SDCCD Measure HH: $3.5B Contractor Guide 2026

For contractors in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Mission Beach, and throughout San Diego County, Measure HH represents unprecedented subcontracting opportunities. With $2.1 billion (60% of the total budget) scheduled for completion by 2030 and 16 design-build firms already selected, the program creates immediate pathways for qualified contractors to participate in institutional construction projects valued at more than $1.3 billion in this first phase alone.

The scale and timeline of Measure HH make it a game-changer for the local construction industry. Unlike typical bond programs that spread work over decades, SDCCD has front-loaded the spending schedule to address critical infrastructure needs quickly. This aggressive timeline means construction activity will ramp up significantly throughout 2026 and 2027, with multiple concurrent projects across City College (downtown San Diego), Mesa College (Clairemont), Miramar College (Mira Mesa), and Continuing Education locations citywide.

Understanding the Measure HH Program: $3.5 Billion Over 10-15 Years

Measure HH was approved by more than 60% of San Diego voters in November 2024 to fund upgrades, repairs, and renovations to classrooms and facilities throughout the San Diego Community College District. The $3.5 billion bond program represents the largest educational facilities investment in San Diego history and one of the most significant institutional construction initiatives on the West Coast.

In January 2025, SDCCD sold its initial $850 million in Series A bonds to fund the first phase of projects. This aggressive bond sale strategy allows the District to begin work immediately rather than waiting for future bond issuances. Additional bond sales will be spread over the next decade or two to maintain fiscal responsibility while keeping construction momentum.

The program serves four campuses across San Diego:

• San Diego City College (downtown San Diego/City Heights) - The District's flagship urban campus serving downtown and central San Diego neighborhoods
• San Diego Mesa College (Clairemont) - Located in the heart of Clairemont, serving mid-city communities including Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Point Loma
• San Diego Miramar College (Mira Mesa) - Serving northern San Diego communities with specialized programs in aviation, automotive technology, and more
• San Diego College of Continuing Education (multiple citywide locations) - Providing workforce training and professional development across San Diego

What makes Measure HH particularly significant for contractors is the accelerated spending timeline. With 60% of the total budget ($2.1 billion) allocated for completion by 2030, SDCCD is creating intense construction activity over the next four years rather than spreading work thinly over decades. This concentration of activity means steady project flow and multiple concurrent opportunities for qualified subcontractors.

The District has already demonstrated its commitment to rapid execution. In September 2025, SDCCD awarded more than $1.3 billion in design-build contracts to eight teams comprising 16 architecture and construction firms. These contracts represent the first major wave of capital projects, with additional phases to follow as bond funds become available.

The 16 Design-Build Firms: Your Gateway to Measure HH Projects

Understanding who won the prime contracts is critical for contractors seeking subcontracting opportunities. SDCCD selected eight design-build entities comprising 16 firms to lead the first wave of projects. Each team combines an architecture firm with a general contractor, creating integrated delivery models that require extensive subcontractor networks.

Here are the eight design-build teams and their assigned projects:

1. Gensler/Rudolph & Sletten, Inc. - San Diego City College "A" Building Expansion
2. Roesling Nakamura Terada (RNT) Architects/Sundt Construction, Inc. - San Diego City College Saville Theatre Replacement (announced April 2, 2026)
3. HGA Architects/PCL Construction Services, Inc. - San Diego Mesa College Performing Arts Center/Administration & Parking Structure
4. LPA Design Studios/C.W. Driver LLC - San Diego Mesa College Sports & Kinesiology Sciences
5. Miller Hull/BNBuilders - San Diego Miramar College Performing Arts Center & English/Gallery Building
6. Cass Sowatsky Consulting Architects (CSCA)/Harper Construction Company, Inc. - San Diego Miramar College Montgomery Field Aviation Instructional Center
7. Architects Mosher Drew/Flint Design Build LLC (dba FLINT) - San Diego Miramar College Early Education Center
8. HGW Architecture/DPR Construction, A General Partnership - San Diego College of Continuing Education West City Expansion

These construction firms - Sundt Construction, Rudolph & Sletten, PCL Construction Services, C.W. Driver, BNBuilders, Harper Construction, Flint Design Build, and DPR Construction - will serve as prime contractors managing these major institutional projects. Each will require extensive subcontractor networks across dozens of specialized trades.

