DATE:
April 21, 2026
20
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
LAUNCHING THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FILM INITIATIVE TO DRIVE REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOB CREATION (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
Film and media production represent a powerful economic engine capable of generating immediate local spending and long-term workforce opportunity for San Diego County residents. Productions inject revenue directly into hotels, restaurants, construction trades, transportation services, small businesses, and technical professions, while supporting high-quality careers in skilled trades, creative industries, and emerging digital media fields. As competition for production activity intensifies and state-level incentives expand, jurisdictions with coordinated infrastructure, streamlined operations, and performance-based local incentives are best positioned to capture sustained economic benefits.
San Diego County possesses the natural assets, experienced workforce, and diverse locations necessary to compete as a premier production destination. In recent years, the Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs (EDGA) has advanced film-related coordination efforts, supported permitting across County departments, facilitated production inquiries, and strengthened relationships with industry partners. These efforts have demonstrated both the demand for filming in the region and the measurable economic impact that production activity can generate when properly supported. Notably, EDGA's coordination helped facilitate the production of One Battle After Another, which filmed extensively across San Diego County and injected nearly $6.8 million in direct spending into the local economy, supporting local workers, vendors, and hospitality businesses. The foundational work completed by EDGA has positioned the County to take a more comprehensive and strategic next step.
This Board item represents the first step toward launching the San Diego County Film Initiative. Today...
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