Calipatria restores support for Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation
Jessamyn Dodd
CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA) – The City of Calipatria voted to remove support for the Imperial Valley Economic Development Center. (IVEDC). However, that decision has been reversed.
The IVEDC is linked to Brawley City Council member Tim Kelley, whose nonprofit, Brawley Community Foundation, owns the land where the Imperial Regional Detention Facility is located.
Calipatria Mayor Michael Luellen says the vote reversal came after Kelley warned that planned economic development projects in Calipatria would be canceled if the city moved forward.
“He calls our city council members. He strong arms them. He attempts to run a majority of our city councils, and when a few of us decide to take a stand, when a few of us decide to share our opinion and protect our community, he threatens funding for our folks,” Mayor Luellen said.
The mayor claims residents have expressed their concerns over city funding, and fears their city may be next for a data center.
Luellen faced recall efforts back in May after the Calipatria City Council voted to remove City Manager Laura Gutierrez.
“I’ll tell you, you’ll be the first person to know. I have been very…vocally, I haven’t shared whether or not I’m running for reelection. I stopped by City Hall this morning to collect a packet for my candidacy,” Luellen shared.
The Calipatria City Council will vote on a ban against data centers within city limits Tuesday.