Recognizing a commitment to invest in economic opportunity for all San Diegans, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recently recognized the City of San Diego with two 2023 Excellence in Economic Development awards, highlighting the success of the City’s public-private partnerships and innovative programs. 

The IEDC presented the City’s Economic Development Department (EDD) with the Silver Award for Public-Private Partnerships, highlighting the success of the Cal Coast Credit Union’s Financial Partnership. This program provides funding for nonprofits assisting individuals experiencing barriers to post-secondary education and employment in the Promise Zone. The San Diego Promise Zone covers a 6.4-square-mile targeted area that spans East Village and Barrio Logan east to Encanto and is home to the City’s most culturally rich and ethnically diverse neighborhoods and some of the City's most under-resourced communities. 

Additionally, the department received the Bronze Award in Innovation Programs & Initiatives for the success of Mayor Todd Gloria’s Bridge to Home Program.  

“These partnership and innovative programs created in the City’s Economic Development Department are exemplary initiatives making new pathways to access education in communities of concern and building more affordable housing, even faster,” said Christina Bibler, EDD Director. “I’m thrilled the City is being recognized for the Economic Development Department’s hard work and this recognition serves as a great example of our leadership in this space, locally and nationally.” 

Representatives from EDD were present to receive the awards at the IEDC 2023 Annual Conference during the inaugural Recognition Night event in Dallas, Texas, on Sept. 19.  

“California Coast Credit Union is proud to elevate the communities we serve through our strong partnership with the City of San Diego. Together, we are dedicated to uplifting the lives of the residents and businesses in the San Diego Promise Zone,” said California Coast Credit Union CEO Todd Lane.  

“The City of San Diego has raised the bar for economic development with its work with the Promise Zone and California Coast Credit Union,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “This award is a testament to the City of San Diego’s dedication to its residents and serves as a great example of how economic development can transform a community for the better.” 

Every year, IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.