Port of San Diego Shares Feedback in Developing Strategic Plan

Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

Job creation, economic development, homeland security and environmental stewardship are among the major challenges and opportunities facing the Port of San Diego, according to a group of concerned citizens from across the San Diego region.

More than 100 community leaders, elected officials, key administrators and representatives from the military and industry met Tuesday, August 16, for a strategic planning forum that explored what priorities the port should pursue in the next five years and beyond. The port is releasing recommendations and themes from the strategic planning forum that were offered at the event.

•  Themes from Port of San Diego Strategic Planning Forum 2011 (77.24 kB)

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Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners Scott Peters said an open dialogue is necessary when making a strategic plan for the Port of San Diego.

"Our message to stakeholders is, 'It's your bay,'" Peters said. "Port businesses are a significant driver in our local economy. But we need everyone's input to ensure we make the best strategic plan for the future of San Diego Bay, its partners and its five member cities: Coronado, San Diego, National City, Chula Vista and Imperial Beach."

The Port of San Diego is in the process of updating its strategic plan, a blue print for guiding the port's future development. The Board of Port Commissioners will hold a workshop on the plan in October. The board plans to approve the strategic plan by the end of the year.

During the three-hour planning forum held August 16 at the Port Pavilion in San Diego, attendees provided their ideas and recommendations in four broad subject areas:

• Regional Priorities
• Opportunities
• Challenges/Barriers
• Partnering

The brainstorming session lasted about three hours. Following the event, some attendees praised the port's model and focus on partnerships.

"I don't think you can ever go wrong inviting stakeholders and community input," said San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria. "I think that's what we're doing today. Hearing from 100 stakeholders throughout our region, what they want to see for our port, and to invite people from all corners of our community, that's the way to get things done."

Members of the public can submit their suggestions for the port's strategic plan to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The port is planning another strategic planning forum to be held in South County next month. When the day and site are finalized, this information will be published.

The Port of San Diego was created by the state Legislature to manage San Diego Bay and surrounding waterfront land in December 1962. Since that time the port has been responsible for $1.5 billion in public improvements in its five member cities.

The Port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 17 public parks, various wildlife reserves and environmental initiatives, a Harbor Police department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub-tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.