Date:
October 6, 2026 14
To: Board of Supervisors
Title
Receive Presentation and Provide Direction on the San Diego County Film Initiative Implementation Plan (Districts: All)
End
Overview
On April 21, 2026 (20), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to develop a comprehensive San Diego County Film Initiative centered on the proposed creation of a San Diego County Film Office (Film Office), San Diego County Film Commission (Film Commission), and San Diego County Film and Media Production Rebate Program (Rebate Program). The Board also directed the CAO return to the Board with a detailed San Diego County Film Initiative Implementation Plan for Economic Growth and Job Creation (Implementation Plan).
The Board directed that the Implementation Plan establish a coordinated operational framework for the Film Initiative, including: an organizational and staffing framework; a fiscal framework addressing start-up and ongoing costs, funding sources, and proposed Rebate Program caps; an implementation timeline for a countywide film ordinance, launch of the Film Office, convening of the Film Commission, and phased rollout of the Rebate Program; and performance benchmarks to evaluate economic impact, job creation, and program effectiveness. The Board also directed that development of the Implementation Plan include stakeholder engagement through an advisory work group representing local jurisdictions, industry, labor, educational institutions, workforce entities, arts and cultural organizations, and community groups.
On May 14, 2026, a Request for Quotes was issued to identify a qualified consultant to lead the planning process and prepare the comprehensive Implementation Plan. All submitted proposals underwent a thorough evaluation of relevant experience, technical approach, and cost. Based on this assessment, CVL Economics, an economic consulting firm with expertise in the creative economy, was s...
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