Community & Economic Development

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego City Council yesterday approved the allocation of more than $740,000 in grant funding to 20 local nonprofit organizations that assist the City in expanding employment, business and economic opportunities, as well as promoting San Diego as a tourist destination.

A portion of the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds are provided through the Economic Development and Tourism Support Program (EDTS) to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations that work toward improving San Diego’s economy.  The EDTS program is administered by the City of San Diego’s Community and Economic Development Department.  Agencies qualify for EDTS funding by meeting all review criteria, engaging in continuing economic, employment or tourism development programming for at least three years, and by benefiting the City of San Diego residents and visitors.        

The money provided to these organizations is of direct benefit to the local community.  Grant recipients from last year provided needed services to San Diego businesses and the community.  ACCION San Diego, a recipient of EDTS funds, dispersed more than 225 loans to low- and moderate-income small business owners.  Additionally, Hostelling International, Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and South County Economic Development Corporation attracted 50,000 plus visitors through various sponsored programs and events.

EDTS has provided support to organizations throughout San Diego since 1998.  In 1999, the City Council unanimously approved program changes that streamlined the application review and allocation process.  Such proactive changes facilitate the use of TOT funds to enhance the region’s attractiveness as a center of business and tourism. 

All applications were reviewed by a panel composed of board members of the City’s Small Business Advisory Board as well as volunteers from the tourism industry and business community.     

For more information about the Economic Development and Tourism Support Program, contact the City of San Diego’s Community and Economic Development Department at (619) 533-4233 or visit the City’s web site at www.sandiego.gov.