OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Meeting - May 13, 2026

Economic Development & Intergovernmental Relations Committee — Wednesday, May 13, 2026
BodySan Diego, California
SessionEconomic Development & Intergovernmental Relations Committee
DateWednesday, May 13, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:52:58
Transcript — Verbatim
2:04

Good morning, everyone.

2:05

Welcome to the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting of May 13th, 2026.

2:09

Our committee liaison, Sarah Jordan, will provide information and instruction for the public to participate in today's meeting.

2:15

Thank you, Chair Campio.

2:16

While members of the public are able to attend the meetings in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and council administration will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform.

2:26

Members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual queue by raising their hand before the virtual queue closes.

2:32

This queue will close when the last virtual speaker finishes speaking or five minutes after in-person testimony ends, whichever occurs first.

2:38

This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the committee is able to manage and conduct city business.

2:43

We appreciate the public's cooperation.

2:50

Council Member Campbell.

2:52

Council Member Foster will join us soon, and I am present, so we have a quorum.

2:56

Also present with us is Noah Fleischmann, senior fiscal and policy analyst from the office of the IBA, Senior Deputy City Attorney Kate Malcolm from the Office of the City Attorney, and Chris Ackerman Avala, policy advisor from the Office of the Mayor.

3:06

Sarah, please continue with the public comment instruction.

3:10

If you are in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of the committee room and place it at the tray indicated at the front of the room.

3:16

Please do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management.

3:19

In-person testimony will conclude before virtual testimony begins, and members of the public can join the webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone by accessing the link, which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage.

3:29

To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, please dial 1669-2545252.

3:33

Inputting webinar ID 160-340-6084-pound.

3:37

This information is also available on the agenda and it will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each agenda item.

3:42

Please note that if you're watching via City TV 24 or online, there may be delay, and please participate via the audio on your phone or mute and mute your TV or computer when it is your turn to speak.

3:51

If you wish to speak to a particular item, please wait for that item to be called.

3:54

And if you raise your hand during a non-comment period, your hand will be lowered.

3:58

Thank you, Sarah, for reviewing those instructions for the benefit of the public.

4:00

Quorum is now present just as a beginning note, and as we put up forth uh in communications and social media yesterday.

4:06

Item six will be returned to staff for their request.

4:09

We will now take up non-agenda public comment.

4:11

Council members respect and appreciate the public's input and are fully committed to protecting every participant's free speech rights at council and committee meetings.

4:19

Speaker will have two minutes and we'll begin with the non-person testimony.

4:33

Michael Brando, if you can please approach the lector, and you will have two minutes to provide your non-agenda public comment.

4:50

Wow.

4:52

You said that we respect and appreciate the public's input.

4:56

Well, I think it would be helpful if all of you as part of the economic development and intergovernmental relations committee.

5:05

Really take that to heart.

5:07

Because we see in the regular city council meetings vile behavior seven years into this nonsense that we've seen since March of 2020.

5:18

An example is Sean Elon Rivera and Vivian Moreno, even on the city camera, they're always chit chatting and visiting with one another and giggling while people are at the podium.

5:34

So when you say that we respect and appreciate input, do you hear the hypocrisy?

5:41

I know you do because you're a smart guy.

5:48

And you can use some of your influence to change that.

5:52

We're entering in a new era.

5:55

People are not buying into the games of the whole I've got to pick Trump or I've got to pick the Democrats because both sides are working with the same energy, the same negative energy.

6:06

And the good news is that things are changing.

6:10

When you take the pulse of connecting with people in real life one on one, they're seeing the games that are being played from the highest tier all the way down to the people on the local soil.

6:22

And I have confidence if some of you really want to reconsider the way you operate, you'll be able to make some changes in your own life because this all comes back to an identity issue.

6:36

When people realize themselves as whole W H O L E beings, they can create a beautiful world from the inside out, and it doesn't depend on government in the way that we've understood it in the past.

6:53

Thank you.

6:55

Thank you for your testimony.

6:56

I'll begin the five-minute timer for all those in the virtual queue to indicate if they wish to provide non-agenda public at this time.

7:02

Each speaker will have two minutes.

7:04

We currently have four hands raised, and we will begin with Becky Rapp.

7:07

Please unmute and begin.

7:11

Good morning.

7:13

My name is Becky Rapp, and I wanted to raise some concerns regarding California Assembly Bill 2697, which is currently advancing through the state assembly and would allow marijuana storefronts to operate drive-through sales.

