Civil Municipal Magazine - Dec 2023

142 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 12 reality than a challenge to work towards. Under the astute and recently established leadership of Mayor Paloma Aguirre, Imperial Beach has done a great job at crafting an identity as an investment-friendly hub that private investors should want to develop. By showcasing a clear vision for sustainable and engaged living and working closely and flexibly with investors, Imperial Beach has established itself as a center for economic growth where anyone would want to raise a family. In essence, getting to this point is a dynamic process that demands collaboration between leaders, businesses, and citizens. However challenging it may be, Imperial Beach has become a prime example of the prosperity that is possible when the right things are prioritized. Success Based on Local Synergy Imperial Beach was officially incorporated in 1956 and currently has a modest residential count of just over 26,000. In addition to its charm, much of Imperial Beach’s appeal stems from it being a locational cornerstone between many other cities and organizations. It bears a respected history as a military town and is currently the hosting city of a newly completed billion-dollar Naval Base slightly up north. Within the city’s parameters also sits the highest-trafficked heliport landing base on the West Coast, so it is likely that most of the traffic there occurs between those two locations. That strong military presence is also a likely contributor to Imperial Beach being one of the safest coastal communities in its county. With such safety and proximity to neighboring locations, the city is well-positioned when it comes to both hosting impactful signature events and providing residents the opportunities to enjoy the amenities available to them nearby. “We’re increasing and diversifying our amenities, our programs, and our events. We have a lot of development project interest because [that] truly is the hidden jewel of our county,” Mayor Aguirre says, commenting on the city’s advantageous geography. For example, Imperial Beach is not fully urbanized, as its southernmost area shares its border with Playas de Tijuana, making it a part of the Tijuana River Valley. Due to this mutual connection, city residents are able to visit both the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and the National Wildlife Refuge if they ever want to bask in rustic, natural ecosystems, go tropical bird watching, or the like. According to Mayor Aguirre, the city’s economic, environmental, and social interdependence with its neighbors is what makes it so unique. However, that isn’t where it ends, as Imperial Beach also has many cultural niceties that attract people from all over the state. The Eventful Epicenter of City Growth Staying true to its name, Imperial Beach hosts an annual classic car show along the main stretch