The progressive design-build model used by SDCCD means that contractors are involved from project inception, allowing early identification of subcontracting needs. According to SDCCD requirements, these design-build entities must submit plans outlining how they will engage local, small, and historically underutilized contractors and consultants. This creates formal pathways for Pacific Beach and San Diego County contractors to participate.

Initial Projects and Construction Timeline: Work Begins September 2026

While the Saville Performing Arts Center announcement on April 2, 2026 marks the first major public project reveal, several Measure HH projects are moving toward construction simultaneously. Understanding the timeline for these initial projects helps contractors plan resource allocation and relationship development.

Saville Performing Arts Center Replacement - City College

The Saville Theatre replacement project will create an approximately 28,000-square-foot performing arts facility at San Diego City College. The new center will replace the existing Saville Theatre with modern, flexible spaces capable of accommodating a wide range of performances and events for both academic programs and community use.

Sundt Construction's selection was based on its strong past performance and 20-year relationship with SDCCD, including four completed projects across two local campuses. The project scope includes:

• Demolition of the current structure
• Hazardous materials removal and abatement
• Utility work and infrastructure upgrades
• Site enhancements and new pedestrian pathways
• ADA accessibility improvements throughout the facility

This project demonstrates the type of comprehensive institutional work that characterizes Measure HH construction. It's not simply new building construction but complete site redevelopment addressing decades of deferred maintenance while creating state-of-the-art educational facilities.

Harry West Gym HVAC Project - City College

Construction on the Harry West Gym HVAC Project is scheduled for September 2026 through July 2027, making it one of the first projects to break ground under Measure HH. This project includes:

• Installation of a new HVAC system to serve the currently unconditioned gymnasium
• Visitor facilities and amenities
• New systems to enhance athletic and classroom spaces
• Construction of four new sand volleyball courts with spectator seating
• New facility including single-occupancy restrooms, storage, and office space for the sports program
• Conceptual layouts for proposed courts, spectator seating, and ADA parking

The September 2026 construction start date is significant for contractors. It means procurement and subcontractor selection activities are likely happening now or within the next few months. Contractors interested in this project should be reaching out to the selected design-build team immediately.

Mesa College Projects - Clairemont Location

Mesa College's projects bring substantial construction activity to Clairemont, directly adjacent to Pacific Beach contractor service areas. The Performing Arts Center, Administration, and Parking Structure project will create a new five-story building built into the north hillside next to the Student Services Center.

The estimated 54,000-square-foot facility will feature:

• Main stage theater with professional performance capabilities
• Music and dance spaces with specialized acoustics and flooring
• Instructional labs for performing arts education
• Administrative offices and support spaces
• Structured parking to serve the expanded facility

The Mesa College Sports & Kinesiology Sciences project adds another major construction site in Clairemont, creating opportunities for contractors familiar with the area's building conditions, permitting processes, and logistical challenges.

For Pacific Beach contractors, the Mesa College location offers particularly accessible opportunities given its proximity to Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Mission Beach service areas. Located just minutes from Crystal Pier and Tourmaline Surfing Park, Pacific Beach-based contractors bring coastal construction expertise and local knowledge valuable for institutional projects. The short commute from Pacific Beach to the Mesa College campus in Clairemont means Pacific Beach contractors can efficiently manage crews and materials while maintaining their existing residential and commercial projects in La Jolla, Bird Rock, and Mission Beach neighborhoods.

Miramar College Projects - Mira Mesa Location

Three major projects are planned for Miramar College in Mira Mesa:

Montgomery Field Aviation Instructional Center: This project will replace an obsolete hangar with a new, modern training center to support San Diego's growing aviation workforce. The upgraded approximately 8,500-square-foot facility will include advanced equipment, climate control, and technology to improve instruction and safety.

Performing Arts Center and English/Gallery Building: A new 64,000-square-foot academic and cultural center will replace an antiquated lecture hall with modern classrooms, writing labs, studios, and a public gallery. It will feature a flexible performance venue with advanced AV systems for lectures, events, and community use. Located along Black Mountain Road, the building will serve as a campus gateway.

Early Education Center: Specialized construction requiring expertise in childcare facility design, safety standards, and educational space planning.

These projects demonstrate the diversity of construction types under Measure HH, from aviation facilities requiring specialized knowledge to performing arts centers, educational buildings, and early childhood facilities.

Subcontracting Opportunity Categories: Where Pacific Beach Contractors Fit

Measure HH projects require virtually every construction trade and specialty. Understanding which categories offer the best opportunities helps contractors focus their business development efforts effectively.

