San Diego initiatives aim to revitalize local creative economy

San Diego is implementing strategies to bolster its creative economy, which encompasses art, culture, design, and innovation industries. The city is facing challenges common to many US urban areas, including rising costs and shifts in consumer spending that threaten the stability of creative workers and businesses.

To address these issues, Jonathon Glus, a fellow in residence for the Downtown San Diego Partnership, is collaborating with the Prebys Foundation and Upstart Co-Lab. This partnership aims to establish the city’s first Downtown Arts District to consolidate creative-friendly spaces and businesses.

As part of this effort, Upstart Co-Lab and the Prebys Foundation are conducting a landscape analysis and a public survey of local creative businesses. The data collected regarding capital needs and fundraising experiences will inform a new impact investing initiative specifically designed for San Diego’s creative sectors.