BRAWLEY — The City of Brawley is set to vote Tuesday evening on a motion that could mark a significant step forward in its development initiatives. Recently, the city partnered with the Institute of Local Government (ILG), a nonprofit organization, in collaboration with the California Strategic Growth Council. This partnership focuses on bolstering the city’s capabilities in identifying, securing, and managing grants, while also providing enhanced training and capacity-building opportunities for city staff and officials.
As part of this initiative, city staff recently engaged with ILG representatives to outline priority areas requiring support. In response, ILG developed a tailored scope of activities targeting key city needs, including housing and youth programs, parks, roads, and water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
In addition to these priorities, ILG has committed to assisting the city in researching and applying for grants to fund major initiatives, such as establishing a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and exploring the expansion of the airport. Furthermore, regional training opportunities will be offered to newly elected and appointed officials, as well as city staff, to bolster grant-related skills and implementation strategies.
Fiscal and administrative considerations
This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is a cost-free agreement for the city. The alternative to approving the MOU would involve staff seeking similar services through other means, potentially at a cost to the city.
The BOOST Program: A catalyst for collaboration
Brawley’s participation in ILG’s BOOST Program is a cornerstone of this partnership. Designed to assist local agencies in accessing state and federal funding, the BOOST Program provides coaching, stakeholder engagement, and the development of actionable implementation plans. Key objectives include identifying funding opportunities, enhancing project management capabilities, and fostering regional collaboration to address infrastructure and community needs.
Under the MOU, ILG will work closely with the city to:
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Support strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.
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Identify local projects and funding sources, including grants.
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Provide targeted training to improve public engagement, leadership, and grant management.
Moving forward
The partnership between Brawley and ILG reflects a shared commitment to building capacity, addressing infrastructure challenges, and creating a stronger, more sustainable community. With no financial burden associated with this agreement, the city is poised to leverage ILG’s expertise to advance its goals.
City Manager Jimmy Duran and ILG CEO Erica Manuel formalized the partnership on January 14, 2025. The MOU will remain in effect through June 1, 2026, unless modified or terminated by mutual consent.