Dear Friends and Partners,
As we kick off the new year, the South County Economic Development Council (SCEDC) is energized by a wave of truly exciting developments shaping the future of our region—our communities, our businesses, our residents, and the opportunities ahead.
Over the past year, South County experienced a milestone moment with the first major investment in the reimagined Chula Vista Bayfront and the opening of the Gaylord Pacific Resort. This transformational project marks just the beginning. In the years to come, new amenities, housing, and waterfront offerings will bring us closer to the bay, create new employment opportunities, and generate long-term revenue for our communities.
South County continues to lead the region in providing diverse housing options that allow people at every stage of life to invest in our communities and grow alongside them. At the same time, remarkable progress and commitment on the South County University front point toward a future where residents can pursue world-class education right here at home—while attracting top talent from around the globe to our uniquely positioned binational region.
With this momentum, the rest of the world is taking notice. Major conferences and business organizations are bringing their talent, resources, and attention to South County. As one example, Visit California will host its annual trade conference here, shining a spotlight on our region before hundreds of tourism professionals from across the industry.
SCEDC is also proud to announce the first of several workforce-focused grants secured this year, beginning with a California Employment Training Panel grant dedicated to retraining incumbent automotive technicians on advanced and emerging technologies. This program provides a clear ladder to the future for today’s workforce. In parallel, we are actively pursuing complementary funding to build a pipeline for individuals not yet in the industry who are seeking a stable, well-paying career in automotive and advanced transportation.
Additionally, we have launched a partnership with San Diego Gas & Electric through the Transportation Electrification Advisory Services grant. This initiative will support fleet operators as they navigate the transition to clean energy—particularly electric fleets—by providing education, resources, and direct assistance. Over the coming year, SCEDC will host webinars, “drive and try” events, and share new training videos beginning in February, offering guidance on infrastructure, incentives, project planning, and vehicle access.
Looking ahead, we are excited to connect with you in person at some of our most anticipated programs. Our 2026 calendar includes:
- An Elected Officials Reception in March
- Our highly anticipated Economic Summit on May 1
- Two Forums focused on Workforce Development and Community Investment (August/September and November)
- An online Candidates Forum Series in October, helping businesses and residents engage with those seeking to represent our communities.
Together, these programs are designed to connect you with resources, people, and opportunities.
We invite you to join us in investing in the future of South County by exploring opportunities to engage through our Committees, Annual Program Investments, and Membership Programs. We look forward to working with you to help craft a vibrant future for those who call South County home today—and those yet to discover it.
Warm regards,
South County Economic Development Council
