Bond Measure HH Projects
Bond Measure HH is the San Diego Community College District’s $3.5 Billion bond program approved by the City of San Diego voters in November 2024 for upgrades, repairs, and renovations to classrooms and facilities throughout the District.
Measure HH is led by a seasoned executive team committed to delivering high-quality results for each of the college campuses and communities. This SDCCD leadership team includes:
- Joel Peterson, Vice Chancellor and Executive Operations Officer
- Aurora Ayala, Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities, Risk Management, and Operations
-
Lance Lareau, Associate Vice Chancellor of Planning and Design / District Architect
- John Parker, City College Vice President of Administrative Services
Contact email [email protected] - Jay Purnell, City College Director of Facilities and Campus Operations
Contact email [email protected]
Together, they bring more than 70 years of experience managing major planning, design, and construction efforts. The team is working closely with college leaders to ensure that projects align with campus priorities and are thoughtfully phased and coordinated. Even before construction activity began, extensive behind-the-scenes planning was underway to support smart phasing and strong fiscal oversight.
Phase I includes eight major design/build projects along with important renovations and system upgrades across all college campuses. To guide this work, the team met with each college to review facility needs outlined in their Facilities Strategic Plans. The San Diego City College Facilities Master Plan was completed in 2022.
City College Major Projects Underway
San Diego City College - Affordable Student Housing
The San Diego City College Affordable Student Housing project is a public-private
partnership between SDCCD and The Michaels Organization, which is responsible for
constructing a new seven-story residential complex with more than 280 units (797-beds).
The housing will include studio, two-bedroom, four-bedroom apartments, and four-bedroom
suite-style units. Ground-level amenities will feature a leasing lobby, conference
room, yoga/fitness room, package and delivery room, food pantry, pet wash station,
resident and bike storage (including e-bikes), community kitchen, vending lounge,
and shared laundry facilities.
Student housing Schematic Design July 3, 2024 DRAFT
Construction Timeline: October 2025 - Summer 2028
Beginning November 1, Parking Lot 5 will be closed to allow construction of San Diego City College's new Affordable Student Housing project.
Students are welcome to use alternative parking in Lot P100 (V Building) or Lot P200 (MS Building). Please follow posted signs and allow extra time to find parking. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to improve our campus and support student success.
Harry West Gym Modernization
The San Diego City College Harry West Gym HVAC Project includes the installation of
a new HVAC system to serve the currently unconditioned gymnasium. The project will
also include visitor facilities, and new systems to enhance athletic and classroom
spaces
Construction Timeline: September 2026 - July 2027
San Diego City College Sand Volleyball Courts
The project involves the construction of four (4) new sand volleyball courts with
seating for spectators. As part of the feasibility assessment, the design team will
develop conceptual layouts for the proposed courts, spectator seating, and ADA parking.
A new facility is also being constructed to include single-occupancy restrooms, storage,
and an office space for the sports program.
Construction Timeline: September 2026 - November 2027
(visual concept only)
A Building Expansion
The "A" Building Expansion Project will replace the obsolete D Building and transform the core building, replacing an
outdated facility with over 71,000 square feet of modern classrooms, labs, and student
spaces. The project will also bring a refreshed Gorton Quad, new walkways, and sustainable
landscaping to create more places for students and faculty to gather, collaborate,
and learn.
Construction Timeline: Fall 2027 - Fall 2029
Design-Build Team: Gensler / Rudolph & Sletten
(stock photo is for visual concept only, not provided by the architect)
Saville Theatre Replacement
The Saville Theatre Replacement Project will replace the aging Saville Theatre with a new 20,000-square-foot state-of-the-art
performing arts center including 300+ seats, rehearsal rooms, and modern performance
spaces designed to inspire creativity and serve as a cultural hub for the campus and
community alike. The facility will feature state-of-the-art spaces for theater, music,
and dance along with improved walkways, landscaping, and accessible paths that connect
seamlessly to the rest of the campus.
Construction Timeline: Fall 2027 - Spring 2030
Design-Build Team: Roesling Nakamura Terada (RNT) Architects / Sundt Construction
(stock photo is for visual concept only, not provided by the architect)
Other SDCCD Projects:
- A new Sports & Kinesiology Sciences Complex with a state-of-the-art Aquatics Center at Mesa College
- An Aviation Instructional Center at Montgomery Field for Miramar College
- Expansion of West City Campus at the College of Continuing Education
Read more about all eight projects here. Once the projects are awarded, the Design/Build teams will begin working with campus stakeholders to further the conceptual designs.
