AB 662 – South County Higher Education Planning Task Force

The South County Higher Education Planning Task Force was established through Assembly Bill 662 (Chapter 700, Statutes of 2025) to guide next steps for expanding higher education opportunities in South County. The Task Force is evaluating governance, funding, land use and legislative considerations to inform next steps for University District Chula Vista. Recommendations will be submitted to the California Legislature by July 1, 2027.

Task Force members have been appointed and work is underway.

Background

For nearly 30 years, the City of Chula Vista has explored the development of a university-focused district on more than 380 acres of City-owned land in eastern Chula Vista. This effort reflects a continued commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting regional workforce and economic needs.

The University District is planned as a mixed-use environment where academic, research, residential and commercial uses can be integrated. This concept supports collaboration among students, educators and industry while allowing for a flexible and phased development approach.

The site is located near the U.S.-Mexico border within the CaliBaja region and is adjacent to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center and an 11,000+ acre ecological preserve. These features provide opportunities to connect education, research, workforce development and regional partnerships.

Expanding Access. Strengthening Workforce Pathways. Supporting Regional Opportunity.

UDCV represents a planned approach to expanding higher education opportunities in South County. The City of Chula Vista is working to identify and partner with higher education institutions while advancing a planning process through the South County Higher Education Planning Task Force.

As part of this effort, the City is exploring a multi-institution, co-located university model designed to serve South County students, including recent high school graduates, working adults and military-connected communities. Programs are expected to focus on career-aligned pathways, with flexible options that reflect regional workforce needs.

These efforts will inform future partnerships, program development and site planning for the University District.

What This Means for South County

• Expanded access to four-year degree programs closer to home
• Expanded opportunities for working adults and military-connected students
• Programs aligned with regional workforce needs
• Increased economic and workforce opportunities in the region

District Highlights

• More than 380 acres planned for university and innovation district uses
• Located in South County near the U.S.-Mexico border, within the CaliBaja economic region
• Site planning allows for a mix of academic, research, residential and open space uses
• Capacity to support higher education facilities, workforce development and innovation-oriented uses
• Designed to integrate with surrounding neighborhoods, open space and regional infrastructure
• Flexible development framework to support phased implementation over time

Membership

The Task Force brings together a diverse group of leaders representing higher education, local government, workforce development and the community.

Members were appointed by state and local agencies in accordance with Assembly Bill 662 and include representatives from:

• The California State University system
• The University of California system
• The California Community Colleges system
• The City of Chula Vista
• Sweetwater Union High School District
• Community and workforce representatives

Meetings and Timeline

The Task Force will convene multiple times between 2026 and 2027 to review information, discuss key topics and develop recommendations. The process includes a series of meetings focused on the core areas outlined in Assembly Bill 662, culminating in a final report to the California Legislature in 2027.

Meeting information and materials will be posted as they become available.

Meeting Agendas

South County Higher Education Planning Task Force Meeting #1

View the meeting agenda and share public comments on the City Website.

South County Higher Education Planning Task Force Meeting #2

View the meeting agenda and share public comments on the City Website.

Resources and Updates

As the Task Force progresses, materials will be shared to support transparency and public access, including:

• Meeting agendas and summaries
• Supporting reports and studies
• Project updates and announcements

The Task Force is supported by the City of Chula Vista and the State of California and is led by Marlene L. Garcia, Senior Advisor and Lead Facilitator.

For more information, please contact Special Projects Manager, Adrianna Relph at arelph@chulavistaca.gov