City presenters used the address to summarize community-facing programs and investments in services for youth, families and unhoused residents.

Parks and recreation highlights included the Stepping Stones program, which received a $30,000 grant from Imperial County First 5 to support early childhood activities and parent engagement. Speaker 3 also described teen workforce development through the YALLS program—where teens shadow staff, build resumes and practice interviews—and the NBN youth basketball program focused on fundamentals and sportsmanship. Rec on Wheels was highlighted as a way to deliver activities directly to neighborhoods, sometimes partnering with the fire department.

The Helping Hands program, led by the Community Services Economic Development Division and funded through the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA), was described as providing both housing opportunities and paid employment that helps participants secure longer-term stability. “Participants work alongside our teams to clean and improve parks and downtown areas, building pride, skills, and connection to the community,” Speaker 5 said.

Library services were emphasized as a broad-reaching resource: more than 43,000 people participated in the summer reading program, the library provided thousands of free lunches to youth, and partnerships with Imperial Valley College added ESL, computer literacy and citizenship classes.

No policy changes or new ordinances were announced for these programs during the presentation; speakers framed the items as ongoing services and partnership-driven initiatives.