Growth Without Compromise

How a Southern California coastal gem is creating its future while preserving its soul

Imperial Beach, California’s most southwesterly city, exemplifies the quintessential Southern California dream. Under the leadership of Mayor Paloma Aguirre, this coastal community of 26,000 residents maintains its foundational mission of having a family-friendly atmosphere while showcasing its extraordinary natural resources and cultural vibrancy.

“We’re flanked by the Tijuana Estuary, a wildlife refuge with over 300 bird species that’s part of the Pacific Flyway,” says Mayor Aguirre. “The refuge offers an incredible view of San Diego’s skyline, and we have the Pacific Ocean to the west and the South Bay Wildlife Refuge to the north where birds nest and raise their offspring.” This remarkable location, established in 1887 and incorporated in 1956, benefits from an enviable Mediterranean climate, maintaining an average temperature of 72 degrees year-round – making it one of Southern California’s sunniest spots.

The city’s character runs deeper than its pristine shores and wildlife sanctuaries. “We’re a tight-knit, eclectic community,” Mayor Aguirre explains. “We have a strong military presence and significant Latino population, given our proximity to Mexico. Our community includes artists, musicians, and creative professionals.” This cultural fusion has produced notable residents, including actor Matthew Modine of “Stranger Things” fame, who calls Imperial Beach his hometown.

The city’s public art manifests in vibrant community murals decorating blocks throughout the town. A unique outdoor surf museum – the only one of its kind – features steel structures depicting the evolution of surfboard designs. The iconic pier, originally built for fishing, is now a beautified centerpiece adorned with art installations, including the distinctive “Surfhenge” – a creative arrangement of colorful surfboards that spells out the city’s name.

Art, History, and Community Spirit

At just 4.4 square miles, Imperial Beach packs an outsized cultural punch that resonates through its streets and public spaces. Visitors exploring the city frequently remark on its spotless streets and inviting atmosphere, with state agencies like the Coastal Commission and State Lands Commission choosing to hold significant hearings in this intimate coastal setting.

“People repeatedly tell me how quaint, clean, and charming our town is,” Mayor Aguirre notes. “Every other block has community mural arts. Our Pier Plaza hosts the iconic pier – one of the most beautiful in the entire state.” The plaza’s centerpiece, Surfhenge, has evolved into more than just public art; it’s become a gathering space where residents and visitors spread blankets on the grass, watching surfers catch waves while enjoying the year-round perfect weather.

The city’s artistic spirit flows through three major business corridors. Seacoast Drive runs parallel to the ocean, offering an array of restaurants, boutique shops, and the distinguished Pier South Hotel – the newest beachfront hotel approved along California’s coast. The 13th Street corridor serves as a vital artery for the city’s substantial cycling community, connecting to the Bay Shore Bikeway that circles San Diego Bay.

The city’s military heritage and Latino influences create a distinctive cultural menagerie, mirrored in local businesses, community events, and daily life. The border-adjacent location has created a rich cross-cultural environment where surfers, service members, artists, and families from diverse backgrounds form tight community bonds. “It’s a wonderful place to live, to work in, and to be part of a community that’s close-knit and eclectic,” Mayor Aguirre observes, highlighting the special blend of small-town warmth and cultural sophistication that defines Imperial Beach.

Preserving Character While Embracing Progress

Imperial Beach is orchestrating its future growth through carefully planned infrastructure initiatives that maintain its small-town appeal while enhancing livability. A $26 million investment in the Palm Avenue master plan leads the charge, transforming one of the city’s main arteries into a pedestrian and cyclist paradise.

“We’re upgrading our public amenities to create a very walkable, bikeable corridor,” Mayor Aguirre explains. “The plan includes wider sidewalks, pedestrian-level lighting, benches, interpretive signs, and extensive tree coverage.” A striking welcome sign will mark the city’s entrance, signaling to potential investors that Imperial Beach is ready for thoughtful development.

The Ninth Street corridor project exemplifies the city’s people-first approach to urban planning. “We’re narrowing the lanes from two to one and adding a bike lane,” says Mayor Aguirre. “You might hear a theme here – we want to make our city very walkable and pedestrian friendly.” This initiative joins the 13th Street Enhancement Corridor project in creating a network of accessible, community-oriented spaces.

These improvements align with the broader economic renaissance sweeping through South Bay, including the multi-billion-dollar Gaylord Pacifica Project to the north. “We want to make sure that Imperial Beach is complementary to all the economic renaissance happening in South Bay,” Mayor Aguirre emphasizes. “But we can do that without losing our identity.” The strategy appears to be working – the city ranks as the second safest coastal city in San Diego County and fourth overall, with minimal crime concerns focused primarily on bicycle theft and minor incidents.

Infrastructure and Sustainability

Imperial Beach’s development strategy goes deep beneath its streets, where critical infrastructure improvements are laying the groundwork for a resilient future. The arrival of Wired Fiber brings high-speed internet connectivity to the South Bay region, with crews integrating fiber optic installations during ongoing street improvement projects.

“As we break ground for the Ninth Street corridor project, we’re taking that opportunity to install fiber optic underground and inspect our storm water and sewer systems,” Mayor Aguirre points out. This coordinated approach maximizes efficiency and minimizes disruption to residents, while ensuring the city’s underground infrastructure keeps pace with above-ground improvements.

