CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: Cal State San Marcos Extension Tenant Improvement Funding Options
MEETING DATE: April 2, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Mandy Stephens, Management Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Rebekah Kramer, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Discuss funding options for the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Extension Tenant Improvements at the Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) Temecula Campus.
DISCUSSION
The Southwestern Riverside County Higher Education Coalition ("Coalition") was formed to expand access to higher education in the region. The Coalition board includes stakeholder representatives from throughout the region including the County of Riverside, cities, water agencies, school districts, MSJC and healthcare partners. Councilmember Diedrich was appointed to represent the City of Menifee on the Coalition for the 2025 calendar year with Councilmember Temple serving as the alternate. Recognizing the demand for public university programs, the Coalition has been actively working to enhance opportunities for local students to pursue four-year degrees closer to home. On March 6, 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution to acknowledge the need to expand public higher education institutions within southwestern Riverside County and to provide funding for the cost of tenant improvements to create an expanded presence for CSUSM at the MSJC campus in Temecula.
In December 2024, the City Council requested a future agenda item to consider funding options for the CSUSM extension tenant improvements at the MSJC Temecula campus. CSUSM currently serves approximately 4,000 students from Southwestern Riverside County. The MSJC Temecula campus has available space to accommodate an expansion of CSUSM programs, which will require tenant improvements estimated at $18 million. The project will be completed in phases, with Phase One focusing on facilities for nursing, business administration, and computer engineering programs. The proposed expansion will include a dedicated 35,000 square-foot space for CSUSM’s programs within the MSJC University Center, supplementing over 50,000 square feet of existing ancillary space that includes a cafeteria, counseling center, health clinic,
City of Menifee Staff Report
Southwest Riverside County Higher Education Coalition Funding Options April 2, 2025
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student union, and support services. This development aims to provide a fully integrated four-year university experience within Southwest Riverside County.
Regional Impact and Need
The Coalition highlights key factors underscoring the necessity of this expansion:
•Low Higher Education Attainment: A significant portion of the Southwest Riverside County population does not hold a bachelor’s degree.
•Limited Access to Four-Year Universities: While MSJC serves over 25,000 students annually, only about 20% of its graduates pursue a four-year university degree due to geographic and financial barriers.
•Economic Growth & Workforce Development: Expanding CSUSM’s presence locally will help retain intellectual capital and develop a skilled workforce aligned with regional economic needs.
•Population Growth: The region anticipates over half a million additional residents in the coming years, which will increase the demand for accessible higher education options.
Funding Status
To date, the Coalition has secured close to $8 million from the following sources:
•Riverside County via American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding $6 million •City of Temecula has approved $1 million
•Additional funding sources are being pursued through other cities, private donors, corporations, and civic organizations.
The MSJC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is managing donations for this initiative to ensure transparency and effective allocation of funds.
The expansion of CSUSM at the MSJC Temecula campus presents an opportunity to enhance access to higher education within the region. City staff are seeking input and direction from the City Council regarding funding options and levels of support for this initiative.
STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Thriving Economy
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. The cost impact associated with supporting the expansion of CSUSM at the MSJC Temecula campus would depend upon the direction provided by the City Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 24-1404 Support of expanded public higher education