Burnham Community Dialogues

BCCA’s Community Dialogue series is a platform for insightful discussions on critical issues facing our communities and the greater San Diego-Tijuana cross-border region. By bringing together diverse perspectives from experts, community leaders, and residents, these events create a safe space for the exchange of ideas and concerns, provide an opportunity to learn and hear accurate information, foster collaboration and inspire action toward maximizing opportunities and positive change.

Upcoming Dialogues:

Balboa Park’s Longterm Sustainability: Join us later this year for a vital discussion on the state of Balboa Park and the ongoing efforts to preserve this beloved landmark for generations to come. Together, we'll explore innovative strategies and collaborative solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of our region's crown jewel.

Past  Dialogues:

March 4, 2025

Cultural Heritage and Community Identity

February 10, 2025

Health and Wellness in Our Community

February 2, 2025

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

January 2, 2025

Youth Involvement in Community Planning

Past  Dialogues:

The Military’s Impact & Legacy on the San Diego Region
‍April  2025
Addressing Homelessness
in San Diego
‍JULY 2024
Exploring Nearshoring Opportunities in CaliBaja
April 2024
Freedom Park
at Navy Pier
DECEMBER 2023
Designing the Future Workplace
JULY 2023
Midway District & Sports Arena Revitalization Project
March 2023
Binational Blue Line Trolley Extension Concept
DECEMBER 2022
Workforce Equity Dialogue
April 2022
World Design Capital 2024
February 2022
— JULY 2024
Addressing Homelessness in San Diego
— APRIL 2024
Exploring Nearshoring Opportunities in CaliBaja
— DECEMBER 2023
Freedom Park at Navy Pier
— JULY 2023
Designing the Future Workplace
— March 2023
Midway District & Sports Arena Revitalization Project
— DECEMBER 2022
Binational Blue Line Trolley Extension Concept
— APRIL 2022
Workforce Equity Dialogue
— February 2022
World Design Capital 2024

March 4, 2025

Cultural Heritage and Community Identity

In July 2024, we convened a dialogue on the complex issue of homelessness in San Diego, bringing together a diverse group of community members, experts, and previously unhoused individuals who shared their personal experiences.

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Key Insights:

  • Progress and Challenges: Despite strides in addressing homelessness, the demand for resources exceeds availability, highlighting the need for increased collaboration among service providers.
  • Collaborative Solutions: Strong partnerships between community organizations and government agencies are essential to streamline efforts and avoid duplication of services.
  • Gap in Emergency Services: Individuals experiencing homelessness who are not actively engaged with outreach efforts or law enforcement face a critical gap in services. The absence of a centralized access point for comprehensive resources, including emergency shelter, leaves them particularly vulnerable.
  • Sustainable Funding: While state and federal funding are crucial, lengthy application and disbursement processes create a critical funding gap. Urgent engagement with private and corporate sectors is needed to ensure timely access to resources for prevention, intervention, and support programs.
  • Sharing Success Stories: Positive outcomes and lessons from successful initiatives can inspire further action and galvanize public support.

Moderator: Lisa Halverstadt, Senior Investigative Reporter, Voice of San Diego

Opening Remarks: Marisol Alvarado, Chief Program Officer, Monarch School

Panelists:

  • Dijana Beck, Director, Office of Homeless Solutions, County of San Diego
  • Josh Coyne, VP of Policy & Civic Engagement, Downtown San Diego Partnership
  • Eric Dargan, Chief Operating Officer, City of San Diego
  • Tamera Kohler, Chief Executive Officer, Regional Task Force on Homelessness
  • Drew Moser, Chief Executive Officer, Lucky Duck Foundation

Special thanks to our partner, the Lucky Duck Foundation, for their contributions to this dialogue!

February 10, 2025

Health and Wellness in Our Community

Health and Wellness in Our Community

This session focused on the importance of health and wellness programs. Community health workers discussed strategies to improve access to healthcare services.

Key Takeaways

  1. Access to Healthcare
  2. Nutrition Education
  3. Mental Health Awareness

Community members were encouraged to participate in health screenings and wellness workshops.

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February 2, 2025

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

This dialogue addressed the pressing need for sustainable practices within the community. Experts shared insights on reducing waste and promoting recycling.

Topics Covered

  • Waste Management
  • Recycling Programs
  • Community Clean-Up Events

Participants were encouraged to take part in local clean-up events to foster a cleaner environment.

