Here’s how public input is shaping Chula Vista’s 5-year plan

From ending a freeway toll to governing their use of artificial intelligence, Chula Vista officials are brainstorming ways on how the South Bay city will look in the next five years.

Leaders released a draft of their latest five-year plan on how to roll out changes for the city’s roughly 275,000 residents. They hired a consulting firm, which collected survey responses and hosted workshops with the public, to develop the plan.

City councilmembers met this month to continue the feedback loop where they discussed four themes identified in the draft: infrastructure; safety and recreation; economic vitality; and governance. 

Some notable highlights in the draft included lobbying for the removal the State Route 125 toll; launching a new city website to make it easier for residents to navigate; and developing a “citywide governance program” for the use of AI within “policies, standards, and oversight.” The plan also calls for expanding homeless services, advancing efforts to bring four-year university programs to Chula Vista and continuing development along the city’s bayfront. 

The meeting this month was sparsely attended, but the few who spoke told the council they’d like to improve public safety and rehabilitation programs, reduce building fees, increase auditing, and see more libraries and community centers.

The council’s feedback was a mixed bag.

Mayor John McCann said the city should focus on public safety programs, including strategic planning for fire operations. He also supported installing artificial turf at city sports fields, arguing that natural grass takes too long to recover while turf can reduce maintenance costs. 

Councilmember Jose Preciado cautioned against McCann’s idea, citing concerns about potential environmental and safety impacts, including chemical runoff and injury risks for children. He said he also wants to prioritize completing city plans for additional accessibility features in public spaces.

Councilmember Carolina Chavez advocated for more parking and extended hours at public parks. She also called for free transportation services for older residents attending medical appointments and obtaining medications.

City spokesperson Mirella Leung Lopez said the council will likely approve a final version of the plan in the coming months. Keep up with future public hearings on the city’s legislative calendar.