Building Opportunity Beyond Bricks & Mortar

A message from Vice Chancellor Joel Peterson

From internships to continuing education, Measure HH is investing in the people behind tomorrow’s projects.

The more time I spend on our Measure HH projects, the more I've come to see that what gets built isn't only classrooms and instructional space - it's careers and opportunities. This month, we look at two stories that capture this in a way no construction progress photo could.

This summer, our program management organization (PMO) partners hosted interns on the Measure HH program. Some spent a week with us, visiting job sites, meeting project team members, and learning about potential career opportunities. Another is with us for the full summer, offering more opportunities for hands-on work. It’s a great way to move from observing design and construction opportunities to actually being a part of the team.

You'll also hear from members of our own project management team who, through our Bond Workforce Education Program, returned to being students themselves this year, enrolling in classes that can advance their skill sets or support personal enrichment and hobbies.

Neither story shows up in a construction schedule, but both matter for the same reason. Nationally, the construction industry needs to attract nearly 350,000 net new workers in 2026 alone, according to a workforce shortage analysis released by the Associated Builders and Contractors - a gap driven in large part by retirements outpacing the number of people entering the field.

It’s also worth noting: as AI reshapes so much of the modern workplace, construction and the skilled trades are increasingly cited as some of the fields most resistant to automation - a hands-on job site isn’t something AI can replace. That makes the shortage less of a warning and more of an opportunity, and it's part of why the exposure and training happening in this issue's stories matters.

The need for new employees in the field doesn’t have to be met from somewhere else - it’s already being taught on our own campuses.

City College’s Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing programs pair hands-on labs with real projects in electricity, HVAC/R, and machine technology, alongside a full slate of apprenticeship pathways.

Mesa College students can earn a degree or certificate in Building Construction Technology, or pursue one of several Architecture and Construction Management pathways that lead to many of the same kinds of job sites Measure HH is building.

At Miramar College, students can begin down a similar path through the Pre-Engineering Studies degree, building the technical foundation for careers in the same fields.

At College of Continuing Education, an Apprenticeship Readiness Program and skilled trades courses give students an on-ramp into the field before they ever set foot on a job site. Measure HH isn’t just adjacent to that pipeline - many of the facilities it’s building will be the very classrooms and labs where the next generation of this workforce trains.

Measure HH was approved to build and modernize facilities across our four colleges. It’s also, in ways the ballot language never spelled out, building the workforce that will keep San Diego growing long after these projects are complete.

I hope the stories in this issue leave you thinking about Measure HH a little differently - not just as bricks and mortar, but as an investment in the people making it happen.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support. 

Sincerely, 

Joel L. A. Peterson, PhD, MBA, MA 

Vice Chancellor & Executive Operations Officer 

San Diego Community College District

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: GAFCON

Education Beyond the Workplace

The Bond Workforce Education Program provides consultants and contractors working on Measure HH projects with opportunities for their employees to take courses through the San Diego Community College District for professional and personal development. The program supports continued learning while connecting the workforce behind Measure HH with the colleges and programs their work helps support.



Hear from two employees from Gafcon, one of our Program Management Organizations (PMO), as they share how the program is helping them build new skills, continue their education, and strengthen their connection to the campuses and community they serve.

MEASURE HH SUMMER INTERNS

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Five summer interns had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to the Measure HH bond program. Hear from the interns as they reflect on what they learned, what they enjoyed most and how their experience working alongside industry professionals is helping shape their goals for the future.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

COMPLETED

Mesa College - Gym Floor Replacement

A new gym floor has been installed at Mesa College, replacing an outdated and damaged playing surface. The upgraded floor features new striping for NCAA men's and women's basketball, volleyball and badminton, along with a new 6-by-8-foot Mesa College logo at center court. The improvements provide student-athletes with an updated, competition-ready space that supports multiple athletic programs.

In Progress:

• Allied Health Education (Building S) Replace HVAC, Exhaust Fans, Boiler & ALC Controls
• Hardscape Improvements

COMPLETED

City College - Science (S) Building Air Handling Unit (AHU) Hot Coil Replacement

Deteriorated heating coils within the Science Building’s air handling unit were replaced to improve the reliability of the building’s heating system. The upgrade supports consistent indoor temperatures and a more comfortable learning and working environment for students, faculty and staff.

In Progress:

• Athletics, Exercise Science, and Health Building Roofing
• Learning Resource Center (LRC) Roofing

COMPLETED

College of Continuing Education - Panic Button System Installation

New panic button systems have been installed at the West City, Harbor View, North City, Educational Cultural Complex, and the Continuing Education at Mesa College campuses. Connected to existing campus security infrastructure, the systems are designed to provide a direct way to quickly notify campus safety personnel, helping strengthen emergency response capabilities and support a safe learning and working environment.

In Progress:

• Harbor View 3rd Floor Patio Replacement
• Hardscape Improvements

COMPLETED

Miramar College - Hardscape Improvements

Hardscape improvements were completed to address uneven walking surfaces and trip hazards. The improvements provide smoother, safer pedestrian pathways and help support a more accessible environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

In Progress:

• Police Academy Mat Room HVAC Replacement
• Police Academy (A-2 Building) Tenant Improvements for 10 classrooms and two offices

MEASURE HH PROJECT PROFILES

Would you like to learn more about each project taking place across the San Diego Community College District? Explore the list of profiles for detailed insights on all projects.

ALPHABET SOUP

From planning to construction, Measure HH comes with a lot of terminology. Each month, we highlight one term you're likely to see or hear along the way. See more terms and definitions in our Measure HH & Capital Projects Glossary!

Bid Walk

Before contractors submit a bid for a construction project, they have the opportunity through a bid walk - or job walk - to walk the project site and get a firsthand look at existing conditions, site access, and other factors that may affect the work. A bid walk helps businesses better understand the project, ask questions, and learn what will be involved. It’s also an important way for small and local businesses to learn about opportunities to participate in Measure HH projects.

ICYMI (In case you missed it)

Did you miss a past issue or want to go back and re-read an article? Here are links to some past issues:

>> April

>> May

>> June

CONNECT WITH US

With construction underway and major projects in procurement, Measure HH is transforming facilities that serve nearly 90,000 students annually while demonstrating exemplary fiscal stewardship. Future e-news updates will provide additional details on all bond-related activities.

If you are interested in learning more about Measure HH and would like to schedule a presentation for your departmental team or a community organization, or have ideas for future stories, please email us at SDCCDMeasureHH@sdccd.edu.