,000 young people through educational and leadership activities, according to figures presented by Price.

The county also expanded public health mobile units to provide health screenings, immunizations, and preventive services in Seeley and other rural communities.

Price highlighted the implementation of CARE Court, a program intended to connect qualifying individuals experiencing severe mental illness with treatment and supportive services.

The initiative is designed to improve access to behavioral health care, housing assistance, and longer-term support.

County social services departments also expanded outreach efforts, participating in more than a dozen community events to connect families with available resources.

Environmental health remained another priority, with county agencies continuing partnerships involving habitat restoration and dust mitigation projects intended to address air quality concerns.

Infrastructure investments at Imperial County Airport were among the major transportation developments discussed during the address.

Price said the county declared an emergency following a federal inspection that identified runway and landing-area conditions requiring immediate attention.

The county allocated approximately $1.4 million for emergency repairs.

Beyond those immediate improvements, Price said the county secured $8.7 million for airport-related projects, including taxiway and runway design, terminal parking improvements, security fencing and runway upgrades.

The county also reestablished its Airport Advisory Committee and supported aviation education initiatives intended to introduce young people to careers in the aviation industry.

Price recognized the Civil Air Patrol and community organizations involved in aviation-related youth development programs.

One of the most significant developments was the selection of Advanced Air by the U.S. Department of Transportation in September for a multiyear commercial air service agreement.

According to Price, the agreement includes a $5.35 million federal subsidy for the first year and provides for flights connecting Imperial County with Phoenix and Los Angeles.

The arrangement is intended to maintain regional air service and strengthen transportation connections for residents and businesses.

Price also addressed the county’s efforts to prepare for industrial development, particularly projects associated with Lithium Valley.

She highlighted the Board of Supervisors’ approval of a labor standards ordinance intended to promote local hiring, fair wages, and workforce training opportunities connected to major development projects.

The initiative seeks to align economic investments with educational institutions and organized labor, including Imperial Valley College, San Diego State University Imperial Valley and local trade unions.

County officials have identified workforce development as an important component of efforts to ensure residents can compete for jobs created by emerging industries.

Price said the county is also pursuing state and federal grants for bridge repairs, roadway improvements and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in unincorporated communities.

She cited efforts to streamline business permitting procedures while maintaining a balanced county budget.

The initiatives are intended to support business development, address infrastructure needs and improve the county’s ability to accommodate future growth.

A significant portion of Price’s address focused on the contributions of nonprofit organizations, volunteers and community service groups.

“Government cannot do this work alone,” Price said.

She recognized organizations serving residents with disabilities, including the Arc of Imperial Valley, San Diego Regional Center and local special education agencies, for their work supporting accessibility, vocational training and independent living.

Price also acknowledged Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army and other organizations that provide food assistance and support to families experiencing financial hardship.

Organizations addressing domestic violence, family services and community needs, including WomanHaven, the United Way of Imperial County and the Imperial Valley Community Foundation, were recognized for their contributions.

Price emphasized that many community services depend on partnerships extending beyond county government.

She also thanked members of county advisory committees and commissions, including those representing veterans, older adults, aviation, health services and land-use planning.

Youth organizations and service clubs received recognition for their volunteer activities, educational programs and community involvement.

Among those acknowledged were Rotary, Rotaract and Interact clubs, Soroptimist International, the Civil Air Patrol, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H and Future Farmers of America.

“Whether funding scholarships, hosting civic events, advocating for riding safety, standing steady for search and rescue operations, or empowering students to lead, you represent the true heart of our valley,” Price said.

She also thanked animal welfare volunteers and community members who dedicate their time to public service.

Price emphasized the importance of maintaining cooperation among elected officials, county departments, businesses, and residents.

She said continued progress would depend on addressing challenges without allowing political disagreements to interfere with shared community priorities.

“As we look ahead to the future of Imperial County, let us remember that our greatest strength has never been found in political division. It is found in our shared commitment to one another,” Price said.

Her remarks reflected a broader emphasis on balancing public safety, economic development, infrastructure investment and access to essential services.

Price said county leadership must continue focusing on families, workers and young people while ensuring that economic opportunities benefit communities throughout the region.

“My commitment to you as your supervisor remains steadfast to lead with integrity and work every single day to ensure Imperial County is a place where every family can thrive, every business can grow, and every young person can see a bright future right here at home,” she said.

Price concluded by encouraging residents, community organizations, and government leaders to build on existing partnerships and work together to address the county’s future needs.

“Let us meet tomorrow’s challenges with unity, purpose, and pride,” Price said. “Together, let us continue making Imperial County a better place to live, to work, and to raise a family.”

Price concluded the address by recognizing Navy veteran Agustin Saldana as Veteran of the Year for his contributions to supporting veterans throughout the Imperial Valley, particularly those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. Price praised Saldana’s dedication to helping fellow veterans navigate mental health challenges, saying he has consistently been there to protect the minds and hearts of those who served their country.