7:28

If this bill moves forward, we'd see an increase in normalization and commercialization of marijuana use.

7:35

Increased convenience leading to higher consumption, public safety concerns leading to impaired driving.

7:41

And if that's not enough, one major concern is that the bill contains no safeguards regarding children being present in vehicles during marijuana purchases.

7:51

An adult could potentially drive through a pot shop with children sitting in the back seat while purchasing high potency THC products.

7:59

We continue hearing from public health experts about increasing youth mental health challenges, rising THC potency, accidental ingestion, and normalization of drug use among children and teens.

8:10

Yet Sacramento is moving forward with policies that further commercialize and normalize marijuana consumption.

8:17

Drive through marijuana sales, send the message that marijuana should be treated like fast food or coffee.

8:23

It seems contradictory while the state and local jurisdictions continue investing millions into prevention, behavioral health, homeless response, and public safety.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development█████████████████████████████████████████████48%
Public Comment███████████12%
Procedural████████9%
Public Safety███████7%
Homelessness██████6%
Fiscal Sustainability██████6%
Cannabis Regulation███3%
Public Health██2%
Parks and Recreation██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Meeting - May 13, 2026

The Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee met on May 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC. Chair Campio presided, with Vice Chair Lee, Councilmember Campbell, and Councilmember Foster present. Staff included Senior Fiscal and Policy Analyst Noah Fleischmann (IBA), Senior Deputy City Attorney Kate Malcolm, and Policy Advisor Chris Ackerman Avala (Mayor's Office). The committee approved consent items, discussed the Downtown Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) annual report, the Tourism Marketing District (TMD) report, and received an update on federal legislative and appropriations actions.

Consent Calendar

  • Item 1: Approval of committee minutes from April 16, 2026.
  • Item 2: Exclusive negotiation agreement for 7th and Market Street between the City of San Diego and the Robert Green Company.
  • Public comment: Robert Green and James Lawson submitted speaker slips in favor of Item 2. Virtual speakers: Joy Sanyata (supported, urged diligence and transparency); Blair Beekman (expressed confusion about the project, emphasized the historical Claremont Hotel should be preserved and incorporated into design).
  • Motion by Councilmember Campbell, seconded by Vice Chair Lee. Passed 3-0 (all members present).

Public Comments & Testimony

Non-Agenda Public Comments (before consent agenda):

  • Michael Brando (in person) criticized council behavior, stating that council members are "chit chatting and visiting" while people testify, and urged a change in conduct.
  • Becky Rapp (virtual) opposed California Assembly Bill 2697, which would allow marijuana drive-through sales, citing risks to children, normalization of drug use, and public safety concerns. She urged the committee to formally oppose the bill.
  • Hector (virtual) discussed taxing the rich, moving city operations to Mission Valley, and criticized Democratic leadership.
  • Blair Beekman (virtual) raised concerns about retaliation within SDPD and the mayor's office, and suggested learning from Oakland's tech accountability practices.
  • Madison (virtual) supported Senate Bill 936 (authored by Catherine Bakespear) to prohibit retail sale of large nitrous oxide canisters, citing health risks and waste management costs.
  • Joy Sanyata (virtual) thanked participants and urged civic engagement, quoting "Ask not what your city can do for you, ask what you can do for your city."
  • Lonnie Mendoza Gasca (virtual) advocated for a citywide smoke-free outdoor dining policy, noting San Diego is the largest county city without one, and argued it would create fair business practices.

Public Comments on Item 3 (Downtown PBID):

  • Joy Sanyata (virtual) praised Clean and Safe, asked about use of qualitative data alongside quantitative data.
  • Hector (virtual) noted persistent dog urine smell in East Village, requested more park benches, and criticized shoplifting policies.
  • Blair Beekman (virtual) requested public restrooms in East Village, urged preservation of older downtown buildings, and mentioned the Claremont Hotel as a historical landmark.
  • Peggy Walker (virtual) suggested adding receptacles for e-cigarette and vape waste to support clean and safe goals.

Public Comments on Item 4 (Tourism Marketing District):

  • Madison (virtual) supported tourism marketing, noting $20 billion economic impact, and urged connection to family services like parks and libraries.
  • Hector (virtual) suggested marketing to wealthy travelers from Dubai via new flights from Paris, and reducing marketing to Arizona.
  • Catherine Rhodes (virtual) asked the TMD to use its $8.4 million catastrophic fund for arts programs being cut, and questioned whether online travel agencies pay the full 2% TMD assessment.
  • Joy Sanyata (virtual) supported the TMD, noted the 1.9% visit increase and 3.6% spending increase, and praised low administrative costs.
  • Blair Beekman (virtual) emphasized local travel and tech accountability as a draw, and suggested San Diego highlight its "giving city" character.
  • Judy Strang (virtual) criticized billboards (including a marijuana dispensary ad) on Pacific Highway as ugly and urged use of TOT funds to improve city appearance.

