Reconnecting Southeast San Diego & National City
The Green Corridor
Restore the Promise: $25 Million for Southeast San Diego & National City
50 years of community organizing. One generation's chance to repair historic harm.
The Ask:
We urge the Legislature to restore $25 million in Reconnecting Communities: Highways to Boulevards (RC:H2B) funding by dedicating resources from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
Community Land Trust 101
Join us at Workshop #1
Thursday, February 12th, 5-8pm
Educational Cultural Complex: 4343 Ocean View Blvd
The Vision
This project has the potential to transform 57 acres of divisive freeway infrastructure into:
Community Land Trust model ensuring permanent affordability for families earning 30-80% Area Median Income.
1. Affordable Housing
Green infrastructure, naturalized creek flow, urban cooling to combat extreme heat and flooding.
2. Climate Resilience
Local jobs, small business space, and wealth-building in the San Diego Promise Zone.
3. Economic Opportunity
Reconnect Southeast San Diego and National City communities divided for 50 years.
4. Safe Mobility
Public art honoring Black, Mexican, Indigenous, and Asian Pacific Islander leadership.
5. Cultural Preservation & Celebration
Why Now?
A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity at Risk
The Commitment:
✅ In March 2024, California awarded this project $25M through RC:H2B
✅ Federal government awarded $2M (active, funding current planning)
✅ Community, Caltrans, Cities of San Diego & National City, SANDAG aligned
The Problem:
❌ FY 2025-2026 budget eliminated RC:H2B funding
❌ Work scheduled to begin July 2025 now on hold
❌ Community trust and momentum at risk after 50 years of advocacy
The Solution:
✅ Restore RC:H2B funding from Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
✅ Honor the state's commitment to this community
✅ Deliver on climate, housing, and equity goals simultaneously
What We Need from the Legislature:
1. Dedicate resources from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to the Reconnecting Communities: Highways to Boulevards program.
2. Ensure Southeast San Diego and National City receive the awarded funding to proceed with planning and implementation.
3. Recognize this project as a model for climate action, housing affordability, and repairing historic harm.
Alignment with State Priorities
The project delivers on many state goals:
✅ Climate Action – GHG emissions reduction through transportation alternatives, urban greening, climate-resilient design
✅ Housing Crisis – Affordable housing on public land via Community Land Trust model
✅ Environmental Justice – Repairs harm in historically redlined, disadvantaged community (CalEnviroScreen score)
✅ Economic Development – Jobs and business opportunities in Promise Zone
✅ Reconnecting Communities – Federal priority; CA leadership opportunity
✅ Equity & Inclusion – Centers Indigenous land stewardship and multi-generational community leadership
✅ Active Transportation – Safe walking, biking, transit access
✅ Watershed Health – Chollas Creek restoration and naturalization
The History
This Is Not New. This Is Overdue.
1970’s
California plans SR-252 Freeway through Southcrest
280+ homes demolished in a Black and Brown, redlined community
Community organizing by Southcrest residents and The Black Federation stops the freeway
City of San Diego, Chamber of Commerce, and California Transportation Commission agree to redevelopment
1970’s-1990’s
I-805/43rd Street ramps remain—the last remnant of the SR-252
57 acres of land sits as infrastructure barrier rather than cherished community asset
Generations of displacement, disinvestment, pollution
2011
Caltrans I-805 South Managed Lanes EIR environmentally clears removal of ramps
City of San Diego Southeastern SD Community Plan officially designates land for housing, mixed-use, and park
2015
2023-2024
Federal RC:NAE grant awarded: $2M (active)
California RC:H2B commitment: $25M (eliminated)
Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel Report completed
Smart Growth America grant leveraged
2025-2027
Community visioning process underway
Specific Plan development
Working to restore state funding and project progression
57
acres to be transformed
50
years of community organizing
60
acres of land reclaimed
100%
reconnecting communities through pathways for prosperity
280+
homes demolished in the 1970’s
$25M
state commitment at risk
$2M
federal funding secured
10+
partner organizations aligned
Partners & Broad Coalition Support
United behind this vision
Government Partners:
SD Association of Governments
Caltrans District 11
City of San Diego
San Diego County
City of National City
Community Partners:
UCP
Tipey Joa Native Warriors
SDSU Regional Sustainability
Mundo Gardens
Vision Culture Foundation
Black Federation
Groundwork San Diego
Paddle for Peace
Element. Institute of Science
What Leaders Are Saying:
“This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to right historic wrongs and invest in a community that has waited 50 years for justice.”
“Removing these ramps isn’t just about transportation—it’s about reconnecting families, restoring land, and rebuilding community wealth.”
