The California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) recognizes the City of Imperial, which celebrates its 120th Anniversary this year.
The city site was plotted in 1902 and became the first incorporated city in the Imperial Valley on July 12, 1904. The City of Imperial was founded as part of an ambitious irrigation project that transformed the desert into fertile farmland, paving the way for the region’s development.
Known for many firsts, including the first school and Chamber of Commerce in the valley, Imperial also became home to the Imperial Irrigation District and the California Mid-Winter Fair.
“The City of Imperial stands out for its natural beauty along with the fine people that reside here, who bring out an abundance of community spirit to all our events,” said Mayor Robert Amparano.
Over the past 120 years, the City of Imperial has evolved from a small agricultural hub into a city that balances rural charm with modern amenities. The city’s rich history is rooted in agriculture, which remains a significant part of its economy today. However, Imperial has also embraced change, with new residential, commercial, and public infrastructure developments contributing to its growth.
The city celebrated its 120th anniversary with a special event at the local community pool, where residents enjoyed a day of fun in the sun. The celebration featured free admission to the pool, music, games, and refreshments, creating a lively atmosphere for the community members. The event reflected the city’s commitment to fostering a robust and connected community.
“There is a vibrant color of togetherness that we see in events around the City of Imperial as well as cultural festivals, and we would again just like to thank all those who came out to celebrate the birthday of the City of Imperial,” said Mayor Amparano.
As Imperial looks forward, it remains committed to preserving its unique identity while continuing to grow and prosper.
“On behalf of the California JPIA, I would like to congratulate the City of Imperial on an amazing 120 years,” said Senior Risk Manager Abraham Han. “It has been a pleasure to work with those in the city, especially because they embody the enterprising spirit that has sustained the city over many decades.”
Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 45 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 125 member cities and other governmental agencies. Members actively participate in shaping the organization to provide important coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property, and earthquake coverage, as well as extensive training and loss control services. For more information, please visit the California JPIA’s website at cjpia.org.