May 8, 2026 Special Meeting of the Imperial City Council

The City of Imperial held a special city council meeting on May 8, 2026, primarily to discuss the development process and eventual withdrawal of a proposed large-scale data center project. Community Development Director Oon Moda presented a detailed timeline and overview of the city's interactions with the developer from initial inquiries in December 2024 through the project's withdrawal in August 2025. Key procurement-related topics included the project's zoning challenges, the requirement for a Site Plan Review and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, and the need for a zoning text amendment to permit the data center use. The city emphasized transparency and consistent application of development policies, noting that the developer withdrew after failing to secure a ministerial approval. Public comments highlighted concerns about transparency, public engagement, and conflicting narratives between city and county processes. No contract awards or vendor selections were discussed, but the meeting focused on regulatory and procedural aspects affecting future development opportunities in the city.