Development News for El Centro, California

Fair Housing Foundation Selected to Provide Services Following RFP

The City Council approved an agreement with the Fair Housing Foundation to provide fair housing services. This non-profit organization, based in LA and Orange County, was selected following an RFP process to replace a local service provider that relocated. The foundation will offer services such as processing housing inquiries, complaint investigation and referral, fair housing counseling, complaint intake, and education/outreach, primarily through remote or telephone assistance. The agreement is for one year with two optional one-year extensions.

City Reports Below 20% Vacancy Rate; Discusses Recruitment Efforts and Educational Credential Verification

During the council meeting, Human Resources presented the status of job vacancies and recruitment/retention efforts as required by Assembly Bill 2561. The city reported that vacancy rates within each bargaining unit are below the 20% threshold triggering additional reporting. Detailed vacancy statistics were provided for the five bargaining units, along with information on recruitment efforts such as using a new management system, compensation studies, dedicated recruiters for public safety, conversion of temporary to full-time roles, job fair participation, and retention incentives. The council also discussed the need for updated studies on necessary position numbers based on city growth and reviewed the process for verifying foreign educational credentials.

City Council Approves Modest Rate Increase for Solid Waste Management Services

The City Council approved a rate increase for solid waste management services for fiscal years 2026-2027. The increase is a pass-through of costs determined by a study and is within the 4% annual cap outlined in the contract. The proposed increase for single-family residential customers is 2.1%, amounting to approximately 53 cents per month.

City Seeks Vendors for Summer Pool Kickoff and 4th of July Events

The City of El Centro is seeking vendors for its upcoming community events, including the Summer Pool Kickoff Party and the 4th of July Block Party. Food vendors and non-food vendors have specific application deadlines.