HH Project Related Campus Events
- 8/22/2025 Flex Week: Learn About Measure HH at City
- 10/16/2025 Saville Theatre Replacement Kickoff
- 10/31/2025 "A" Building Expansion Kickoff
- 11/7/2025 "City Village" Student Housing Kickoff
- 11/18/2025 College Council: Gafcon Presentation
- Coming Soon Athletics Kickoff
To support day-to-day program execution, SDCCD has brought on three experienced Program Management Organizations (PMOs): Cumming Group, Gafcon, and Kitchell.
Meet the Gafcon Team, the PMO overseeing capital projects in Region 1, which include City College and the College of Continuing Education. They make sure every project stays aligned with the needs of students, faculty, and the community. Currently managing 15 different projects at once, the team thrives on collaboration, open communication, and a shared passion for education.
(From left to right) Brian Browning, Program Director; Penny McGrew, Senior Program
Controls Manager; and Joshua Beltran, Senior Project Manager
Meet the Cumming Group, the PMO team responsible for providing overall program oversight and guidance for a range of capital renovation and replacement projects for Measure HH Region 3. Cumming partners closely with the SDCCD to help develop project programs, budgets, schedules, and management procedures that keep Measure HH on track. Their work ensures that every project, from small infrastructure upgrades to full building modernizations, moves efficiently from planning to completion, with full alignment to campus and community goals.
(Top photo, from left to right) Rory Lorenzo, Program Director; Nirav Desai, Senior
Project Manager; Leon Cavallo, Project Manager.
(Bottom row, from left to right) K. Grace Chan, Senior Program Controls Manager; James
Degenaar, Project Engineer; C.J. Slavin, Contracts Specialist.
Cumming Group plays a crucial role in program-level management and modernization efforts. Their regionwide responsibilities emphasize:
- Capital Renewal and Replacement Projects:Overseeing upgrades to existing facilities, including energy systems, accessibility, and safety enhancements.
- Program Integration:Developing budgets, schedules, and uniform procedures that align all Measure HH projects under a single management framework.
- Schedule and Cost Oversight:Monitoring every project phase to maintain accountability, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility.
- Stakeholder Coordination:Ensuring collaboration among campus leaders, facilities teams, and contractors so each project reflects campus priorities.
- Continuous Improvement:Implementing data-driven tools and lessons learned from previous bond programs to optimize processes Districtwide.
While major design-build projects are just part of the facility transformation happening at City College, there are also dozens of capital renovation and repair projects that will be taking place, transforming facilities from all corners of the campus. Here’s what’s coming up through spring of 2026 at City College.
As planning and construction ramp up, SDCCD is laying the groundwork for a broad outreach
program that expands opportunities for small and historically underutilized businesses—including
those owned by women, veterans, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. We’re
connecting with business organizations such as the Black Chamber of Commerce, Asian
Business Association, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and San Diego Equality Business
Association to present information on the program. These conversations will help ensure
diverse communities have equitable access to Measure HH opportunities.
On July 10, 2025 we held the first of quarterly “Doing Business with SDCCD” workshops, with nearly 80 attendees.
On August 12, 2025 approximately 160 people attended a subsequent “Measure HH Opportunities”.
December 2025 Workshop to be announced soon.
Additional workshops and webinars will be hosted in the coming months across the San Diego Community College District. Dates and details will be posted on the SDCCD Measure HH Contractor Outreach webpage.
New SDCCD Bond Workforce Education Program helps construction partners and their families learn, grow, and advance.
As Measure HH construction projects move forward across the San Diego Community College District, a new initiative is ensuring the benefits of the bond extend beyond bricks and mortar. Through the Bond Workforce Education Program, every firm working on District projects now has the opportunity, and requirement, to invest directly in its people. The program encourages contractors and their employees to take free or low-cost classes (paid for by their employer) at any of SDCCD’s colleges, including the College of Continuing Education, which offers dozens of tuition-free options designed to build career and life skills.
The goal is simple: to help the men and women who are building the district’s future also develop their own. Participating companies must ensure that at least five percent of their local workforce, or a minimum of five individuals, enroll in and complete an SDCCD course during the current or previous two semesters. Courses may include business management, construction management, project leadership, or apprenticeship training in fields such as welding, carpentry and electrical. Spouses or dependents of workers may also participate, creating new educational opportunities for entire families.
This forward-thinking program supports SDCCD’s mission of lifelong learning and workforce advancement while strengthening relationships between the district and its contractor partners. By helping employees gain new skills, credentials, and personal enrichment, the Bond Workforce Education Program not only promotes career growth and retention, it reinforces the idea that every Measure HH project is also an investment in people. To learn more, visit https://sdcce.edu/workforce/
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated February 2025
What is Measure HH?