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January 2, 2025

Youth Involvement in Community Planning

Youth Involvement in Community Planning

This session highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping community policies. Young leaders presented their ideas on how to engage more effectively with local government.

Discussion Points

  1. Empowering Youth Voices
  2. Creating Opportunities
  3. Building Partnerships

Many attendees agreed that involving youth in decision-making processes leads to more innovative solutions for community challenges.

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The Military’s Impact & Legacy on the San Diego Region

In April 2025, BCCA hosted a Community Dialogue focused on the military’s role in shaping San Diego—past, present, and future. Veterans, military families, nonprofit leaders, and public officials came together to share lived experiences, highlight local resources, and spark ideas for how our region can more meaningfully support those who wear the uniform and the families who stand beside them.

Key Insights:

  • A Lasting Legacy: San Diego’s identity is shaped in large part by its military presence. From active duty personnel to veterans, the military community plays a critical role in the region’s economy, culture, and civic life.
  • Navigating Transition: Veterans and military families face significant challenges during and after their transition to civilian life, including accessing benefits, securing employment, and finding affordable housing. Organizations providing holistic, coordinated support are critical to easing this transition.
  • Strengthening Support Systems: Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and nonprofits continue to fill essential gaps in services, from mental health and career readiness to childcare and housing. However, many of these organizations need increased awareness, funding, and coordination to meet rising demand.
  • Community Connection: Personal stories from veterans, spouses, and enlisted personnel reminded us that community connection, through storytelling, listening, and action, is one of the most powerful ways to honor and support military families.
  • Military Family Child Care: Sen. Catherine Blakespear shared a recorded video discussing her legislation to ease the shortage of child care options for military personnel. According to Senator Blakespear, SB 99 eliminates an unnecessary regulatory hurdle for DOD-certified family child care providers, allowing child care to become available more quickly for military personnel.

Moderator: Drew Schlosberg, Host of Spotlight on the Community Podcast
Opening Remarks: Mayor Todd Gloria, City of San Diego
Panelists:

  • Rear Admiral David Boone, CEO, San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC)
  • Ashley Camac, CEO, Zero8Hundred
  • Retired Captain Brian Drechsler, Executive Director, Navy SEAL Museum San Diego
  • Tony Teravainen, Co-Founder & CEO, STEP
  • Laura White, President, USS Midway Foundation

A heartfelt thank you to the Veteran Service Organizations who joined us for the dialogue and the pre-event resource fair: Armed Services YMCA San Diego, National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (REBOOT), Shelter to Soldier, So Say We All, Support The Enlisted Project (STEP), Veterans Navigation Center, Workshops for Warriors, Zero8Hundred, and the San Diego Veterans Coalition.

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Addressing Homelessness in San Diego

In July 2024, we convened a dialogue on the complex issue of homelessness in San Diego, bringing together a diverse group of community members, experts, and previously unhoused individuals who shared their personal experiences.

Key Insights:

  • Progress and Challenges: Despite strides in addressing homelessness, the demand for resources exceeds availability, highlighting the need for increased collaboration among service providers.
  • Collaborative Solutions: Strong partnerships between community organizations and government agencies are essential to streamline efforts and avoid duplication of services.
  • Gap in Emergency Services: Individuals experiencing homelessness who are not actively engaged with outreach efforts or law enforcement face a critical gap in services. The absence of a centralized access point for comprehensive resources, including emergency shelter, leaves them particularly vulnerable.
  • Sustainable Funding: While state and federal funding are crucial, lengthy application and disbursement processes create a critical funding gap. Urgent engagement with private and corporate sectors is needed to ensure timely access to resources for prevention, intervention, and support programs.
  • Sharing Success Stories: Positive outcomes and lessons from successful initiatives can inspire further action and galvanize public support.

Moderator: Lisa Halverstadt, Senior Investigative Reporter, Voice of San Diego
Opening Remarks: Marisol Alvarado, Chief Program Officer, Monarch School
Panelists:

  • Dijana Beck, Director, Office of Homeless Solutions, County of San Diego
  • Josh Coyne, VP of Policy & Civic Engagement, Downtown San Diego Partnership
  • Eric Dargan, Chief Operating Officer, City of San Diego
  • Tamera Kohler, Chief Executive Officer, Regional Task Force on Homelessness
  • Drew Moser, Chief Executive Officer, Lucky Duck Foundation

Special thanks to our partner, the Lucky Duck Foundation, for their contributions to this dialogue!