HVAC, Mechanical, and Building Systems

The Harry West Gym HVAC project demonstrates significant demand for mechanical contractors. Installing climate control systems in previously unconditioned institutional buildings requires specialized expertise in:

• Large-scale HVAC design-build and installation
• Energy-efficient systems meeting Title 24 requirements
• Building automation and controls integration
• Seismic bracing and vibration isolation for institutional settings
• Coordination with existing building systems

Performing arts centers add specialized mechanical requirements including theatrical HVAC systems that operate quietly during performances while maintaining precise temperature and humidity control.

Electrical, Low-Voltage, and Technology Systems

Educational facilities demand sophisticated electrical and technology infrastructure:

• Power distribution and panel upgrades
• Emergency power and life safety systems
• Low-voltage systems (data, AV, security, access control)
• Theatrical lighting and dimming systems for performance venues
• Classroom technology integration
• Fire alarm and mass notification systems
• Energy management systems

The technology-intensive nature of modern educational facilities creates substantial opportunities for electrical contractors with institutional experience.

Plumbing and Fire Protection

Institutional construction requires comprehensive plumbing and fire protection systems:

• Domestic water distribution and waste systems
• Laboratory plumbing for science facilities
• Specialty plumbing for performing arts (dressing rooms, custodial)
• Fire sprinkler systems meeting institutional standards
• Seismic bracing and restraint systems
• Water conservation and efficiency measures

Structural and Concrete Work

Multiple projects involve significant structural work:

• Five-story construction at Mesa College
• Hillside foundation systems
• Parking structure construction
• Seismic retrofitting and upgrades
• Concrete forming and placement
• Structural steel erection

Contractors with experience in San Diego's seismic requirements and hillside construction have distinct advantages. Pacific Beach contractors serving coastal areas from Mission Bay to La Jolla Shores bring specialized knowledge of coastal building conditions, salt air exposure mitigation, and soil characteristics that translate well to institutional hillside projects like the Mesa College expansion.

Architectural Finishes and Interiors

Institutional projects require durable, maintainable finishes:

• Acoustical ceiling systems
• Specialty flooring (performance venues, dance studios, athletic facilities)
• Interior partitions and framing
• Doors, frames, and hardware meeting institutional standards
• Specialty millwork and casework
• Painting and coatings
• Window treatments and sun control

Site Work and Landscaping

Every project includes substantial site work:

• Grading and earthwork
• Utilities and infrastructure
• Paving and concrete flatwork
• ADA accessibility compliance
• Landscaping and irrigation
• Stormwater management and LID features

Demolition and Hazardous Materials

Replacing aging facilities requires:

• Selective demolition while adjacent buildings remain operational
• Asbestos and lead paint abatement
• Hazardous materials surveys and removal
• Recycling and waste diversion meeting sustainability requirements

The Saville Theatre replacement specifically mentions hazardous materials removal, indicating this will be a significant scope element across multiple projects.

Community Benefits Agreement: Advantages for Local Contractors

SDCCD's Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) creates formal preferences for local contractors, making Measure HH particularly accessible to Pacific Beach and San Diego County businesses.

The CBA applies to all construction contracts valued at $1 million or more and includes specific requirements:

80% Local Craft Hours Requirement: The agreement mandates that 80% of craft hours be performed by:

• Residents of San Diego County
• Dependents of active-duty military
• Current and former SDCCD students
• Former foster youth
• Individuals formerly incarcerated

Priority ZIP Codes: Contractors must prioritize hiring individuals from qualifying ZIP codes designated in the CBA, plus veterans residing anywhere within San Diego County.

Small Business Engagement: Design-build entities must submit plans outlining how they will engage local, small, and historically underutilized contractors and consultants on the projects.

For Pacific Beach contractors serving areas from Tourmaline Surfing Park to Bird Rock and throughout La Jolla and Mission Beach, this creates tangible advantages:

1. Formal preference in hiring and subcontracting rather than competing on purely national playing fields
2. Prime contractor obligations to seek out local firms, creating proactive outreach from major construction companies
3. Documentation and reporting requirements that ensure compliance rather than informal promises
4. Apprenticeship opportunities that support workforce development while meeting CBA requirements

Pacific Beach contractors already familiar with coastal construction challenges, high-end residential work in La Jolla, and commercial projects in Mission Beach possess transferable skills valuable for institutional construction. The discipline required for Pacific Beach's challenging building sites—from oceanfront properties near Crystal Pier to hillside homes in Bird Rock—prepares contractors well for the complexity of institutional projects.

