San Diego, CA.- The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has voted to endorse the SDSU West ballot initiative.
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Sanders noted, "After thorough review of both proposals our board of directors determined that SDSU West represents the greatest economic benefit for the future growth and development of the region. The plan allows the university to expand and significantly enhance its capabilities as a world class education institution and one of our region’s leading economic drivers.”
Sanders also pointed to the SDSU West initiative would permit significant community input, which he said would allow for the final product to best reflect what the community wants for the city.
SDSU West reacted to the endorsement with the following statement from spokesperson Katy Temple, “We’re honored the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has recognized SDSU West as the only initiative that will bolster higher education opportunities and our regional economy for generations to come. The Chamber joins a broad, bipartisan, and growing coalition of business, community, labor, planning, alumni and environmental groups who support SDSU West as the best and only choice for San Diego on the November ballot."
The Chamber was also considering the SoccerCity measure that will be before voters in November.
If one of the initiatives gets over 50 percent, that group will guide development of the property.
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has 2,500 member businesses representing 300,000 employees. The endorsement comes as Jerry Sanders and the Chamber just concluded negotiations on a 2-year contract extension. Sanders' contract as President and CEO had been extended two years through the end of 2022.