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-Editorial
Imperial County took a significant step forward in its commitment to advancing the region’s economy with the introduction of the Good Neighbor Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) Program at their regular Aug. 27 meeting. This initiative is designed to position the County as a leader in renewable energy, agriculture exports, emerging technologies, and other sectors while fostering industrial growth through collaboration with government, businesses, education, workforce, and community entities.
According to Bari Bean, Imperial County Deputy CEO Natural Resources, the Good Neighbor CBA Program offers a unique opportunity for industries to make legal commitments that directly benefit the residents of Imperial County. By participating in this program, companies can demonstrate their dedication to local job creation, workplace safety, small business support, and infrastructure improvements. In return, developers gain community support, reduced risks, and access to public subsidies, grants, and loans.
For the community, the program promises tangible benefits such as job creation, enhanced workplace standards, support for local businesses, and infrastructure upgrades. Developers, on the other hand, can benefit from increased community backing, which can help secure funding and partnerships, and provide a platform for public endorsement through testimony and statements.
Each Good Neighbor Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) will be customized to meet the specific needs of the participating company while adhering to six fundamental pillars. The first pillar, Local and Priority Hiring, requires companies to focus on hiring residents and providing opportunities for career advancement. This includes a commitment to preferential hiring for minority and tribal individuals, ensuring that the benefits of local employment are distributed equitably.
The second and third pillars emphasize the importance of workplace standards and education. Workplace Safety and Quality Standards mandate that companies uphold high safety protocols and offer a living wage to their employees. Additionally, companies must demonstrate their commitment to their workforce’s well-being through robust employee benefits and safety programs. The Education and Skill-Building pillar encourages companies to partner with local schools and universities, support scholarship programs, and invest in professional development opportunities, thereby contributing to the region’s long-term educational and economic growth.
Community and economic engagement form the basis of the final three pillars. Community Engagement requires companies to actively interact with the local community, providing regular updates on projects and supporting local initiatives. The Advancing Infrastructure pillar focuses on the company’s role in improving local infrastructure, with particular attention to transportation and water conservation efforts. Lastly, Supporting the Local Economy calls for companies to prioritize local vendors and participate in regional economic initiatives, reinforcing their commitment to the economic vitality of Imperial County.
To establish a Good Neighbor CBA, companies must engage with a variety of community organizations, including those representing agriculture, commerce, education, environment, and more. At least 70% of these organizations must endorse the agreement before it can be submitted to the County for approval. Additionally, companies must provide annual reports to the County, documenting their adherence to the commitments outlined in the CBA.
Companies will receive an annual compliance score, which will be publicly available on the County’s website. To maintain an active CBA, companies must meet at least 80% of their outlined commitments. After five years, agreements will be reviewed and may be renewed or modified.
