Dear EDC Investors and partners,
I hope this message finds you well as we close out the first quarter of 2026. It was a shaky and unpredictable quarter for the region and the nation in so many ways. Yet through it all, our team at EDC continues to draw great inspiration from all of you as you stay committed to the success of your companies and to the health of the communities around you.
We know through our own research and data that important elements of San Diego’s economy are competitive and growing. However, we also know that we are facing a challenging inflection point: Our current growth is running parallel to the region’s persistently high cost of living, wide income gaps, and the ability for all San Diegans to live comfortably and thrive.
Simply put, our progress is not outpacing our problems. And that isn’t something to run from or ignore—but rather something to face and resolve.
As San Diego continues to see some gains toward its 2030 Inclusive Growth goals—increasing quality jobs within small businesses, increasing post-secondary education completions, and enabling more thriving households—our long-term success relies on both economic and inclusive growth. Still, and always. Without focusing on both, we risk losing talent to more accessible regions, constraining local spending, corroding our robust innovation economy, and stalling our (global) competitiveness for the future.
I invite you to explore our recently released 2030 Inclusive Growth Progress Report. The results are mixed, but the path remains clear. Every challenge presents us with an opportunity, and every opportunity puts us one step closer to a prosperous and sustainable future for our region.
With gratitude and respect,
Mark Cafferty
President & CEO
San Diego Regional EDC