February 16, 2018
The Chamber partnered with the City of San Diego in obtaining a grant as part of the 2017 Gateways for Growth Challenge by New American Economy, to design a strategic plan for San Diego to welcome and integrate immigrants and refugees. The grant funded a study that provided data on the economic impact of San Diego’s immigrant population.
The initiative was launchedon February 2nd with an all-day event where Chamber President and CEO Jerry Sanders and Vice President Paola Avila addressed the audience to emphasize the importance of the immigrant population which comprise nearly a third of San Diego’s workforce, their significant spending power, and high rates of entrepreneurship.
As part of the grant, a strategic plan to advance the civic, social and economic integration of immigrants will be developed with a series of community forums to gather input from residents and thematic focus groups in topics such as civic engagement, safe and connected communities, economic opportunities, education and inclusive access. The Chamber will play a role in the implementation of the strategic plan. For more information on this initiative, ‘Welcoming San Diego’ please visit: http://welcomingsd.org/
