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Health & Fitness

ECEDC Receives Grant to Develop An Aerotropolis Strategic Roadmap In East County

The ECEDC is proud to announce receiving a grant in the amount of $50,000 to develop an Aerotropolis strategic roadmap for the area surrounding the Gillespie Field airport.

El Cajon – The East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC) is proud to announce that the San Diego Foundation Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement has awarded the ECEDC a grant in the amount of $50,000 to develop an Aerotropolis strategic roadmap for the area surrounding the Gillespie Field airport.

Highlighted by Time Magazine as one of the “10 Ideas That Will Change the World,” the Aerotropolis concept calls for the creation of a concentrated trade and industry hub that leverages airports and their surrounding areas to stimulate economic growth. Gillespie Field airport in San Diego’s East County has the highest number of operations of all of the San Diego County airports and its revenue is enough to cover operations at the County’s other regional airports. ECEDC is collaborating with partners to develop an Aerotropolis strategic roadmap to leverage regional resources and encourage economic growth, workforce development, and job creation in the area surrounding the Gillespie Field airport.

Airports are traditionally attractive to time-sensitive manufacturing, distribution facilities, hotels, entertainment, retail, convention, trade and exhibition complexes, and office buildings that house executives and professionals. As the Aerotropolis strategic roadmap moves forward, the ECEDC will continue to seek partners in these fields and opportunities for mutual benefit and collaboration.

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ECEDC is developing matching funds for the Aerotropolis roadmap in collaboration with regional partners, including the cities of Santee and El Cajon. Close coordination with the County’s on-airport plans will be an essential component of the visioning process. A community outreach process across a wide range of stakeholders will be a crucial element of roadmap development.

“The San Diego Foundation’s Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement invested in the Aerotropolis strategic roadmap,” said President and CEO Bob Kelly, “because we are committed to making a difference by working with all communities throughout the entire San Diego County region in developing their visions through research, convening, and effective use of resources.Investing in this idea will bring economic growth to East County and the entire San Diego region.”

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“The San Diego Foundation’s support in funding this important concept is critical for us to research, identify, and characterize existing assets, opportunities, and challenges,” said Jo Marie Diamond, President and CEO of ECEDC. “The development of an Aerotropolis strategic framework will allow us to coordinate and develop near, mid, and far term priorities to leverage the important asset that Gillespie Field airport is for our region.” In addition to the grant award, the San Diego Foundation has promised its applicable expertise and experience in pushing the Aerotropolis concept forward.

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About The San Diego Foundation
Founded in 1975, The San Diego Foundation’s purpose is to promote and increase effective and responsible charitable giving. The Foundation manages more than $590 million in assets, almost half of which reside in permanent endowment funds that extend the impact of today’s gifts to future generations. Since its inception, The Foundation has granted more than $800 million to the San Diego region’s nonprofit community. For additional information, please visit the San Diego Foundation at www.sdfoundation.org.

About The Malin Burnham Center For Civic Engagement
The Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) was developed as a result of the unprecedented public visioning effort, Our Greater San Diego Vision. The CCE provides a new framework for community problem-solving, civic education, and policy analysis through convenings, cutting-edge research, major forums, and communications.

About the East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC)
The East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC) is a dynamic, award-winning, non-profit organization of leaders committed to a robust economic climate and quality of life in the East County San Diego region. For additional information, please visit the East County Economic Development Council at www.eastcountyedc.org.

 

Contact: Gladys Selfridge
Tel. 619/258-3670
Cell Phone: 619/247-8236
Email: gladys.selfridge@eastcountyedc.org

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