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

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.

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