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Council unanimously approves long‑term lease amendment with Zoological Society extending San Diego Zoo lease to 2078
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Summary
Council approved a second amendment to the lease with the Zoological Society, extending the Balboa Park lease through July 23, 2078 (52‑year extension), adding a $3 million minimum annual payment (3% escalator starting 2030), a revenue‑split of paid parking, prevailing wage and ZIMBOP provisions; vote passed 8–0.
The City Council voted unanimously on March 9 to approve a second amendment to the lease between the City of San Diego and the Zoological Society of San Diego that extends the zoo's term in Balboa Park by 52 years to July 23, 2078 and adds financial and policy conditions.
City staff (Casey Smith) told the council the amendment creates an annual minimum payment to the city of $3 million with a 3% annual escalator beginning in 2030, and a 50/50 revenue split of paid parking receipts (after certain operating expense deductions capped at $700,000). "The amendment extends the lease by 52 years from the current date to July 23, 2078," Smith said.
The amendment also incorporates prevailing wage requirements and the City's Zero Emissions Building Policy (ZIMBOP) into the lease and requires the Zoo to provide at least $250,000 in complimentary daily admission tickets annually to nonprofits, schools and children. Staff noted that the $3 million minimum payment can be reduced proportionally if the City charges no parking fees in Balboa Park for multiple days during a calendar year.
Representatives of the San Diego Zoo and the Zoo Wildlife Alliance (including Treasurer Adam Day and CEO Sean Dixon) emphasized the institution's economic and community role. "We produce $2.1 billion in economic activity in the San Diego region," Sean Dixon said, and the zoo representatives described investments of hundreds of millions in city assets and ongoing conservation and education programs.
The Office of the Independent Budget Analyst provided a fiscal analysis estimating that, conservatively, the extension could generate a nominal $347.6 million over the 52‑year period, with a net present value closer to $98.5 million using a 4.5% discount rate, and warned that revenues could vary if city parking policies change.
Public testimony included numerous supporters (zoo volunteers, residents, conservation advocates) who highlighted education, conservation and jobs. Some speakers pressed for additional reporting and safeguards, questioned the length of a very long term on public parkland, and asked that lease terms be revisited if parking policy or other circumstances change.
Motion to approve staff recommendation was made by Councilmember Campbell and seconded by Council President La Cava; the item passed 8–0 (Council President Pro Tem Lee absent). Next steps include execution of the amendment and deposit of revenue into the Balboa Park Paid Parking Program Fund for Balboa Park uses.
