New member : Port of San Diego (USA) – Engine of the Blue Economy

Rafael Castellanos © Port of San Diego The Port of San Diego is an important economic driver for the San Diego region in California, including the five cities around San Diego Bay – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego. This seaport is one of the 30 largest ports in the United States and plays an important role in protecting the 34 miles of waterfront and tidelands under its management while providing a balanced approach to the maritime industry, tourism, recreation, the environment, and public safety. The Port collaborates with various local, state, and federal agencies and its many communities and stakeholders on various projects and initiatives in support of commerce, community, and the environment. Interview with Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. "In a few words" AIVP -You have just joined the AIVP. Could you briefly introduce your organization to the other members of our international network? The Port of San Diego is a public corporation and regional government entity created by the California legislature in 1962 to manage the tidelands of San Diego Bay in a manner that promotes commerce, recreation, navigation, and fisheries. The Port is a self-sustaining entity that does not assess or collect taxes. The revenue we earn is primarily through our real estate and maritime businesses, which is pumped right back into the region in the form of public infrastructure, amenities, and services – including 22 public parks, waterfront promenades, public safety, environmental initiatives, and more. The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest port in California with two cargo terminals – one specializes in roll-on, roll-off cargo, the other in breakbulk and refrigerated cargo – and two cruise ship terminals, which are serving about 140 cruise calls this season. In our real estate portfolio, we have approximately 800 tenants and subtenants made up of visitor-serving businesses such as the San Diego Convention Center, the San Diego International Airport, hotels, restaurants, museums, and other attractions as well as industrial businesses like shipbuilding and ship repair companies. Our real estate team strategically works with companies to develop opportunities to grow their businesses through network collaboration and access, creating vibrant experiences that attract millions of annual visitors and residents each year. We also activate our waterfront year-round through public programming, permitted and sponsored community events, parades, and concerts, interactive installations, artistic and cultural exhibitions, and more. As environmental champions, we have many environmental protection and conservation programs in place to help improve the air and water quality around our tidelands and to preserve and restore the sensitive habitats of San Diego Bay. Through greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable development, stormwater management, water conservation, waste management and responsible business practices, the Port stewards the protection of our land, air, water, and wildlife. The delicate balance of a healthy San Diego Bay ecosystem is upheld through a collaborative network of programs and initiatives, each working on innovative ways to sustain our waterfront. Most recently, we adopted our most ambitious environmental plan ever – the Maritime Clean Air Strategy. The Maritime Clean Air Strategy is a document that identifies more than 30 projects and initiatives to help reduce…