Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Meeting - February 8, 2023
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Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Meeting - February 8, 2023
The Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee met on February 8, 2023, at 10:00 AM UTC. Chaired by Councilmember Campio, the committee considered four agenda items: the 2023 committee work plan, an informational update on Title 42 and immigration policy, the fiscal year 2022 Tourism Marketing District performance report, and the development of a focused economic development strategy. The meeting included public testimony on each item, with speakers expressing a range of positions on marijuana businesses, arts funding, immigration, tourism, and economic development priorities.
Public Comments & Testimony
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Non-Agenda Public Comment: Three virtual speakers addressed the committee. Terry Ann Skelly expressed opposition to the city's emphasis on marijuana businesses, urging a focus on positive youth programs. Christine Lippitt criticized the city's prioritization of marijuana businesses, citing negative impacts on communities and health. Peggy Walker referenced a reported cannabis glut and questioned the city's tax reduction for marijuana businesses. Joyce Sanyata (District 3) asked about the World Design Capital 2024 event, suggesting a volunteer director to partner with Tijuana.
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Agenda Item 1 – 2023 Committee Work Plan: Four in-person speakers and several virtual speakers testified. Christine Martinez (Arts and Culture San Diego) supported the work plan and thanked the council for increased arts funding, advocating for sustainable funding through a percentage of the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Abe Hughes (Arts Commissioner and ICA board member) echoed support for arts funding as an economic driver. Skylar Johnson (Downtown San Diego Partnership) supported the work plan, highlighting childcare, tourism, and small business initiatives. Jennifer DePoyen (Space for Art) supported sustainable arts funding. Imani Robinson (community member, Districts 4 and 9) called for economic development in underserved areas and partnerships with CalTrans. Blair Beekman raised concerns about downtown towing and police presence.
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Agenda Item 2 – Title 42 Informational Update: Two virtual speakers commented. Blair Beekman praised local efforts on immigration and called for comprehensive reform. Kathleen Lippitt opposed lifting Title 42, citing Governor Newsom's concerns about economic burden and respect for Mexican sovereignty.
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Agenda Item 4 – Tourism Marketing District Performance Report: One virtual speaker, Blair Beekman, commended the report and suggested linking tourism to tech accountability and Vision Zero concepts.
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Agenda Item 3 – Focused Economic Development Strategy: Two in-person and two virtual speakers testified. Lauren Casaris (San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce) supported the strategy and thanked the committee for stakeholder engagement. Joyce Sanyata (District 3) found the backup material technical and urged consideration of seniors, homelessness, and economic equity. Blair Beekman encouraged a positive outlook and emphasized equity and human rights.
Discussion Items
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Agenda Item 1 – 2023 Committee Work Plan: Chair Campio opened with remarks on supporting the local economy, cross-border partnerships, and worker justice. Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Step moved approval of the staff recommendation, seconded by Councilmember Lee. Councilmember Lee highlighted his priority for an AAPI economic impact study. Chair Campio noted the importance of the World Design Capital event extending beyond downtown and emphasized the committee's new focus on labor standards. The motion passed unanimously.
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Agenda Item 2 – Title 42 Informational Update: Adrian Granda (Director of Government Affairs) introduced the presentation. Rita Fernandez (Office of Immigrant Affairs) explained asylum processes, Title 42 definitions, and migration trends. Walt Bishop (Deputy Director of Government Affairs) detailed the Biden administration's January 5th border actions and the city's advocacy for $800 million in federal funding. Kate Clark (Jewish Family Service) described the migrant shelter operations, having served 120,000 asylum seekers since 2018, with 98% moving outside San Diego. Chris Olson (Jewish Family Service) noted the funding transition from FEMA to CBP. Committee members expressed support for the humanitarian approach and concern about CBP's role. Chair Campio requested a future item on the Welcome Home Strategic Plan.
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Agenda Item 4 – Tourism Marketing District Performance Report: Lisa Lind (Economic Development Department) introduced the item. Colleen Anderson (TMD Executive Director) reported a 31:1 return on investment for FY22, with TOT collections reaching $257 million, a 3.3% increase over FY19. Carrie Capich (San Diego Tourism Authority) noted 28.8 million visitors in 2022, spending $13.6 billion, with average daily hotel rates at $204. Leisure travel recovered, but business and international travel lagged. Employment in tourism reached 200,000 jobs, but accommodation sector staffing remained 16% below pre-pandemic levels. Committee members acknowledged the strong recovery and asked about workforce retention.
