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2008 San Diego Economic Impact Study: $25 Billion

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080822-21
Release Date: 8/22/2008 6:19:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Larry Foos, Navy Region Southwest Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The 2008 Economic Impact Statement was released on Aug. 19 and reported that the military and supporting industries account for nearly $25 billion in annual economic impact on the San Diego region.

President Terry Magee of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, Navy Region Southwest Commander Rear Adm. Len Hering, and Marine Corps Installations West Commander Major Gen. Mike Lehnert made the announcement.

Magee also announced that about 27 percent of all jobs in the county are connected to the large Department of Defense presence in the region.

The figures were released as a part of the 2008 San Diego Economic Impact Study, which was unveiled during a media briefing at the Naval Mine and Anti-submarine Warfare Command in San Diego.

"This report underscores what I think we have known for a very long time, that there is no place else in the country for a more dynamic, mutually supportive civilian-military relationship than what we all enjoy here in San Diego," said Hering. "In short, we could ask for no better partner."

Commissioned by the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), and conducted through the University of California at San Diego's School of International Relations, the economic impact report revealed that there are 104,500 active duty members, 149,911 Department of Defense employees, and 88,000 retirees in San Diego, and San Diego County is the number one recipient of Department of Defense spending in the nation.

The study increased the total economic impact reported in a study last year by several billion dollars. Part of that can be owed to the expected expansion of the military presence and downtown Broadway Complex redevelopment project.

"More naval forces are coming to San Diego to take advantage of the many benefits here, including the [USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)] in 2010, the mine and countermeasure forces and the first of the Navy's littoral combat ships," said Hering.

Magee explained why San Diego is such a valuable place for the military.

"It is strategically important to our national security with its deep water port and access to area training ranges. The San Diego area is home to the largest concentration of military in the world," said Magee.

According to Magee, this is the most complete and accurate study ever done of its type in San Diego. SDMAC plans to use the report as a basis for yearly updates.

Hering explained the long-standing relationship between San Diego and its military.

"For over 100 years, the Navy and the San Diego community have worked together for a mutual benefit. This report bears testimony to the close relationship, one we can look forward to nurturing and maintaining in perpetuity."

Magee said the study is the most complete and accurate of its kind ever completed in San Diego. SDMAC plans to use the report as a basis for yearly updates.

For more news from Navy Region Southwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrsw/.