DATE: February 6, 2018
SUBJECT:
Title
INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION FROM WORLD TRADE CENTER SAN DIEGO (WTCSD) ON THE WTCSD 2017 WORKPLAN OUTCOMES AND ANNUAL REPORT
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This agenda item is an informational presentation from World Trade Center San Diego Staff to the Board of Port Commissioners on their recently released 2017 Workplan Outcomes and Annual Report.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Receive an informational presentation on the World Trade Center San Diego’s 2017 Workplan Outcomes and Annual Report from WTCSD staff.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
This agenda item has no fiscal impact.
Compass Strategic Goals:
• This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A Port that the public understands and trusts.
• A thriving and modern maritime seaport.
• A Port with a comprehensive vision for Port land and water uses integrated to regional plans.
DISCUSSION:
The World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) was relaunched in late 2015, with support from three founding partner agencies: the City of San Diego, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, and the San Diego Unified Port District. The WTCSD is an affiliate of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
The WTCSD released its 2017 Annual Report (Attachment A) in December 2017, following its second full year of work. Included in the Report are highlights of WTCSD’s efforts to leverage international exports and foreign direct investment as part of a regional strategy to execute the “Go Global San Diego” strategy. “Go Global San Diego” was launched in March 2015 to create jobs through increasing regional exports, enhancing the region’s global identity and strengthening connections to global markets. WTCSD supports this effort by:
Cultivating a pipeline of export-ready firms
Attracting and retaining foreign investment in San Diego
Strengthening San Diego’s global identity and position as a destination for investment
WTCSD staff will provide the Board with an informational presentation highlighting efforts in these three key areas, including work that supports the District’s maritime trade business. WTCSD staff will also discuss efforts to advance export opportunities in partnership with the District in 2018, potentially expanding support to include the Port’s Blue Economy and Real Estate initiatives.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed the issues presented in this agenda sheet and approves as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
This item provides a presentation on the WTCSD’s 2017 annual report, which is an informational report that does not constitute an “approval” or a “project” under the definitions set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15352 and 15378 because no direct or indirect changes to the physical environment would occur. Therefore, no further CEQA review is required for this item. However, while the Board may request certain project components be included, alternatives studied or other direction, such direction to staff will not bind the District to a definite course of action prior to CEQA review. Based on the totality of the circumstances and the entire record, the Board’s direction does not commit the District to a definite course of action prior to CEQA review being conducted.
In addition, the proposed Board actions comply with Section 87 of the Port Act, which allows for the establishment, improvement, and conduct of a harbor, and for the construction, reconstruction, repair, maintenance, and operation of wharves, docks, piers, slips, quays, and all other works, buildings, facilities, utilities, structures, and appliances incidental, necessary, or convenient, for the promotion and accommodation of commerce and navigation
Finally, this informational report to the Board does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Regulations because it will not result in, without limitation, a physical change, change in use or increase the intensity of uses. Therefore, issuance of a CDP or exclusion is not required. However, the District’s projects require processing under the District’s CDP Regulations. If a project is formulated as a result of the informational report, the Board will consider approval of the project and any improvements associated after the appropriate documentation under District’s CDP Regulations has been completed and authorized by the Board, if necessary. The Board’s direction in no way limits the exercise of the District’s discretion under the District’s CDP Regulations.
Equal Opportunity Program:
Not applicable.
PREPARED BY:
Josefina Balistrieri
Principal, Maritime Business Retention
Bella Heule
Chief Marketing Officer/Vice President
Attachment A: World Trade Center San Diego Annual Report 2017