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Agenda Item 3 – Focused Economic Development Strategy: Elizabeth Studebaker (Assistant Deputy Director, Economic Development) presented the strategy update, the first since 2016. Christy Thronson (Guide House) summarized research findings: key industries (science, tech, defense), rising new business formations (especially in downtown and Otay Mesa), and persistent inequities. Stakeholder and community engagement identified themes: affordability, workforce support, small business assistance, and childcare. The proposed framework includes four goals: supporting families and workers, small and local businesses, trade and innovation, and strengthening neighborhoods. The strategy aims for a final draft in March 2023. Committee members discussed alignment with the city's equity plan and the need for actionable tactics.
Key Outcomes
- Agenda Item 1 – 2023 Committee Work Plan: Approved unanimously by voice vote (Vice Chair Montgomery Step, Councilmember Lee, Chair Campio). Staff recommendation adopted.
- Agenda Items 2, 3, and 4: Informational items; no votes required. Committee members provided feedback and direction.
- Committee Actions: The committee also approved past committee actions unanimously at the start of the meeting.
- Next Meeting: The committee will next meet on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 2:00 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting of February 8th, 2023. Our committee liaison. Sarah Jordan will provide information and instruction for the public to participate in today's meeting. Thank you, Chair. Until further further notice, the economic development and intergovernmental relations committee will be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the California Government Code Section 54953e, added by Assembly Bill 361, which allows the city to use teleconferencing and provide a public an opportunity to address the city council committee via a call-in option or an internet based service option during the proclaimed state of emergency. While the public is allowed to attend the meeting in person, we encourage you to maintain six feet of social distance as well as follow California mass guidelines that are strongly recommended. In addition to being able to attend in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and we will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar. This will allow for a better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the council is able to manage and conduct city business. We appreciate the public's cooperation. Chair Kempio. And when prompted, input webinar ID 160-381-2925 pound. This information is also available on the agenda and it will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item. Members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual speaking queue by raising their hand before the queue closes. The queue will close five minutes after the conclusion of in-person testimony, whichever occurs first. If you are watching on City TV or live stream online and would like to call into the meeting to speak, please call 1669-254-5252. And when prompted, input webinar ID 160-381-2925 pound. To raise your hand to speak, select the raise your hand button or press star nine. I will announce when it's your turn to speak. Unmute yourself by either selecting the unmute button or inputting star six. Chair, it doesn't look like we have any speakers here in chambers or any virtual speakers. So that will conclude public testimony on the past committee actions. Okay. Do I have a motion to approve the actions from uh Council President Pro Tem Montgomery Step and a second from Councilmember Lee with a motion and second, we will now do by voice vote. Vice Chair Montgomery Step. Yes. Councilmember Lee. Yes. And I am a yes as well. That passes unanimously with all members present. We will now take up non-agenda public comment. The council members respect and appreciate the public's input and are fully committed to protecting every participant's free streets, free speech rights at council and committee meetings. Sarah, please proceed with non-agenda public comment. Thank you, Chair. For temporary rule to appoint six non-agenda public comment is an opportunity for members of the public to comment on items that are not on the agenda but are within the jurisdiction matter of the committee. Each speaker will have two minutes. If you have already joined the web online or by phone, please raise your hand if you wish to speak. If you are in person, please come out to the reserve seats at the front of the room when your name is called and be prepared to come up to the lecture and in the order called. Members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual speaking queue by raising their hand before the queue closes. The queue will close when the last virtual speaker finishes speaking or five minutes in person public testimony ends, whichever occurs first. We currently have one speaker, two speakers here in chambers. And we will begin public testimony with Christine Martinez. Excuse me. Oh, that's right, that was my error. Um, we'd have no speakers here in the chambers. We do have three virtual speakers, so we will begin public testimony with Terry Ann Skelly. Uh, Miss Skelly, please unmute yourself and begin your comments. Good afternoon, economic development and intergovernmental relations chair Campio. My name is Terry Ann Skelly. I'm a mother of three adult sons. I've been pleased that this committee has advocated for internship programs for teens and young adults as part of its economic development platform.
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