County of Imperial

The County of Imperial had a great time presenting with Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez at Benchmark Week 2025. It was an energizing opportunity to showcase how Imperial County is building a truly vertically integrated ecosystem that connects geothermal power, direct lithium extraction, advanced manufacturing, and long term economic growth. Supervisor Ryan Kelley highlighted the unique workforce pathways that have been created to support this opportunity and Deputy CEO Bari Bean, MBA emphasized how the County has completed over three years of robust analysis over the 51,000-acre opportunity as well as over 600 engagements with the community. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence brings together the global leaders shaping the future of critical minerals, and it was inspiring to share how Lithium Valley is moving from concept to reality with real projects, real investments, and real momentum. Our message was simple: Imperial County is ready. We have the resource, the regulatory pathways, the community partnerships, and the vision to support responsible development at scale. Thank you to Assemblyman Gonzalez for championing our region and joining us on stage to spotlight the opportunities ahead and the role legislators play in supporting local success. Together, we are advancing development, strengthening supply chain resilience, and ensuring that Imperial County plays a central role in powering the clean energy transition. #LithiumValley #BenchmarkWeek #lithium #energy #geothermal #AlwaysOn #development

Meet Ryan Kelley from the County of Imperial. who will be discussing ‘Future Lithium Demand And Market Trends: Paving The Path For Direct Lithium Extraction Success’ at the Direct Lithium Extraction USA 2025 show in Orange County, California on December 1-2, proudly sponsored by Halliburton. Join them and others at: https://lnkd.in/dH6d-ReB

Are you passionate about microbiology and public health? Our Imperial County Public Health is recruiting a Public Health Microbiologist to play a vital role in safeguarding community health through laboratory science. This position involves performing microbiological and molecular testing to identify pathogens, support outbreak investigations, and contribute to disease surveillance efforts. As a Public Health Microbiologist, you will work closely with public health officials, healthcare providers, and environmental health specialists to ensure accurate disease detection and response. Your expertise will directly impact public health policies and emergency preparedness. This is your opportunity to be a part of a team shaping the future of public health! Apply now and make a lasting impact: https://icphd.org/careers

The Geothermal Decade is Here, and the County of Imperial is at the Center of It! The County was proud to attend this year’s Geothermal Rising Conference in Reno, where leaders and innovators from around the world came together to accelerate geothermal’s role in powering a clean energy future. We extend our sincere thanks to Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez for joining us and representing California’s commitment to responsible energy development. His support reinforces the importance of ensuring local communities, like ours in the Imperial Valley, benefit from this once-in-a-generation opportunity. During the conference, the Assemblyman, Supervisor Ryan Kelley and Bari Bean presented “Lithium Valley: Building a Vertically Integrated Ecosystem”, highlighting how Imperial County is advancing a comprehensive framework that connects geothermal power, lithium extraction, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development, all within one of the most promising renewable resource areas in North America. From local jobs and infrastructure investment to national energy security, Geothermal + Lithium = California’s Competitive Advantage. ⚡ The energy transition is no longer a concept; it is happening right here in Imperial County ⚡️ Chairman John Hawk, Dr. Kathleen Lang #GeothermalRising #LithiumValley #ImperialCounty #Geothermal #AlwaysOn #CaliforniaLeadership #CriticalMinerals #RenewableEnergy #WorkforceDevelopment

Lithium Valley: Powering America’s Energy Future ⚡🇺🇸 Imperial County’s #LithiumValley is a one-of-a-kind, vertically integrated ecosystem that strengthens America’s energy, critical mineral, and manufacturing supply chain resilience. For over 40 years, baseload geothermal energy in our County has provided sustainable 24/7 renewable power. With local industry leaders like BHE Renewables, Controlled Thermal Resources Holdings, Inc., Ormat Technologies, Inc., and EnergySource Minerals, the County of Imperial is proud to have partners in our region who consistently deliver reliable energy and innovative mineral technologies. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) validated over 18 million metric tons of lithium in our geothermal brine, which could unlock a secure, domestic supply of one of the most essential minerals for batteries, electric vehicles, and grid storage🔋 This rare combination of energy and critical minerals in one location led us to create an unparalleled opportunity to co-locate synergistic industries in Lithium Valley including: 🔹 Mineral Processing 🔹 Battery Manufacturing 🔹 Data Centers - powered by baseload geothermal 🔹 Advanced Materials Production 🔹 Logistics & More +++ While the natural resources in Lithium Valley provide the framework for a vertically integrated ecosystem unlike anywhere else in the world, the future is even brighter! The County of Imperial is actively advancing strategic infrastructure, workforce development, education pathways (Imperial Valley College, San Diego State University, and University of California, Riverside), and pro-business policies to ensure Lithium Valley leads the nation in energy independence, sustainable innovation, and next-generation #manufacturing that can spark economic growth in our region while supporting the development needs of industry. As an area that faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the United States, Imperial County's Lithium Valley has the potential to not only power the country but also power transformation in the lives of the people who call this area home⚡️ 🌎 Discover why global leaders are choosing to invest in Lithium Valley and how you can be part of the future ➡️ LithiumValley.CA #CriticalMinerals #Lithium #Geothermal #AlwaysOn #ImperialCounty #BaseloadPower #SupplyChainResilience #EconomicDevelopment Imperial County Supervisors: John Hawk, Ryan Kelley, Jesus Eduardo Escobar, Peggy Price, MPA, Martha Cardenas-Singh, CEO: Dr. Kathleen Lang, Deputy CEO - Natural Resources: Bari Bean, MBA