The city’s Bayshore Bikeway Resiliency Project is another innovative approach to infrastructure. “It has a twofold goal,” Mayor Aguirre explains. “We’re enhancing amenities while improving our city’s resilience against sea level rise and climate change.” The project incorporates advanced stormwater management practices, including bioswales and biofilters, preparing the community for environmental challenges ahead.

Coastal infrastructure demands particular attention as Imperial Beach faces increasing climate pressures. “We experience annual flooding and overtopping events with king tides and storm events,” Mayor Aguirre notes. The city has secured funding from the state insurance commissioner to study coastal zone resilience, with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure from saltwater intrusion. Working with one of the field’s leading experts as Natural Resources Director, the city is taking proactive steps to safeguard its future, particularly along Seacoast Drive where atmospheric rivers and extreme weather events pose growing challenges.

Hospitality and Commerce: Creating a Destination Economy

Imperial Beach is carefully cultivating its commercial landscape, striking a balance between tourism development and maintaining its intimate coastal charm. The city’s recent approval of its third hotel marks a significant step in expanding its hospitality sector, complementing the prestigious Pier South Hotel – the newest beachfront hotel approved along California’s coast.

“We just approved our third hotel this year, which I’m very proud of,” Mayor Aguirre shares. “While Pier South offers a four-star boutique experience, our new hotel will provide moderate-priced options for visitors with value in mind.” This strategic diversification of accommodations aims to attract a broader range of tourists while maintaining the city’s high standards for development.

The city’s three main business corridors each offer distinct commercial experiences. Seacoast Drive, running parallel to the ocean, features an eclectic mix of breweries, restaurants, and specialty shops, including a newly opened record store. The 13th Street corridor serves as a vital hub for the cycling community, with breweries and coffee shops catering to riders exploring the Bay Shore Bikeway. A third corridor along Palm Avenue is poised for transformation through the city’s master plan.

“I would love to see more retail in our city,” Mayor Aguirre explains, outlining her vision for commercial growth. “We need the types of shops that other communities enjoy – thrift shops, specialty stores – places where people can have a meal and then walk around shopping for goodies.” This emphasis on creating a complete visitor experience aims to extend stays beyond sunset viewing and dining.

Housing for All: Meeting Community Needs

Amid California’s housing crisis, Imperial Beach is taking decisive steps to expand housing options while ensuring development brings tangible benefits to the community. “We try to bring as many community benefits as possible when we consider these projects,” Mayor Aguirre explains, highlighting a recently approved 65-unit development that spans market-rate to low-income housing. “We reached an agreement with the developer to provide a park in a district of our city that has zero parks. It’s the first park that will ever be built in District Four.”

Another significant development combines housing with essential services for older residents. “We just granted an extension for a project that will provide senior affordable housing with extended wraparound services,” Mayor Aguirre notes. The development will double as a community hub, hosting various programs and creating a multi-generational gathering space.

The city has also streamlined the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), offering another avenue for housing creation. “That’s another source of housing potentially for either elderly parents or young adults ready to enter the housing market,” Mayor Aguirre points out. This initiative provides options for multi-generational families to remain in Imperial Beach despite rising housing costs.

These developments contribute to Imperial Beach’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment goals mandated by the state. While Mayor Aguirre acknowledges the challenge of meeting these targets – “We’re working and making progress towards our goal, but not as fast as we need to” – the city maintains its focus on creating housing solutions that serve its diverse population, from military personnel to essential workers and growing families, all while preserving the community’s character.

Looking Ahead: A Renaissance in the South Bay

Imperial Beach approaches its future with ambitious goals and a clear vision for maintaining its unique character while embracing positive change. For Mayor Aguirre, who serves without compensation, the transformation of the city over recent decades fuels her optimism about what lies ahead. “It’s night and day, what IB is today compared to what it was 20 or 30 years ago,” she reflects. “The vibe remains in the sense of continuing to be that small town, tight-knit community, but we just have a better quality of life – there’s no way around it.”

Education infrastructure improvements signal another positive development for the community. Both the Sweetwater Union High School District and South Bay Union School District have secured major bond measures to fund critical infrastructure and maintenance projects. “Our schools in Imperial Beach are already undergoing major renovations with football fields and sports areas,” Mayor Aguirre notes. “This will really make it appealing for local parents and potential parents looking to relocate to Imperial Beach.”

The city’s immediate priorities focus on several key initiatives. “Our beaches need to be reopened, and that’s my number one goal,” Mayor Aguirre states firmly. Recent progress includes securing nearly $600 million for sewage treatment plant upgrades, with an additional $250 million recently approved. These improvements will enhance the city’s recreational areas while protecting its natural resources.

Looking toward 2026, Mayor Aguirre envisions Imperial Beach fully participating in South Bay’s economic renaissance while maintaining its distinct identity. “We can provide jobs for our young adults, so they don’t have to commute 40 to 58 minutes outside of IB,” she explains. This local focus, combined with ongoing infrastructure improvements and environmental initiatives, positions Imperial Beach to enhance its reputation as a unique coastal community that successfully balances growth with preservation.

AT A GLANCE

Name: City of Imperial Beach

What: A coastal city incorporating smart growth strategies while maintaining its small-town character, featuring unique attractions like an outdoor surf museum, wildlife refuges, and vibrant arts scene

Where: Southern California

Website: https://www.imperialbeachca.gov