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Exploring Nearshoring Opportunities in CaliBaja

In April 2024, we partnered with the Institute of the Americas to host a dynamic discussion on the nearshoring opportunities in the CaliBaja region. This insightful event explored how nearshoring can bolster our regional economy, showcasing the collaborative efforts of economic leaders and businesses to attract national and international interest by highlighting our region's skilled workforce.

The event featured a panel discussion and the release of a new report, “Seizing CaliBaja's Nearshoring Opportunities: A Binational Call To Action.” Access the report and interactive maps here.

Key Insights:

  • Nearshoring Potential: CaliBaja is well-positioned to capitalize on the nearshoring trend due to its proximity to the US, skilled workforce, and established manufacturing base.
  • Binational Collaboration: Effective collaboration between businesses, governments, and organizations on both sides of the border is crucial.
  • Actionable Strategies: The report provides a roadmap for creating a thriving nearshoring ecosystem in CaliBaja.

Panelists:

  • Nikia Clarke, Senior Vice President, San Diego Regional EDC
  • Cristina Hermosillo, Board Chair, Tijuana EDC
  • Kurt Honold, Secretary of Economy and Innovation, Baja California
  • Richard Kiy, President & CEO, Institutes of the Americas
  • Kenia Zamarripa, Vice President of International and Public Affairs, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

Thank you to our sponsor, CalPrivate Bank!

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Freedom Park at Navy Pier
(now Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier)

In December 2023, we hosted a dialogue to discuss the proposed Freedom Park at San Diego's Navy Pier, featuring a panel of experts exploring its potential to transform the waterfront and honor the military's contributions to the region. You can learn more about the project here.

Key Insights:

  • Transformative Project: Freedom Park promises to create a vibrant public space on the San Diego waterfront, offering recreational and cultural experiences while honoring the military.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: San Diego’s success with public-private partnerships can serve as a model for Freedom Park’s development.
  • Military’s Legacy: The project underscores the pivotal role of the military in San Diego’s history and economy.

Panelists:

  • Rear Admiral Terry Kraft, U.S. Navy (ret.), President, USS Midway Museum
  • Laura White, President, USS Midway Foundation
  • Ben Clay, Chair, USS Midway Foundation
  • Allison Rolfe, President, Collaborative Land Use Solutions
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Designing the Future Workplace

In June 2023, in collaboration with Gensler, we hosted a dialogue on the evolving nature of work post-pandemic. Industry leaders shared insights on how cities, employers, and workers are adapting.

Key Insights:

  • Flexibility in the Built Environment: Emphasizing the need for flexible workspaces that cater to diverse needs.
  • Building Inclusive Environments: Exploring how thoughtful workplace design can foster inclusion and collaboration, while also providing spaces for focused, private work when necessary.
  • Designing for a Diverse Workforce: Addressing diverse employee needs, including considerations like childcare.
  • Data-Driven Engagement: Advocating for data-driven communication to enhance workplace inclusivity and diversity.

Panelists:

  • Stacy Cannon, Principal and Global Account Director, Gensler
  • Tiffany English, Senior Director, Architecture, Qualcomm
  • Eric Dargan, Chief Operating Officer, City of San Diego
  • Dr. Hei-ock Kim, Founder and Executive Director, Kim Center for Social Balance
  • Sach Kirpalano, Managing Director, Sterling Bay

Thank you to our partner, Gensler, for their support!

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Midway District & Sports Arena Revitalization Project

In March 2023, we facilitated a vital dialogue between the developers behind the Midway District and Sports Arena Revitalization project, community leaders, and residents. This conversation focused on the potential impact of the project, addressing both opportunities and challenges for the community.

Key Insights:

  • Broader Benefits: While the project is poised to revitalize the Midway District, its positive effects are anticipated to ripple across the wider San Diego region.
  • Community Concerns: Residents and community members voiced important concerns about potential increases in traffic congestion, density, and parking, as well as other crucial issues.
  • Collaborative Approach: The success of the project hinges on ongoing collaboration between community members, residents, developers, and city officials.
  • Transformative Vision: The Midway Rising project aspires to create a dynamic, mixed-use community that enhances the quality of life for all.