The District has committed publicly to these local hiring goals, with Board of Trustees approval and ongoing monitoring. This isn't simply aspirational language but enforceable contract terms.

How Pacific Beach Contractors Can Position for Measure HH Opportunities

Success in institutional construction requires strategic positioning well before individual project bids are released. Here's a step-by-step approach for Pacific Beach contractors to maximize Measure HH opportunities:

Step 1: Research and Contact All 16 Design-Build Firms

Create a systematic outreach campaign to every architecture and construction firm on the design-build teams:

• Sundt Construction, Inc.
• Rudolph & Sletten, Inc.
• PCL Construction Services, Inc.
• C.W. Driver LLC
• BNBuilders
• Harper Construction Company, Inc.
• Flint Design Build LLC
• DPR Construction

Develop brief, professional capability statements highlighting:

• Your specific trade specialties and capabilities
• Relevant institutional or educational construction experience
• San Diego County location and workforce
• Bonding capacity and financial strength
• Safety record and experience modification rate (EMR)
• Current workload and capacity for new projects

Step 2: Register as an SDCCD Vendor/Subcontractor

Complete formal registration with SDCCD's procurement system. This ensures you receive notifications about bidding opportunities and prequalification requirements. Visit the SDCCD Planning, Design, and Construction department website to begin the vendor registration process.

Step 3: Obtain Required Public Works Qualifications

Measure HH projects are public works, requiring specific registrations and compliance:

DIR Registration: Register with California's Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) as a public works contractor. This registration is mandatory for bidding on or performing work on public projects exceeding $1,000.

Prevailing Wage Compliance: Understand and implement certified payroll reporting requirements. SDCCD requires submission of certified payroll records via systems like PRISM Compliance. Free web-based training sessions are available to instruct contractors on certified payroll reporting and apprentice utilization requirements.

Contractors License: Ensure your California contractors license is current and in the appropriate classifications for your trade specialties.

Workers' Compensation Insurance: Maintain current workers' compensation coverage and be prepared to provide proof as required by recent California legislation (SB 291) that imposes $10,000-$20,000 minimum penalties for non-compliance.

Step 4: Join Construction Plan Room Services

Subscribe to plan room services that track SDCCD projects:

AGC San Diego Online Plan Room: The Associated General Contractors (AGC) provides the San Diego construction industry with a high-end platform with access to projects statewide. This is particularly valuable for tracking institutional construction projects.

BuildingConnected: Many large design-build firms use BuildingConnected for subcontractor prequalification and bid management.

iSqFt: The Internet Plan Room provides subcontractors with project tracking and bidding opportunities.

Plan room subscriptions typically cost $50-$150 per month but provide early visibility into upcoming projects, allowing strategic relationship development before formal bid invitations.

Step 5: Attend SDCCD Information Sessions and Pre-Bid Meetings

SDCCD has hosted business information events specifically about Measure HH opportunities. The District invites small, local, and diverse businesses in construction, professional services, and procurement to learn about opportunities with the Measure HH program.

These sessions cover:

• Requirements for registering as a public works contractor
• Paying prevailing wage
• Prequalifications and submitting responsive bids
• Contract thresholds applicable to SDCCD's Community Benefits Agreement

Attend every available information session and pre-bid conference. These events provide direct access to SDCCD staff, design-build teams, and other subcontractors, creating networking opportunities beyond the formal presentations.

Step 6: Document Institutional Construction Experience

Create a portfolio specifically highlighting institutional and educational construction projects:

• Previous work at schools, colleges, or universities
• Public sector projects demonstrating prevailing wage compliance
• Projects completed while buildings remained occupied (critical for SDCCD work)
• Relevant safety programs and records
• Projects completed on time and within budget

If your experience is primarily residential or light commercial, identify transferable skills and consider partnering with firms that have institutional experience to build your resume.

Step 7: Develop Relationships with Prime Contractors Before Bid Release

Don't wait until bids are released to introduce yourself to prime contractors. Successful subcontracting relationships are built over months and years, not during compressed bid periods.

