Full Itinerary: Sep 27-29
Day 1: Sep 27
6:00 PM
Sep 27, 2023
Delegation arrives in San Diego and heads to Rady Shell
San Diego International Airport (SAN), North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
Delegates arriving on Alaska Flight 1186 will take a charter bus to Rady Shell for lunch and a tour. Luggage will be left on the bus and taken to the US Grant Hotel for safe storage.
6:45 PM
Sep 27, 2023
[Lunch] Fuel up at the Urban Kitchen with Blais Picnic Boxes
Upon arrival, the delegates will be escorted to Prebsy Plaza for lunch provided by Urban Kitchen.
7:15 PM
Sep 27, 2023
A look into the Rady Shell and the story of how a community rallied behind the project
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA, USA
Explore the recently opened amphitheater and experience the iconic architecture of a state-of-the-art open-air music venue. Hear how San Diego Symphony rallied community support to privately fund and build a landmark destination.
9:00 PM
Sep 27, 2023
Why urban spaces and services for children matter
The New Children’s Museum, West Island Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA
Experience how the New Children’s Museum is serving the community and hear from its leaders on why investing in spaces for families and kids matter in an urban setting.
9:45 PM
Sep 27, 2023
[Walking Tour] Travel the Embarcadero and see the value of programable waterfront spaces
Embarcadero, San Diego, CA, USA
Managing the Embarcadero. Learn how the Port of San Diego oversees the activity on the waterfront and works with stakeholders to create a destination experience.
10:30 PM
Sep 27, 2023
Welcoming reception for placemakers and city shapers powered by Amazon
1004 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA, USA
Welcome from the City of San Diego and Port of San Diego + Insights in governance and political scene around decision making.
Day 2: Sep 28
Sep 28, 2023
4:00 PM
An overview of who is managing places and activating spaces
Downtown San Diego Partnership, B Street, San Diego, CA, USA
An introduction and overview Downtown San Diego’s Business Improvement District and what it takes to promote economic and cultural vibrancy, program and manage spaces, and support different neighborhoods.
Sep 28, 2023
5:00 PM
[Walking Tour] East Village
East Village, San Diego, CA, USA
See how East Village has been revitalized by incentive programs, mobility solutions, and community culture that celebrate creativity.
Sep 28, 2023
6:10 PM
An overview of the City's approach to urban land use and transportation planning
Merian Plaza, San Diego
Hear how about Downtown San Diego has its own planning and permitting division for urban growth.
Sep 28, 2023
7:00 PM
[Walking Tour] Merian Public Plaza → Fault Line Park
Fault Line Park, Island Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA
Experience public spaces that were built through an amenity incentive program that strongly encourages community places.
Sep 28, 2023
7:10 PM
[Lunch] Eat local and learn about sustainable communities
1429 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA
Delegate will enjoy a Sonoran lunch and learn about the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) regional planning efforts to create long-lasting, sustainable communities.
Sep 28, 2023
8:10 PM
[Walking Tour] Gaslamp Quarter + Horton Project Tours
Horton Plaza, San Diego, CA, USA
Delegates will breakup into two groups. One group will tour the Gaslamp Quarter while the other tours the Horton project. After which, the groups switch to do the other tour.
Sep 28, 2023
10:00 PM
Kickback and relax reception
Bay City Brewing Co Tasting Room, Eighth Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA
The group will cool down after a long day of walking at a rooftop bar, a popular theme throughout Downtown San Diego. After which, delegates will listen in on a conversation about what is placemaking.
Sep 29, 2023
12:00 AM
[Break] Transportation option to dinner
The US Grant Hotel, Broadway, San Diego, CA, USA
Running from 6:00 - 7:30pm, a pair of FRED, circulators will transporting delegates from the US Grant Hotel lobby to the Herb & Wood.
Sep 29, 2023
2:30 AM
Group dinner with great people
Herb & Wood, Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA, USA
Timeless yet approachable, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey’s Herb & Wood focuses on rustic, wood-fired dishes. The menu elevates humble ingredients, highlights Mediterranean flavors, and brings a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability to every dish.
Day 3: Sep 29
Sep 29, 2023
4:30 PM
A conversation on how San Diego is addressing housing issues
Downtown San Diego Partnership, B Street, San Diego, CA, USA
A discussion with experts about Downtown San Diego’s housing market conditions and needs. The conversation will explore the key challenges, strategies and programs, and solutions that have proved to increase housing production.
Sep 29, 2023
5:30 PM
[Walking Tour] Civic Center Neighborhood
San Diego Civic Center, Civic Center Plz, San Diego, CA, USA
Walk the heart of Downtown San Diego and learn about how it’s the core city life and economic activity.
Sep 29, 2023
6:00 PM
The community value of programable green space and park amenities
Waterfront Park, Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA, USA
See how a 12-acre park is designed for a variety of uses and hear what it takes to manage and maintain such a popular, versatile park.
Sep 29, 2023
6:30 PM
[Transition] Waterfront Park → Piazza della Famiglia in Little Italy
Little Italy, San Diego, CA, USA
The delegates will walk from Waterfront Park to the Piazza della Famiglia where they'll have lunch in the Little Italy Food Hall.
Sep 29, 2023
7:00 PM
The story of Piazza della Famiglia, an open space connecting a community
Little Italy Food Hall, West Date Street, San Diego, CA, USA
Have lunch and hear a presentation about the story of a restaurateur and developer who came together to create an iconic open space that celebrates food, culture, and neighborhood’s character.
Sep 29, 2023
8:30 PM
[Break] Free time before traveling back home
The US Grant Hotel, Broadway, San Diego, CA, USA
This is time for time for delegates to collect themselves before traveling to the airport; note: delegate are responsible for their own transportation.