🌟 Desert Region Career Resource Expo Draws Thousands for a Day of Empowerment & Opportunity 🌟 Today, the County of Imperial’s Desert Region Career Resource Expo transformed the Imperial Valley Mall into a vibrant hub of opportunity—connecting hundreds of job seekers with employers, training providers, and vital workforce resources. Co-hosted by the Imperial County Workforce Development Board, the County of Imperial, and Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, M.D., the event brought together over 50 employers and agencies representing industries from healthcare and construction to education and public service. Attendees accessed live job openings, resume reviews, and career coaching—all under one roof. With 2,000 registered attendees and countless walk-ins, the energy and engagement were remarkable. In just two and a half weeks, the Imperial County Workforce Development Board team mobilized partners, employers, and resources to make it happen. Supervisor Peggy Price, MPA captured the spirit of the day: “This is what progress looks like—community partners coming together to uplift our residents, open doors, and empower working families. The energy and turnout at today’s event remind us that when we invest in people, we invest in the future of Imperial County.” The County thanks America’s Job Center of California (AJCC), Imperial Valley Mall, Priscilla A. López, and all employers, partners, and volunteers whose dedication made this event possible. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient workforce for Imperial County. #ImperialCounty #WorkforceDevelopment #JobOpportunities #CommunityPartnership #EconomicGrowth #CareerExpo

🎉 Congratulations to County of Imperial of Imperial Investigator Albert Llanas! 🎉 The Imperial County District Attorney’s Office is proud to share that Investigator Llanas has been named 2025 Investigator of the Year by the California District Attorneys Association. This prestigious honor recognizes his exceptional work in leading a complex investigation into the use of drones to smuggle contraband into a state prison, an effort that resulted in multiple search warrants, the takedown of a criminal organization, and successful prosecutions. Investigator Llanas’s dedication to public safety, investigative excellence, and training fellow law enforcement professionals continues to make a lasting impact in Imperial County. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition! 👏 #ImperialCounty #PublicSafety #LawEnforcementExcellence #InvestigatorOfTheYear #CaliforniaDistrictAttorneysAssociation

🚨Imperial County Welcomes San Diego State University Imperial Valley’s New Sciences & Engineering Labs. Today marks a milestone for our region and our future! ⚡️ We at the County of Imperial are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of SDSU Imperial Valley’s state-of-the-art Sciences and Engineering Laboratories. This new facility is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a promise fulfilled: investing directly in our students, our workforce, and the economic vitality of the Imperial Valley. As County Supervisor Ryan Kelley put it: “This facility represents a promise kept: a promise to invest in our students, to equip them with the tools of tomorrow, and to ensure that the next generation of scientists, engineers, medical researchers, and tech leaders can begin their journey here at home.” Why this matters to Imperial County: 🎓Local talent development: Imperial Valley students now have access to high‑quality STEM education close to home, reducing barriers and strengthening our local pipeline. 🔋Economic opportunity: As our community focuses on a sustainable future, this facility positions us to lead in areas like geothermal, Ai, battery tech and lithium-driven industries. 🤝Community pride: Collaborations like this showcase what’s possible when regional leadership, academic vision, and local aspiration align. Imperial County Board of Supervisors is proud to partner with SDSU Imperial Valley in this transformative effort. Together, we’re empowering local students to become the scientists, engineers, and innovators who will drive sustainable energy solutions here in our Valley - and beyond. #ImperialCounty #SDSUImperialValley #STEMEducation #LithiumValley #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityInvestment