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July 22, 2025
ITEM TITLE
University: Hear Report From Carrier Johnson on First Phase of University-Innovation District Development Report Number: 25-0177
Location: University-Innovation District
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice: The Project is adequately covered in a previously certified Final Environmental Impact Report (“FEIR”) for the Chula Vista University & Innovation District (FEIR-14-01; SCH #2014121097; certified by City Council Resolution No. 2018-221 on November 13, 2018).
Recommended Action
Hear report from Carrier Johnson + CULTURE on University Innovation District Phase One Feasibility Study.
SUMMARY
Since 1993, through the adoption of the Otay Ranch General Development Plan, 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 C ounty. From 2001 through 2014, through a combination of land offer agreements, land exchanges, and other agreements with developers, the City acquired 383 acres of land for University-Innovation District (UID) purposes. In 2018, the City certified Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR-14-001/SCH 2014121097) and adopted the University -Innovation District Sectional Planning Area Plan (SPA) approving the entitlements for a UID.
To continue the City’s university planning efforts, on July 16, 2024, the City entered into an agreement with Carrier Johnson + CULTURE to provide a feasibility study, including conceptual planning and estimating for an initial phase of the Chula Vista UID. This item includes the Feasibility Study Report with conceptual renderings, a phase-development approach, and infrastructure cost estimating for an initial 35 acres.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the Project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the Project is adequately covered in a previously certified Final Environmental Impact Report for the Chula Vista University & Innovation District (FEIR-14- P a g e | 2
01; SCH #2014121097; certified by City Council Resolution No. 2018-221 on November 13, 2018). Therefore, no further environmental review is required.
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 Cit y-owned land to serve Chula Vista and South San Diego County and has taken actionable steps to turn this vision into a reality. From 2001 through 2014, through a combination of land offer agreements, land exchanges, and other agreements with developers, the City acquired 383 acres of land for University-Innovation District (UID) purposes. In 2018, the City certified Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR-14-001/SCH 2014121097) and adopted the University-Innovation District Sectional Planning Area Plan (SPA) approving the entitlements for a UID.
Under the adopted planning documents that govern the development of the site, the UID entitlements provide the ability to accommodate up to 20,000 students with an innovation district that will include approximately 10 million square feet of mixed-use development, 4.4 million square feet of academic space, 2 million square feet of commercial space for business innovation uses and 3.6 million square feet available for development of market rate and student/faculty housing. The City’s goals for the UID are as follows:
Develop a university campus offering four -year degrees consistent with the City’s binational and multi-institutional university vision;
Establish a business environment within the Innovation District tha t embraces the technology and/or higher education sectors to serve as a talent pipeline for the University(ies); Create an on-going income stream and/or one-time capital event; Support increases in tax revenue;
Support equitable access to higher education;
Foster additional economic development and education opportunities for the community at large; and
Develop a financial model that allows development to occur with as little out -of-pocket cost to the City as possible.
Additionally, over the years, the City has engaged in several studies to determine the type of university(ies) that would best fit the UID from a land use and economic development perspective. These studies resulted in the vision of the City Council to develop a binational, multi -institutional university that leverages the border as a laboratory to attract students from both the United States and Mexico, offers baccalaureate and graduate level degrees and academic studies for the binational region, and serves as a catalyst for growth and economic development.
In November of 2024 , the City Council received the University Now Initiative White Paper developed by Southwestern Community College (SWC) District and the University Now Initiative Committee through an agreement with the City of Chula Vista. 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 P a g e | 3
workforce. The White Paper also outlines findings to inform specific legisla tive and funding actions for the City to consider in its pursuit of a university.
To continue the City’s university planning efforts, in 2024, the City also entered into an agreement with Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, a world -renowned planning architecture, i nteriors, and landscaping design firm, to conduct a feasibility study for the initial phase of UID development.
For several months, Carrier Johnson researched and analyzed historical studies, conducted site visits and interviews with key stakeholders, and held several engagement efforts to ensure community feedback was used in concept development.
The University and Innovation District Phase One Feasiblity Report will include building square footage, floor plates, parking strategies, building heights, har d/ landscape, parks & open space, active residential open space, other public use (including public trails), education, public mass transit elements, vehicular and pedestrian circulation and any other pertinent characteristics. The report will also include a phasing plan to ensure seamless integration of future phases with the initial development and construction cost estimates for the development.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council members and has found no property holdings within 1,000 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. Consequently, this item does not present a disqualifying real property -related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(7) or (8), for purposes of 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 hearing this report.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact as a result of hearing this report.
Further implementation of the report’s development concepts will be brought forward for City Council consideration during a future budget process.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
Staff Contact: Tiffany Allen, Assistant City Manager
Adrianna Relph, Special Projects & Legislative Manager