Measure HH Bond is the District’s $3.5 billion bond program approved by the City of San Diego voters in November 2024 for upgrades, repairs, and to renovate classrooms and facilities throughout the District.
What is a General Obligation Bond?
General obligation bonds (GO Bonds) fund projects, such as the renovation of existing classrooms and school facilities, as well as new construction. When voters approve a bond referendum, the Board of Trustees is authorized to sell bonds to pay for renovation/replacement, additions, and technology upgrade needs.
The bonds are sold over a multiple-year period and represent a long-term, general obligation, like a home loan. GO bonds are normally repaid over a 30-year period but can be repaid over a shorter period. By passing the bond, voters agree to ad valorem (property based) taxes to fund the annual principal and interest payment on bonds. The loan repayment comes from a tax on all taxable property located within the District — residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial.
Can bond funds be used for salaries or operational expenses?
No, by law the proceeds from the bond can only be used for construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of college facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of college facilities, or lease of real property for college facilities. Bond funds cannot be used for teacher or administrator salaries and/or other operating expenses.
What is a Master Plan, and has it been completed?
A Master Plan is a comprehensive, long-term outline of capital projects required to meet the current and future needs of the District. The 2022 Facilities Plan was prepared by the Facilities Planning Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees in October 2022.
What types of facilities upgrades are planned with the bond money?
Planned upgrades include classroom renovations, student housing, new technology infrastructure, ADA compliance improvements, energy efficiency projects, safety & security, and new student support spaces.
Will bond money be used for sustainability and energy efficiency improvements?
Yes, bond funds will support solar energy projects, LED lighting upgrades, water conservation measures, light management, and eco-friendly building materials to align with California’s green initiatives.
Will students and faculty be impacted by ongoing construction?
Some areas may be temporarily closed or rerouted; the college will provide updates, alternative routes, required swing space, and minimize disruptions as much as possible.
Who oversees the bond spending process?
Bond funds are overseen by the Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The Committee is composed of volunteer community members, faculty, and business leaders, whose mission is to ensure funds are properly utilized as approved by voters and that projects are completed efficiently. The Committee’s findings are communicated to the Board and the public.
How is the community informed about bond fund expenditures?
The college publishes annual bond reports, holds public board meetings, and provides updates through the Bond Oversight Committee to ensure transparency and accountability.
How will these bond-funded projects improve student learning experiences?
Updated facilities will provide modern classrooms, enhanced technology, better lab spaces, safer facilities, and expanded student services, ensuring students have a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Will bond projects create job opportunities for local businesses?
Yes, the bond includes provisions for local contractor participation, supporting job creation and economic growth within the community. City College conducted a minority vendor outreach event on January 16, 2025, to encourage small, minority, veteran and women-owned businesses to register and to conduct business with the District.
SDCCD’s Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) applies to all future large-scale construction contracts valued at $1M or higher.
Initial Employment Preferences
- Residents of qualifying ZIP codes designated in the CBA
- Veterans residing anywhere
Craft Hour Allocation
At least 80% of all craft hours must be performed by the following:
- Residents of San Diego County
- Dependents of active-duty military personnel
- Current or former students of SDCCD (including those enrolled in online programs)
How can I find out more details about bond-funded projects?
Detailed project timelines, financial reports, and updates will be available on the college’s bond program website or through facilities planning meetings. Please visit Facilities Planning Committee.
How does a bond cost me as a homeowner? If I rent, do I pay this tax?
As a homeowner, the City of San Diego collects property tax on the assessed value of your home; the City uses property tax revenue to pay the bond principal and interest to investors.
If you are renting, when you pay rent to the property owner, you are indirectly paying for the bond issue cost. The rent you pay to the owner helps to cover the owner's costs, including the owner's payment of this tax as part of the property tax bill.
How do I request bond funding for a project that was not included in the Facility Strategic plan or the bond prioritization list?
Please complete and submit the Capital Project Request Form and route for approval. Include justification of how the request meets program needs, how it will impact student success, and how it aligns with the College’s mission and strategic plan.
- Approval of form is for exploratory consideration only and does not guarantee final District approval.
- Approval of form does not guarantee funding.
- Requests for projects not included in the Facility Plan may only be funded if resources are available at the end of the respective bond program phase.
Measure HH projects are now underway and many more are in the pipeline, already making
a difference for the 90,000 students served annually by SDCCD.
For more information, please visit the SDCCD Measure HH website here!