Panelists:

  • Jim Andersen, Chief Development Officer, Chelsea Investment Corporation
  • Shelby Jordan, Project Director, Legends
  • Penny Maus, Director, Department of Real Estate and Airport Management, City of San Diego
  • Austin Richter, Chief Investment Officer, Zephyr

Learn more about the Midway Rising project here and on the City of San Diego’s website here.

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Binational Blue Line Trolley Extension Concept

In December 2022, we held a dialogue to learn more about an innovative concept project to extend the San Diego Blue Line trolley into Tijuana. The Binational Mobility Solutions Partners (BMSP) project team showcased their response to SANDAG's challenge for transformative transportation ideas. This project highlights the potential for public-private collaboration and cutting-edge technology to reshape our regional transportation landscape.

Key Insights:

  • Cross-Border Connectivity: The plan seeks to optimize border infrastructure, enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and improve air quality for border communities and those who cross the border regularly.
  • Binational Collaboration: Emphasizing the need for collaboration to address cross-border transportation challenges.
  • Smart Technology: Integrating technology to streamline border crossings and improve traveler experiences.
  • Community Engagement: Gathering stakeholder feedback on the project's potential impact.

Panelists:

  • Dike Anyiwo, Senior Government Relations Analyst, SANDAG
  • Conrado Ayala, Project Director Cordoba Corporation
  • Adriana Brunner, Business Development Manager, My Point Credit Union​​
  • Natalia Figueroa, Consul for Political and Economic Affairs, Mexican Consulate
  • Jacqueline Reynoso, Binational Stakeholder Engagement, Cordoba Corporation

You can read more about the proposed project here. Special thanks to our sponsor, MyPoint Credit Union!

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Workforce Equity Dialogue

In April 2022, we focused on workforce equity and opportunity in San Diego, with insights from experts and dynamic conversations among panelists.

Key Insights:

  • Workforce Equity Post-Pandemic: Addressing workforce equity as San Diego recovers from COVID-19.
  • Expert Insights: Sharing insights from the book “Growing Fairly: How to Build Opportunity and Equity in Workforce Development” by authors Stephen Goldsmith and Kate Markin Coleman and discussions among diverse panelists.
  • Promoting Equity: Emphasizing collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, and government.
  • Sharing Success Stories: Positive outcomes and lessons from successful initiatives can inspire further action and galvanize public support.

Moderator: Peter Callstrom, San Diego Workforce Partnership
Panelists:

  • Claudia Estrada-Howell, Dean of the School of Business, Technical Careers & Workforce Initiatives, San Diego Miramar College
  • Stephen Goldsmith, Author of “Growing Fairly: How to Build Opportunity and Equity in Workforce Development”
  • Kate Markin Coleman, Author of “Growing Fairly: How to Build Opportunity and Equity in Workforce Development”
  • Jeremy Vellón, Military Program Manager, Amazon Workforce Staffing
  • Joshua Wright, Executive Vice President of Growth, Education & Government, Lightcast

Special thanks to the San Diego Workforce Partnership for their collaboration!

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World Design Capital 2024

In February 2022, we celebrated the designation of San Diego-Tijuana as World Design Capital 2024, co-hosted by UC San Diego Design Lab and Design Forward Alliance. You can learn more about the designation here.

Key Insights:

  • Unprecedented Recognition: Highlighting the significance of the World Design Capital designation.
  • Collaborative Solutions: Hosting collaboration among designers, businesses, and community leaders.
  • Design as a Catalyst: Emphasizing design's potential to drive positive change and economic growth.
  • Looking Ahead: Laying the groundwork for future collaborations to maximize the designation's impact.

Moderator: Tad Seth Parzen, Co-Founder, President and CEO, Burnham Center for Community Advancement
Welcome Remarks: Malin Burnham, Co-Founder and Board Chair, Burnham Center for Community Advancement
Panelists:

  • Regina Bernal, Director and XEO Co-Founder, Connect
  • Carlos Christiani, Executive Director, World Design Capital Site Visit Team
  • Michèle Morris, Strategic Advisor, World Design Capital 2024
  • Mai Nguyen, Executive Director, Design Lab, UC San Diego & World Design Capital 2024 Board Chair

Thank you to our event partners, UC San Diego Design Lab and Design Forward Alliance!

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