REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From:Jason Simpson, City Manager
Prepared by:Shannon Buckley, Assistant City Manager
Date:February 13, 2024
Subject:Resolution in Support of Expanded Higher Education and Funding for Tenant Improvements to Create an Expanded Presence for California State University San Marcos at the Mt. San Jacinto College Campus in Temecula Valley
Recommendation
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE,
CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING THE NEED FOR EXPANDED PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION
INSTITUTIONS WITHIN SOUTHWESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY AND FUNDING FOR THE
COST OF TENANT IMPROVEMENTS TO CREATE AN EXPANDED PRESENCE FOR CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SAN MARCOS AT THE MT. SAN JACINTO COLLEGE CAMPUS IN TEMECULA VALLEY.
Background
Through a grassroots effort, a group of local elected officials, members from school districts and boards, members from water agencies, and members from private businesses formed a task force called the Southwestern Riverside County Higher Education Coalition. The Coalition identifies a need for a 4-year University in Southwestern Riverside County. The Coalition requested the City of Lake Elsinore adopt a Resolution advocating the need for public higher education opportunities in the region. The City of Lake Elsinore has been invited to attend and/or participate in Coalition meetings.
Higher Education
The demand for higher education opportunities in Southwestern Riverside County has notably increased recently. Recognizing this need, California State University San Marcos has expressed interest in expanding its presence at the Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) Campus in Temecula Valley. This expansion aligns with the broader goal of enhancing access to quality higher education within the region.
Discussion
January 9, 2024, The Southwestern Riverside County Higher Education Coalition met at the City of Murrieta. Officers and a Board of Directors were nominated to the Coalition at that meeting. A list of initial tasks was discussed, and various members in attendance teamed up to research or act on initial tasks. Councilmember Natasha Johnson was nominated as a 1 Board member. The primary goal is to establish an incubator program and a Cal State San Marcos Temecula Valley campus. Cal State San Marcos estimates 4,000 students from the Temecula Valley are enrolled in the University. The MSJC campus in Temecula has space available to accommodate Cal State San Marcos's current needs. The Coalition estimates an $11 million shortfall for tenant improvements. The Coalition will seek funding opportunities for the improvements. Subsequently, the Coalition aims to expand Cal State San Marcos' presence in the Temecula Valley to establish a four-year university.
Staff recommends the adoption of a resolution by the City of Lake Elsinore City Council in support of expanded public higher education institutions in Southwestern Riverside County, as it explicitly endorses the allocation of funds for tenant improvements to facilitate the establishment of an expanded presence for California State University San Marcos at the Mt. San Jacinto College Campus in Temecula Valley.
The expansion of higher education institutions contributes to the intellectual and economic development of the community, providing residents with increased access to quality education.
Supporting the establishment of California State University San Marcos at Mt. San Jacinto College Campus aligns with the City's commitment to fostering a thriving and educated community.
An expanded higher education presence can attract talent, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the overall vitality of Southwestern Riverside County.
Fiscal Impact
The proposed resolution does not impose direct financial obligations on the City of Lake Elsinore.
Instead, it urges relevant authorities to allocate funds for tenant improvements required to expand California State University San Marcos at the Mt. San Jacinto College Campus.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Resolution