Policy and Innovation Center

See schedule o.ideas brought to life.using research and resources to develop creative, effective and equitable solutions to Regional issues. Leveraging cross departmental efforts to increase capacity and pursue green infrastructure solutions that Center equity and community input. Developed the "land locator map" to identify lots owned by government entities that are potentially suitable for affordable housing projects. The map allows local government stakeholders to more easily work together to determine the highest and best use of government parcels, leading to a pledge to leverage government-owned land, with an ultimate Regional goal of 10,000 housing units over the next decade. Also developed interactive maps that offer comprehensive insights into public water infrastructure within the San Diego region to help local governments and agencies identify unique interventions, access funding resources and find vendors to solve challenges related to drinking water, storm and wastewater management.

See schedule o.working with national emerging leaders program to leverage cross-departmental efforts to increase capacity and pursue solutions that Center equity and community input. Facilitated government and agency council promoting collaboration and leveraging federal and state funding, engaging in Policy discussions and coordinating action. Added and activated capital to strengthen the region. Leading grant application and contract proposals totaling over $173 million, with a significant number awaiting decision. Awards in the amount of $3.9 million were secured alongside work on continuing grants of $4.5 million. Partnered with the county, municipalities, the port of San Diego, universities, community colleges, community-based organizations, the San Diego workforce partnership, school districts, and economic evelopment centers.

See schedule o.applying equity focused research to our region's most pressing challenges. Found significant disparities in every domain and demographic, but some of the starkest were racial disparities in employment and income. Tracked progress San Diego county youth have made despite a variety of obstacles from discrimination to homelessness and identified opportunities for targeted assistance. Examined drivers on water prices and potential financial solutions to mitigate water poverty. Researched economics of tourism in San Diego as it relates to the picture of employment and economic activity in this thriving industry.

The organization has been:(1) bringing together and fostering collaboration and consensus among local governmental bodies, community leaders, researchers, subject matter experts, and stakeholders from across the region;(2) collecting and analyzing data and conducting rigorous original research to help effectively address the region's public infrastructure, health, housing, environmental and other community needs, and making the results publicly available;(3) developing and helping implement innovative strategies and solutions based on that data research;(4) helping local governmental bodies increase federal grant funding and identify and obtain other funding resources to address public needs across the region; and(5) sharing the research, results, policies and innovations nationally, to benefit the public in other regions of the u.s.