-Editorial
After a comprehensive months-long recruitment process, the City of Brawley has selected Rebecca Terrazas-Baxter to serve as its next City Manager. City officials announced on Tuesday, confirming that Terrazas-Baxter will officially assume the position on July 21, 2025.
Terrazas-Baxter currently serves as the Assistant County Executive Officer for Imperial County and brings more than two decades of public service experience at the federal, state, and local levels. Since joining Imperial County in 2015, she has held several leadership roles, including Deputy CEO. In that capacity, she has worked on major regional efforts such as Lithium Valley development, economic growth initiatives, and intergovernmental coordination.
“Brawley holds a special place in the heart of the Imperial Valley, and I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve as its City Manager,” Terrazas-Baxter said in a written statement. “Public service is more than a career to me — it’s a calling — and I’m excited to work hand-in-hand with the City Council, dedicated staff, and the amazing people who call Brawley home.”
Before her tenure with the County, Terrazas-Baxter spent nearly ten years in legislative affairs, representing the Imperial Valley at both the state and federal levels. She has also remained active in local civic life, currently serving as Membership Director for MANA de Imperial Valley and previously as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Imperial.
The Brawley City Council is expected to formally ratify her three-year employment contract — which includes a starting annual salary of $192,000 — during its regular meeting on July 1. Councilmembers expressed confidence in her appointment, citing her leadership experience and deep connections to the region.
“Rebecca brings the knowledge, network, and leadership we need as we continue addressing the city’s needs while working collaboratively with agencies across the Valley,” the Council stated jointly.
Terrazas-Baxter will be the first woman to hold the City Manager position in Brawley in over a decade.
Mayor Gil Rebollar addressed public concerns Monday morning regarding a closed session meeting held by the Brawley City Council to discuss the city manager position.
“I know when people hear ‘special meeting’ or ‘closed session,’ it’s easy to assume the worst, but I want to assure you that’s not the case in this matter,” Rebollar stated. “The council is coming together to talk through where we’re at in the process. That’s it. Personnel matters require sensitivity and confidentiality, and this is standard, responsible governing.”