Public Comments on Item 5 (Federal Update):

  • Catherine Rhodes (virtual) advocated for applying for National Marine Sanctuary status to stop oil drilling, fund park rangers, and provide science grants.
  • Madison (virtual) supported federal funding for infrastructure, stormwater, wildfire suppression, and homeless response, and urged protection of youth programs.
  • Hector (virtual) thanked ICE for deportations, criticized sanctuary city policies, and complained about sewer issues in South County.
  • Joy Sanyata (virtual) praised the presentation, supported earmarks for stormwater, Vision Zero, and encampment reduction, and called for compromise.
  • Kathleen Lippett (virtual) supported Catherine Rhodes' marine sanctuary idea, warned about farm bill loopholes (2018 hemp), and urged redirecting funding from harm reduction to prevention.
  • Blair Beekman (virtual) discussed UASI funding (Urban Area Security Initiative) and tech accountability practices from Oakland.

Discussion Items

Item 3: Fiscal Year 2027 Downtown Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) Annual Report and Budget

  • Presentation by Rhea Aguinaldo (Small Business Engagement Specialist, Economic Development Department) and Alonso Vivas (Senior Vice President, Downtown San Diego Partnership).
  • The PBID (Clean and Safe) was renewed in 2025 through 2035. Services include cleaning, graffiti abatement, sidewalk washing, and safety patrols, operating 365 days a year.
  • Key statistics: Over 1 million pounds of trash collected (July 2025–March 2026), 64,000 incidents of human/pet waste cleanup, 42,000 sidewalk power washes, 41,000 service requests via app.
  • Proposed FY27 budget: $14.9 million, with $14 million for services by the Downtown San Diego Partnership. City administration costs: $261,000.
  • Committee discussion: Chair Campio praised the program's impact. Councilmember Campbell noted the comment about vape disposal and asked staff to explore feasibility.
  • Motion by Chair Campio, seconded by Councilmember Campbell. Passed 4-0.

Item 4: Approval of Fiscal Year 2027 San Diego Tourism Marketing District (TMD) Report of Activities

  • Presentation by Angelica Paulino (Interim Community Development Coordinator), Colleen Anderson (Executive Director, TMD), and Carrie Kapich (COO, San Diego Tourism Authority).
  • TMD established in 2008, renewed in 2013 for 39.5 years. Funded by 2% assessment on hotels with 70+ rooms.
  • FY27 estimated available funds: $56 million ($46.3 million from assessments, $10 million carryover). Budget reduced from $46 million to $41 million due to headwinds.
  • Tourism projections: 1.9% increase in visits, 3.6% increase in visitor spending to $14.4 billion, hotel occupancy projected at 72%, average daily rate $216.
  • ROI: 28:1 for every dollar of TMD funds invested.
  • Committee discussion: Councilmember Campbell noted the importance of TOT revenue (half of general fund). Councilmember Foster highlighted arts and culture in District 4. Council President Pro Tem Lee asked about impacts of city budget cuts on arts and culture, which the Tourism Authority noted are part of storytelling.
  • Motion by Chair Campio, seconded by Councilmember Campbell. Passed 4-0.

Item 5: Update on Federal Legislative and Appropriations Actions (Information Item)

  • Presentation by Walt Bishop (Director of Government Affairs), Evo Toole, and Joseph O'Brien (Manette Phelps and Phillips).
  • Federal funding recap: FY26 appropriations mostly level-funded; DHS was shut down for 76 days.
  • FY27 appropriations: House marking up with aggressive timetable; likely extension past September 30.
  • City submitted 19 project requests (earmarks) totaling $25 million; 11 projects submitted to committees (stormwater, Vision Zero, homelessness, wildfire prevention).
  • Budget reconciliation: Republicans advancing $72 billion for ICE and CBP; possible third reconciliation package (energy, cost of living).
  • Surface transportation reauthorization: Current IIJA expires Sept 30; House proposed bill focusing on roads/bridges, potential cuts to transit; deadline likely extended.
  • Housing: House and Senate bills (21st Century Road to Housing Act) aim to streamline housing, add affordable housing as CDBG eligible, exempt from NEPA; President Trump endorsed the Senate bill.
  • HUD continuum of care program under attack; Congress directed HUD to renew grants; FY26 NOFO expected by June 1.
  • Midterm elections: Republicans hold 220-212 House majority; Democrats need net gain of 3 seats. Senate: Republicans 53-47; competitive races in Georgia, Michigan, Maine, Alaska, Ohio, Texas.
  • Committee discussion: Councilmember Campbell asked about changing the city's share of property tax from the county, noting it requires state legislative action. Staff indicated they are exploring options. Chair Campio expressed hope that the 19 project requests would be funded.
  • No motion required (information item).

