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November 12, 2024
ITEM TITLE
University Now Initiative: Receive White Paper Developed by Southwestern Community College District and the University Now Initiative Committee Through an Agreement with the City of Chula Vista Report Number: 24-0300
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Receive University Now Initiative White Paper developed by Southwestern Community College District and the University Now Initiative Committee through an agreement with the City of Chula Vista.
SUMMARY
To continue the City’s university planning efforts, in October 2022, the City of Chula Vista and Southwestern College Joint Task Force for University Center ( the “ Joint Task Force ”) considered and approved a joint partnership proposal seeking state funding for academic program planning, aligned with workforce and industry needs, with recommendations to aid in university recruitment.
In accordance with the action and direction of the Joint Task Force, the City of Chula Vista and Southwestern Community College District (“SWC”) entered into an agreement on May 23, 2023, for SWC to conduct an academic program planning study, emphasizing workforce and academic program mapping. The White Paper identifies academic and instructional programs that provide SWC with new or enhanced academic opportunities to support the region’s current and future workforce. The White Paper also outlines finding s to inform specific legislative and funding actions for the City to consider in its pursuit of a universit y. The University Now Initiative Committee was convened to support this work.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
Since 1993, the City of Chula Vista has pursued a strategic, long -term vision to develop a University Innovation District on City -owned land to serve Chula Vista and South San Diego County and has taken actionable steps to turn this vision into a reality. The City has engaged in a number of studies related to land planning efforts and establishing a vision for the University Innovation District (“UID”).
To continue the City’s university planning efforts, in October 2022, the Joint Task Force considered and approved a joint partnership proposal seeking state funding for academic program planning, aligned with workforce and industry needs, with recommendations to aid in university(ies) recruitment. Most recently, the City hired Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, a wor ld-renowned planning architecture, interiors, and landscaping design firm to conduct a feasibility study for the initial phase of UID development. The feasibility study will include conceptual renderings, a phase-development approach, and infrastructure cost estimating for an initial 20 to 30 acres.
In accordance with the action and direction of the Joint Task Force, the City of Chula Vista and SWC entered into an agreement for the college district to conduct an academic program planning study, emphasizing workforce and academic program mapping. The White Paper identifies academic and instructional programs that provide SWC with new or enhanced academic opportunities to support the region’s current and future workforce. The White Paper also outlines finding s to inform specific legislative and funding actions for the City to consider in its pursuit of a university.
The goal of the University Now Initiative ( “UNI”) is to create a sustainable, binational higher education ecosystem that aligns academic programs with the workforce needs of this region, harnessing the unique and vibrant opportunities for joint academic opportunities with institutions in Baja California. Additionally, the White Paper outlines potential next steps for the City to consider as it move s forward with university recruitment and program development.
An academic program and workforce needs assessment was conducted by the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center (“SDPIC”) in collaboration with SWC and the City of Chula Vista. The assessment utilized a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, focus groups, and labor market data analysis. The findings, which became the research foundation for the broader study, highlighted a strong demand for bachelor’s degree programs in South San Diego County, particularly in fields such as business, healthcare, technology, and the arts. Employers in the region emphasized the importance of both technical skills and soft skills in the workforce, such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, with a growing focus on preparing for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (“AI”) and automation. Additionally, the research identified P a g e | 3
147 priority occupations that align with regional economic needs, informing the academic program planning process.
The White Paper recommends the expansion of academic programs that align with the region’s workforce demands, emphasizing partnerships between SWC, the University of California, and the California State University systems. This presents an op portunity for SWC to expand its educational programs. The report also underscores the importance of establishing clear transfer pathways and addressing gaps in existing educational offerings. Furthermore, it highlights the role of community involvement, en suring that the initiative remains accessible and responsive to the needs of local residents, while leveraging binational collaboration to foster a dynamic and inclusive higher education ecosystem.
The UNI effort and this White Paper provide important information to further advance the development of a university district in Chula Vista by supporting ongoing efforts to create a sustainable, binational higher education ecosystem in South San Diego County that aligns academic programs with the workforce needs of the region.
Staff recommends City Council receive the UNI White Paper to support continued development and implementation of the City’s University Innovation District.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current-year fiscal impact as a result of receiving the UNI White Paper.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact as a result of receiving the UNI White Paper.
Any recommendations from the White Paper that the City wishes to implement would be considered during a future budget process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. University Now Initiative White Paper
2. May 23, 2023 City Council Agenda Item #23-0131, Staff Report - Academic Program Planning Agreement
3. Academic Program Planning Agreement
Staff Contact: Tiffany Allen, Assistant City Manager