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Chula Vista OKs contract, names manager to South County higher education task force
Summary
The council approved a consultant agreement with Marlene L. Garcia Consulting and designated City Manager Tiffany Allen to the South County Higher Education Task Force created by AB 662; the task force must convene by 2026-07-01 and deliver findings by 2027-07-01, and $250,000 in state funding was noted.
The Chula Vista City Council unanimously approved a contract with Marlene L. Garcia Consulting L.L.C. to facilitate the newly formed South County Higher Education Task Force and designated City Manager Tiffany Allen as the city's representative on the task force.
City staff explained the task force stems from Assembly Bill 662 and will include representatives from the city, Sweetwater Union High School District, San Diego State, UC San Diego, Southwestern College and other appointees. Staff said the task force is required to convene its first meeting by July 1, 2026, and must submit findings to the state legislature by July 1, 2027. The city manager's office described an anticipated scope that includes governance options, site identification, infrastructure requirements and funding mechanisms.
"Assemblymember Alvarez has long shared and championed this vision," Alicia Schmidt said in support, reading remarks for Assemblymember David Alvarez and noting the state has provided $250,000 for planning and policy work.
City staff recommended waiving competitive bidding to secure Marlene Garcia based on her experience in higher education policy and convening multi-agency efforts. The council voted to approve the consultant agreement and the formal designation of Tiffany Allen.
Council members praised the work done to secure land and funding and emphasized the need for broad community outreach during the task force's work.
