-Editorial
Imperial City Councilmember and Imperial County Local Agency Formation Commission Chair Robert Amparano and Imperial LAFCo Executive Officer Tyler Salcido have been elected to the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions (CALAFCO) Board of Directors, representing the Southern California region.
The elections took place during CALAFCO’s 2026 Annual Conference in Sacramento. Amparano was elected to a one-year term, while Salcido will serve a two-year term. Salcido also serves as the association’s Southern Region deputy executive officer.
The appointments provide Imperial County with representation on the statewide board, which addresses local government organization, legislative priorities, public service delivery, and policies affecting communities throughout California.
City of Imperial Mayor Ida Obeso-Martinez said Amparano’s election represents an opportunity to increase regional participation in statewide discussions.
“Councilmember Amparano’s election to the CALAFCO Board of Directors is a positive milestone for the City of Imperial and our region,” Obeso-Martinez said. “His leadership as a City Councilmember and Chair of Imperial LAFCo will bring valuable local insight to statewide discussions and help strengthen collaboration among the agencies working to serve our communities.”
Amparano said the position would allow Imperial County to participate more directly in discussions affecting local government operations and development.
“This is a great opportunity for Imperial County to have a stronger voice at the statewide level,” Amparano said.
He emphasized the role of Local Agency Formation Commissions in overseeing community growth and the delivery of public services.
“LAFCo plays an important role in how our communities grow and how public services are provided,” Amparano said. “Having representation on the CALAFCO Board allows us to bring the perspective of Imperial County and other Southern California communities to those discussions.”
Salcido said his participation would provide opportunities to exchange information with other commissions and contribute to statewide policy discussions.
“Imperial County faces many of the same challenges as other communities across California, but we also have unique circumstances that deserve consideration,” Salcido said. “Serving on the CALAFCO Board allows us to share our experiences, learn from other LAFCos, and help shape statewide policies and legislation that impact local government.”
CALAFCO represents California’s 58 Local Agency Formation Commissions and provides professional education, training, legislative advocacy, and opportunities for collaboration among commissioners and agency staff.
Its board includes representatives from four geographic regions: Northern, Central, Coastal, and Southern California.
Established under California’s Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, LAFCos are independent public agencies responsible for reviewing changes to local government boundaries and organization.
Their responsibilities include evaluating proposals involving city incorporations, annexations, and special district reorganizations, conducting municipal service reviews, and promoting orderly development and efficient public services.
Imperial LAFCo oversees these functions within Imperial County, including matters involving agricultural land preservation, open space, and the organization of local government services.
Amparano and Salcido will represent the Southern California region on the CALAFCO board during their respective terms.
