The Salton Sea Region, with its unique combination of natural beauty, rich history, and diverse communities, is a place full of potential. While the region has faced challenges, it has also shown remarkable resilience and a strong commitment from local leaders and residents to improve quality of life and address long-standing issues. One of the efforts that Alianza Coachella Valley is using to tackle these challenges has been through the Land Use Alignment Initiative, which has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—from government and philanthropy to business and nonprofits—to focus on shared priorities for the region’s future.
The Need for Regional Collaboration
The Salton Sea Region is home to numerous communities, each with its own set of needs, opportunities, perspectives, and concerns. The area is spread across multiple jurisdictions, including the counties of Imperial and Riverside with these cities in closest proximity: Brawley, Calipatria, Coachella, El Centro, and Westmorland. While each local government has its own goals, we have an opportunity to take collective strategic action to strengthen the region’s prospects for investment.
At Alianza Coachella Valley, we recognize that the region’s challenges—ranging from environmental degradation to economic instability—require a coordinated, community-driven approach. That’s why we embarked on a year-long initiative to review data, engage local stakeholders, and identify areas of alignment between jurisdictions and communities. In partnership with the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, we conducted the Land Use Alignment Initiative, which examined how different stakeholders can come together to create shared priorities and solutions for the entire region.
What the Research Did
Our research aimed to build a comprehensive understanding of the region’s needs and opportunities by assessing key regional plans and identifying areas of alignment. Here’s a breakdown of what we did:
- Assessing Regional Plans
We conducted a thorough review of key elements of general plans from the various cities and counties within the Salton Sea Region. By examining these local documents, we were able to gain a detailed understanding of the policies, strategies, and goals already in place. This helped us identify overlapping areas of interest and potential for collaboration. - Identifying Shared Priorities
One of the primary objectives of our research was to pinpoint mutual policies and projects across jurisdictions. These shared priorities allow for the development of regional strategies that can amplify the impact of individual efforts. By recognizing common ground, we can foster collaboration that drives meaningful progress for the entire region. - Engaging Diverse Stakeholders
It was essential to include a broad spectrum of voices in the process. Our initiative involved extensive collaboration with local governments, community organizations, philanthropy, and residents. This inclusive approach will ensure that plans we develop together will reflect the region’s collective vision and are grounded in the needs and aspirations of the people who call this area home.
Shared Vision for the Future
In the course of our work, we hosted a series of roundtable discussions with local and statewide agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders. At our most recent meeting, we came together to acknowledge the need for a unified approach to the region’s future.
By working together, we can position the region to unlock public funding, drive investment, and create initiatives that benefit all. We know that the region’s potential lies in its ability to work as a collective—one that shares a common vision for the future. Through this research, it was clear that government agencies and the community largely agree on the priority areas for this region. The four main themes that this initiative found were:
- Enhancing Access to Green Spaces
- Tackling Infrastructure Gaps
- Improving Air Quality with Smarter Transportation
- Sustaining the Agriculture Industry
Testing Regional Strategies
Throughout the year, we didn’t just analyze existing plans; we also took steps to test how individual projects could scale into larger regional initiatives. Through this process, we were able to explore ways to integrate local projects into broader frameworks that could attract investment and garner support from key partners. These efforts will be instrumental in shaping the future of the region and ensuring that the Salton Sea thrives for generations to come.
What’s Next: Moving Forward with Investment
We’ve learned a lot over the past year, and we’re excited to share the insights we’ve gained. Below, we present key findings from our research and share information that can help secure the investments necessary for the region’s growth.
By bringing together local governments, philanthropic organizations, businesses, and residents, we can continue to create solutions that benefit the entire Salton Sea Region. It’s through this shared commitment and collaboration that we can unlock the region’s full potential.
Land Use Alignment Initiative: Key Findings
Stay tuned as we continue to facilitate important stakeholder discussions and make further strides to ensure a thriving Salton Sea Region.