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved (Items 1 and 2) unanimously.
  • Item 3 (Downtown PBID): Approved 4-0; staff will explore vape disposal options.
  • Item 4 (Tourism Marketing District): Approved 4-0; FY27 report and expenditures authorized.
  • Item 6: Returned to staff per their request (noted at meeting start).
  • Next Meeting: Adjourned to Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting of May 13th, 2026. Our committee liaison, Sarah Jordan, will provide information and instruction for the public to participate in today's meeting. Thank you, Chair Campio. While members of the public are able to attend the meetings in person, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website, and council administration will continue to make arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform. Members of the public who wish to provide virtual testimony must enter the virtual queue by raising their hand before the virtual queue closes. This queue will close when the last virtual speaker finishes speaking or five minutes after in-person testimony ends, whichever occurs first. This will allow for better meeting management between the two platforms and ensure the committee is able to manage and conduct city business. We appreciate the public's cooperation. Council Member Campbell. Council Member Foster will join us soon, and I am present, so we have a quorum. Also present with us is Noah Fleischmann, senior fiscal and policy analyst from the office of the IBA, Senior Deputy City Attorney Kate Malcolm from the Office of the City Attorney, and Chris Ackerman Avala, policy advisor from the Office of the Mayor. Sarah, please continue with the public comment instruction. If you are in person, please complete a speaker slip located at the entrance of the committee room and place it at the tray indicated at the front of the room. Please do so in a timely manner to ensure proper meeting management. In-person testimony will conclude before virtual testimony begins, and members of the public can join the webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone by accessing the link, which is listed online in the preamble language of the agenda on the city's webpage. To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, please dial 1669-2545252. Inputting webinar ID 160-340-6084-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. Please note that if you're watching via City TV 24 or online, there may be delay, and please participate via the audio on your phone or mute and mute your TV or computer when it is your turn to speak. If you wish to speak to a particular item, please wait for that item to be called. And if you raise your hand during a non-comment period, your hand will be lowered. Thank you, Sarah, for reviewing those instructions for the benefit of the public. Quorum is now present just as a beginning note, and as we put up forth uh in communications and social media yesterday. Item six will be returned to staff for their request. We will now take up non-agenda public comment. Council members respect and appreciate the public's input and are fully committed to protecting every participant's free speech rights at council and committee meetings. Speaker will have two minutes and we'll begin with the non-person testimony. Michael Brando, if you can please approach the lector, and you will have two minutes to provide your non-agenda public comment. Wow. You said that we respect and appreciate the public's input. Well, I think it would be helpful if all of you as part of the economic development and intergovernmental relations committee. Really take that to heart. Because we see in the regular city council meetings vile behavior seven years into this nonsense that we've seen since March of 2020. An example is Sean Elon Rivera and Vivian Moreno, even on the city camera, they're always chit chatting and visiting with one another and giggling while people are at the podium. So when you say that we respect and appreciate input, do you hear the hypocrisy? I know you do because you're a smart guy. And you can use some of your influence to change that. We're entering in a new era. People are not buying into the games of the whole I've got to pick Trump or I've got to pick the Democrats because both sides are working with the same energy, the same negative energy. And the good news is that things are changing. When you take the pulse of connecting with people in real life one on one, they're seeing the games that are being played from the highest tier all the way down to the people on the local soil. And I have confidence if some of you really want to reconsider the way you operate, you'll be able to make some changes in your own life because this all comes back to an identity issue. When people realize themselves as whole W H O L E beings, they can create a beautiful world from the inside out, and it doesn't depend on government in the way that we've understood it in the past. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. I'll begin the five-minute timer for all those in the virtual queue to indicate if they wish to provide non-agenda public at this time. Each speaker will have two minutes. We currently have four hands raised, and we will begin with Becky Rapp. Please unmute and begin.

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