The San Diego Promise Zone 

In 2016, the San Diego Promise Zone (SDPZ) became one of 22 federally designated Promise Zones in the U.S. and one of only four in California. Spanning 6.4 square miles, the SDPZ is home to over 80,000 residents in the City’s most culturally rich and ethnically diverse neighborhoods, as well as some of its most under-resourced communities. Since 2016, the unemployment rate has decreased from 14% to 10%, and the poverty rate has fallen from 35% to 20% (ACS, 2016, 2023).* Targeted efforts from the City and community-based organizations have supported some improvement in these areas, however, we recognize there is still plenty of work to do to continue improving the lives of our Promise Zone residents. 

*These data points have been updated to reflect a weighted average of the median and population size for each tract.

Our promise is to co-create an ecosystem of opportunity and investment through collaboration that addresses systemic racism and inequities to improve the quality of life of Promise Zone residents. To view the Promise Zone 101 slide deck, please click here.

Location and Population

The San Diego Promise Zone covers a 6.4-square-mile targeted area that spans East Village and Barrio Logan east to Encanto. This area includes parts of four ZIP codes (92101, 92102, 92113 and 92114), four Council Districts (CD 3, CD 4, CD 8 and CD 9), 15 neighborhoods, and 21 U.S. Census Bureau census tracts (14 complete tracts and 7 partial tracts). More than 80,000 San Diegans live in the Promise Zone, an area home to the City’s most culturally rich and ethnically diverse neighborhoods, but also some of the City's most under-resourced communities. These areas have historically experienced high rates of concentrated poverty and unemployment, which the Promise Zone aims to address through targeted community-based initiatives and partnerships. You can familiarize yourself with the location of the SDPZ on the map below.

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Goals and Objectives

Our Network

Our impact in the San Diego Promise Zone is driven by a dedicated team, strong partnerships, and active working groups that address our community’s most pressing needs. Explore these areas to learn more about how we work together to support positive change in the Promise Zone.

AmeriCorps VISTA Opportunities  

Are you passionate about serving your community, gaining valuable work experience, and making a lasting impact? Through the AmeriCorps VISTA program, you can contribute to the San Diego Promise Zone's mission to support historically underserved communities.

Explore Opportunities