Chula Vista, California, December 2, 2025
Chula Vista is progressing towards its first public university with the initiation of the UniverCity project and supportive legislative measures. The $96.4 million project includes a large office building and community library, aiming to create a future educational hub. Additionally, Assembly Bill 837 and partnerships with San Diego State University further bolster this initiative, paving the way for enhanced educational opportunities in the region.
Chula Vista’s Vision for a Public University Advances with New Developments
Chula Vista, California – Chula Vista is making significant strides toward establishing its first public university, a long-held aspiration for the city. Recent developments include the groundbreaking of the UniverCity project and legislative actions to support higher education expansion in the region.
UniverCity Project Breaks Ground
On September 25, 2023, Chula Vista initiated the $96.4 million first phase of the UniverCity development within the Millenia master-planned community. This phase encompasses the construction of a 168,000-square-foot office building and the city’s largest public library since 1995. The library is designed to feature community meeting spaces, a passport office, and a business incubator to support small businesses. This development is strategically located to accommodate future educational institutions, including a four-year university. The project is slated for completion in fall 2025.
Legislative Support for University Establishment
Assemblymember David Alvarez introduced Assembly Bill 837, aiming to secure 383 acres of land for Chula Vista to construct a university. The bill seeks an exemption from the Surplus Lands Act, facilitating the use of the land for higher education and employment-related development. Mayor John McCann emphasized the economic and academic opportunities this initiative would bring to the community.
Partnership with San Diego State University
In December 2024, the Chula Vista City Council approved a Letter of Intent with San Diego State University (SDSU) to expand SDSU’s School of Nursing and SDSU Global Campus programs into the Millenia Library building. This partnership aims to provide in-demand higher education opportunities to South County residents, marking a significant step toward establishing a university presence in Chula Vista.
Task Force Established to Evaluate University Creation
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 662 into law, establishing the South County Higher Education Task Force. This task force is tasked with evaluating the necessary steps to create a university in Chula Vista, including governance structures and funding models. The task force is expected to report its recommendations by July 1, 2027.
Background Context
Chula Vista, the largest city in California without a public university offering bachelor’s degrees, has long recognized the need for accessible higher education. The establishment of a university is anticipated to address educational inequities and meet the region’s workforce demands. The city’s proactive measures, including securing land and forming strategic partnerships, underscore its commitment to this goal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the UniverCity project in Chula Vista?
The UniverCity project is a $96.4 million development in Chula Vista’s Millenia community, featuring a 168,000-square-foot office building and the city’s largest public library since 1995. The project aims to provide space for future educational institutions, including a four-year university.
What is Assembly Bill 837?
Assembly Bill 837, introduced by Assemblymember David Alvarez, seeks to secure 383 acres of land for Chula Vista to construct a university. The bill aims to exempt the land from the Surplus Lands Act, facilitating its use for higher education and employment-related development.
Which programs are expanding into Chula Vista’s Millenia Library building?
San Diego State University’s School of Nursing and SDSU Global Campus programs are expanding into the Millenia Library building in Chula Vista. This partnership aims to provide higher education opportunities to South County residents.
What is the South County Higher Education Task Force?
The South County Higher Education Task Force, established by Assembly Bill 662, is responsible for evaluating the necessary steps to create a university in Chula Vista, including governance structures and funding models. The task force is expected to report its recommendations by July 1, 2027.
Why is Chula Vista establishing a public university?
Chula Vista, the largest city in California without a public university offering bachelor’s degrees, aims to address educational inequities and meet the region’s workforce demands by establishing a university. The city’s proactive measures, including securing land and forming strategic partnerships, underscore its commitment to this goal.
Key Features of Chula Vista’s University Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| UniverCity Project | A $96.4 million development in Chula Vista’s Millenia community, including a 168,000-square-foot office building and the city’s largest public library since 1995, with space allocated for future educational institutions. |
| Assembly Bill 837 | Legislation introduced by Assemblymember David Alvarez to secure 383 acres of land for Chula Vista to construct a university, exempting the land from the Surplus Lands Act. |
| SDSU Partnership | San Diego State University’s School of Nursing and SDSU Global Campus programs expanding into the Millenia Library building to provide higher education opportunities to South County residents. |
| South County Higher Education Task Force | A task force established by Assembly Bill 662 to evaluate the necessary steps to create a university in Chula Vista, including governance structures and funding models, with recommendations due by July 1, 2027. |
| Chula Vista’s Commitment | Chula Vista’s proactive measures, including securing land and forming strategic partnerships, underscore its commitment to establishing a public university to address educational inequities and meet regional workforce demands. |
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