Unlike other federal initiatives, the Promise Zone designation did not come with direct funding. Instead, it provided priority consideration for certain grants and enhanced opportunities to collaborate with federal agencies to strengthen local efforts. 

Throughout the designation, the City of San Diego played a central leadership role by providing resources including staffing, coordination support, data and planning capacity, and cross-departmental partnerships. These contributions helped align efforts across key sectors and amplified the community-driven work already underway.  The designation was granted for ten years and will conclude on June 6, 2026. 

Accomplishments:  Over the past decade, this coordinated approach has allowed partners to align efforts, address shared priorities, reduce barriers and enhance the economic vibrancy of our local Promise Zone communities.   

Promise Zone partners have collectively secured more than $500 million in grant funding and have developed a strong culture of collaboration across programs and projects. Together, we have expanded digital equity efforts, welcomed a new banking institution into the community, and elevated the youth-led career expo into a citywide model for high-quality career exploration for young people. These accomplishments reflect the strength, commitment, and shared vision of the entire Promise Zone network. 

Looking Ahead:  The San Diego Promise Zone Alliance:  As the federal Promise Zone designation concludes on June 6, 2026, the initiative will evolve into the San Diego Promise Zone Alliance, a shift to a community powered movement. The name “Alliance” reflects strength through unity, and working together to shape the future. 

Community, businesses, and partner organizations will take on an expanded leadership role in continuing efforts to improve the quality of life for Promise Zone residents. The Promise Zone Steering Committee, composed of all working group co-chairs, has held multiple planning sessions to lay the groundwork for this next phase. Their planning is guided by feedback, ideas, and priorities shared by participants in Fall 2025 working group meetings, and community input will continue to shape decisions as we approach the end of the federal designation and beyond.  

The Steering Committee is steadfast in advancing efforts that ensure meaningful progress, strengthen local leadership, preserve established partnerships, and uphold the shared vision of opportunity and inclusion for all residents. To support the transition, the Steering Committee is outlining the first-year structure for the Alliance.   Throughout this transition and beyond, the City of San Diego will continue to be an active partner, supporting the shift toward increased community leadership and helping ensure the San Diego Promise Zone Alliance continues to thrive.