South County EDC Newsletter
Get in the Know - January 23rd, 2026
 
 
The South County EDC Secures California Employment Training Panel (ETP) Grant Funding
 
 
 
The South County Economic Development Council (SCEDC) is proud to announce the successful approval and funding of its California Employment Training Panel (ETP) grant—an important milestone that will support incumbent automotive workers as the industry transitions toward a more zero-emissions-focused future.

With unanimous support by the panel today and an extremely eager ETP Team, we look forward to this being a first step in attracting statewide investment in the amazing people of our communities. 

Much like the reimagining of California’s State Capitol—where significant investment is being made to create a modern, forward-looking experience (shoutout to our amazing partner Turner Construction ) for all who work and visit there—SCEDC has embarked on its own reimagination of what is
possible locally.
 
Over the past several years, SCEDC has worked closely with staff at the State of California to bring this vision to life, culminating in the first program of its kind for the South County region.
 
 
 
 
 The Economic Summit is Coming on
May 1st, 2026!
 
Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! 
 
 
We are excited to announce that our next Economic Summit will take place on May 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at the Liberty Station
Conference Center.

Building on the momentum of recent years, we anticipate our largest and most diverse business audience to date.

This year’s Economic Summit will explore timely
and impactful themes, including:

     * The potential impacts of fiscal and monetary easing.
* Key sector growth drivers shaping our regional economy.
 * The continued evolution of artificial intelligence.
* How these forces intersect to create growth and opportunity throughout our binational region.

We invite you to follow the links below to learn how you can support the production of this year’s Economic Summit and continue playing a vital role in its success.
 
 
 
 
 
Listen to the entire episode here.
 

South County EDC Featured on the Border Masters Podcast
We are proud to share that our President and CEO, Jim O’Callaghan, was recently featured in the "Community Corners" segment of the Border Masters podcast! 

During the "Community Corners" segment, Jim shared insight into the efforts undertaken by the SCEDC to enhance the lives of all who live, work, and dream in our thriving binational communities. 

A huge thank you to the team at
Olas Media for highlighting the work we do at the SCEDC to support our community and cross-border partners.
 
 
 

Assemblymember Alvarez Secures $4.3 Million in State Funding for Grove Neighborhood Park Construction
Assemblymember David Alvarez announced today that he has secured $4.3 million in state funding to fully fund Phase 1 construction of Grove Neighborhood Park, a long-awaited community investment in Otay Mesa-Nestor that will provide new green space, recreational amenities, and safe outdoor gathering areas for local families.

Full video of the event is available here.
 
 
 
 

Francisco X. Rivera Elected as Otay Water District Board President for 2026 
At its January meeting, the Otay Water District board of directors elected Francisco X. Rivera as president for 2026. Rivera represents Division One.
 
The board also elected board member Mark Robak (Division Five) as vice president and Delfina Gonzalez (Division Two) as treasurer.
 
 

Ann Moore Sworn in as 2026 Port of San Diego Chair
The Port of San Diego formally swore in its 2026 officers for the Board of Port Commissioners on Wednesday, January 14, at the brand-new Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center on the Chula Vista Bayfront.
 

 

 
 
 
 

Suncoast Market Co-op to Celebrate Grand Opening and
Ribbon Cutting Jan. 31 in Imperial Beach
After years of community planning, organizing, fundraising, and build-out, Suncoast Market Co-op will celebrate the grand opening of its full-service, community-owned grocery store with a Grand Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting.

When: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026,
Place: 600 Palm Ave, Suite 107, Imperial Beach, CA 91932.
 
 

Mayor Gloria Reports Progress Residents Can See
In his 2026 address, Mayor Todd Gloria celebrated San Diego’s "transformation," highlighting a 14% reduction in homelessness, record-breaking housing permits, and a $270 million deficit reduction achieved through disciplined fiscal responsibility. 

Mayor Gloria framed the city's progress as a deliberate transformation, stating that San Diego is now "moving with intention" and "governing with responsibility."
 

 

 
 

Additional Affordable Housing to South Bay
An outdated motel in Chula Vista is transforming into Palomar Point, offering 27 new permanent supportive housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness and veterans, developed by Wakeland Housing.
 

 

 
 
 

Improvements added to Shores median project
Coronado City Council members have approved $1.6 million in additional landscaping along State Route 75 to make the median corridor more appealing.

For more on this story, please visit The Coronado News below.
 

 

 
 
 

Sweetwater Authority Governing Board Appoints New Chair, Vice Chair, for
2026 Term

On January 14, 2026, the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Governing Board reconvened for the 2026 term. As their first official act, the board appointed Ditas Yamane and Hector Martinez as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.

Chair Yamane serves on the City Council for National City, representing District 3. She is the first Asian American to chair the Authority’s Governing Board.
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Invest in South County’s Future and Your Business
 
The South County Economic Development Council is proud to launch Annual Corporate Sponsorship Packages—your chance to showcase your brand to thousands of community members and regional leaders year‑round.

With visibility at six major events, from the Economic Summit to Community Forums, your business will connect with decision‑makers shaping South County’s future. Sponsorship ensures your brand is seen, heard, and celebrated while helping build a stronger, more vibrant community.
 
Join us and make a lasting impact today.
 
 
 
 
Membership Rewards Program
 
Refer & Win! Help SCEDC Grow + Enter to Win Golf & Dinner Prizes!
 
 
 
 
 
 
SCEDC Recovery Loan
 
Do you own a small business in need of a loan to acquire new equipment or hire additional employees?
 
 
 
 
 
 
What's Coming Up
 
 

Board of Directors
Meeting
 
February 3rd 
8 AM - 9:30 AM 
 
 
 

SCEDC CLOSED
Presidents Day
 
February 16th,
Holiday
 

Workforce & Education
Committee
 
February 17th
1 PM - 2 PM


 
 
 
South County Economic Development Council
(SCEDC) Copyright 2025 
 
 
 

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