MainStreet Oceanside Community Update

Explore • Experience • Enjoy • Embrace Downtown Oceanside

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our April Morning Meeting. We had a full session with updates from MainStreet, a presentation from the City’s Economic Development team, and community announcements.

The City updates and project information below are based on the presentation and report provided by Michelle Geller, Economic Development Manager for the City of Oceanside.

Explore: Continued Growth and Investment Across Oceanside

Downtown continues to see steady activity, with new businesses opening and spaces turning over quickly. While there has been some movement, vacancy rates remain low, and we are not seeing spaces sit vacant long-term.

We also heard updates on several projects moving forward, including the Oceanside Transit Center redevelopment and multiple housing developments across the district.

Beyond downtown, MiraCosta College’s expansion—particularly in biotech—and continued investment from companies like Genentech are strengthening Oceanside’s workforce pipeline.

Enjoy: Ongoing Improvements to the Downtown Experience

Several infrastructure and quality-of-place projects are moving forward:

Pier restoration is expected to begin in the coming months, with completion targeted by the end of 2027
Beachfront improvements will continue into Phase 2, currently in review
Coast Highway redesign will focus on traffic calming, bike, and pedestrian improvements
The gO’side EV Shuttle continues to support mobility, with most riders being local residents and employees
Fiber optic installation is underway citywide, expanding access to reliable high-speed internet for businesses and residents

If you’re visiting downtown, the gO’side EV Shuttle is a convenient option for getting around.

Planning timelines are also being coordinated with upcoming regional events, including the 2028 Olympics.

View gO'side Map & Hours

Experience: A Season of Events and Community Engagement

Taste of Spring reached capacity this year, with 500 attendees and strong participation from local businesses and volunteers. Events like this continue to bring people into downtown and encourage repeat visits.

Looking ahead, June 27 will include both the annual Oceanside Independence Parade and the Oceanside USA 250 Festival. Participation, volunteer, and sponsorship opportunities are open.

Regional partners—including the City, MainStreet, Visit Oceanside, and the Chamber—are also working together to attract visitors to Oceanside from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

If you’re interested in getting involved, we’re always looking for volunteers.

Volunteer with MainStreet Oceanside

Embrace: Strong Partnerships and What’s Ahead

Oceanside’s progress continues to be supported through coordination between the City, MainStreet, and community partners. The Downtown Oceanside PBID remains an important tool in maintaining clean and safe conditions downtown.

Oceanside has the only fully operational pure water recycling system in San Diego County, strengthening long-term water resilience. We also heard that coordination is ongoing across the City and partner organizations as we prepare for opportunities tied to the 2028 Olympics.

Audience members provided community updates:

April 10 – PAGA Update by Assemblywoman Laurie Davies | 10 AM | RSVP here
April 15 – City Budget Workshop | Council Chambers, 5:30 PM
April 16 – Waste Management Truck & Family Activities | Sunset Market, 5 PM
April 18 – Waste Management El Corazon Compost Facility Tour | 9 AM | RSVP here
April 22 – The Climate Crisis Earth Day Event | California Surf Museum | 6 PM
April 25 – Green Oceanside Earth Day Event | Joe Balderrama Park, 11 AM
May 2 – Rory Graham Jr. Foundation's Mother’s Day Tea | RSVP: 760-470-6545 for info
May 24 – OCNA Meeting Featuring City of Oceanside Staff | 6 PM

For continued economic development updates from the City, you can subscribe to the OceansideBiz e-newsletter.

A special thank you to Michelle Geller for taking the time to share these updates and provide a comprehensive look at the work happening across Oceanside.

View Michelle Geller's Presentation

As always, if there are topics you’d like us to cover at future meetings, feel free to reach out to Bobbie Mills at bobbie@mainstreetoceanside.com.

With appreciation,

The MainStreet Oceanside Team

Cultivating a vibrant downtown since 2000

The monthly Morning Meeting takes place at 701 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054

Questions? Call (760) 754-4512

Ideas or Requests for Topics? Email bobbie@mainstreetoceanside.com