This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law an exemption from the Surplus Land Act for the City of Chula Vista’s University-Innovation District development project on approximately 383 acres.
The passage of this bill allows the City to continue negotiations with a master developer to implement the University Innovation District.
Senator Steve Padilla and Assemblymember David Alvarez brokered negotiations making it possible for the City to advance standing plans for developing a campus.
Chula Vista is the only city in California with a population greater than 200,000 residents that does not have a non-profit or state university within its city limits.
Padilla said this project is a “monumental step forward” in addressing a wide array of inequities that South Bay families face in a July 12 press release.
“Universities offer incredible economic opportunities for the surrounding communities in addition to the increased capacity and access they provide to higher education. This is an investment in the future of this region,” he said.
Alvarez said there is now an opportunity to create a regional university for the South Bay and “open doors to future generations” for new educational experiences.
“Individuals with a bachelor’s degree have greater earning power and can earn about $32,000 more annually than those with a high school diploma,” he said.
Chula Vista Mayor John McCann said he is grateful for Padilla and Alvarez for helping protect the City’s vision for a 21st century university in South Bay.
“After decades of planning and work to secure 383 acres, we are now able to continue negotiations that will advance the University-Innovation District,” he said.