Reach out proactively:

• Request meetings to discuss capabilities and mutual opportunities
• Offer to provide budgetary pricing for upcoming projects during early design
• Attend industry events where these firms participate
• Connect on LinkedIn and follow their company announcements
• Join industry associations where you'll interact with decision-makers

Step 8: Monitor September 2026 Project Starts

The Harry West Gym construction start in September 2026 serves as a bellwether for the entire Measure HH program. Monitor this project closely:

• Which subcontractors are selected?
• What were the qualification criteria?
• How did the procurement process work?
• What challenges emerged during mobilization?

Lessons learned from the first projects will inform your approach to later opportunities.

Adjacent Market Opportunities Beyond Direct Contracts

Measure HH creates economic activity extending well beyond the campus construction projects themselves. Smart contractors recognize and position for these adjacent opportunities:

Student Housing Development

With $3.5 billion invested in improving SDCCD facilities, student enrollment is expected to grow substantially. This creates demand for student housing near all four campuses, particularly:

• Market-rate and affordable housing near City College (downtown San Diego)
• Student-oriented apartments near Mesa College (Clairemont/Linda Vista)
• Housing developments near Miramar College (Mira Mesa)

Contractors with multifamily construction experience can pursue these private sector projects that emerge in response to campus improvements.

Faculty and Staff Housing

San Diego's housing affordability challenges affect SDCCD's ability to recruit and retain faculty and staff. Campus improvements may spur faculty/staff housing initiatives, creating additional construction opportunities.

Retail and Commercial Development

Improved campuses attract retail and commercial development:

• Coffee shops and restaurants near campus entrances
• Bookstores and student services
• Childcare facilities (complementing the Miramar Early Education Center)
• Fitness and wellness facilities

Campus-Adjacent Property Improvements

Property owners near SDCCD campuses often undertake improvements when campus construction activity increases:

• Facade improvements and building upgrades
• Parking lot improvements
• Landscaping and streetscape enhancements
• ADA accessibility upgrades

For Pacific Beach contractors, the Mesa College location in Clairemont offers particular opportunities. Property owners in Clairemont, Bay Park, and Linda Vista may pursue improvements as Mesa College's $100+ million in construction projects enhance the surrounding area. Pacific Beach contractors can efficiently serve both Mesa College institutional projects and adjacent property improvement work while maintaining their core service areas in Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Mission Beach, and Bird Rock. Contractors working near Tourmaline Surfing Park or Crystal Pier can leverage their coastal expertise while expanding into institutional construction just minutes inland.

Infrastructure and Public Works

City and county infrastructure improvements often accompany major institutional construction:

• Street improvements and traffic calming near campus entrances
• Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
• Transit improvements serving campus locations
• Utility upgrades in surrounding neighborhoods

Monitor San Diego's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for projects coordinated with SDCCD construction timelines.

Action Steps for Pacific Beach Contractors Starting Today

Don't wait for individual project bids to be released. Take these specific actions immediately to position for Measure HH opportunities:

This Week:

1. Create a one-page capability statement highlighting your trade specialties, institutional experience (if any), and San Diego County presence
2. Compile contact information for all 16 design-build firm team members (8 contractors, 8 architecture firms)
3. Register with California DIR as a public works contractor if not already registered
4. Review your workers' compensation insurance documentation for compliance with SB 291 requirements

This Month:

1. Contact all eight construction firms on the design-build teams with your capability statement
2. Register as an SDCCD vendor through the District's procurement system
3. Subscribe to at least one plan room service (AGC San Diego, BuildingConnected, or iSqFt)
4. Attend any available SDCCD Measure HH information sessions or business outreach events
5. Join relevant trade associations (AGC San Diego, specialty trade groups) where you'll network with prime contractors

Next 90 Days:

1. Request meetings with procurement and estimating staff at target design-build firms
2. Document and photograph your best institutional or public works projects for portfolio development
3. Identify gaps in your qualifications (bonding capacity, safety programs, technology capabilities) and develop plans to address them
4. Monitor SDCCD Board of Trustees meetings for project approvals and timeline updates
5. Connect with SDCCD facilities staff to understand long-term program schedules
6. Research prevailing wage rates for your trade classifications to understand pricing implications

Ongoing Through 2026-2030:

1. Maintain regular contact (quarterly minimum) with design-build firm contacts
2. Attend every pre-bid conference for projects matching your capabilities
3. Track which subcontractors win early projects to understand selection criteria
4. Build relationships with other subcontractors for teaming opportunities on large scopes
5. Monitor adjacent market opportunities (student housing, retail, property improvements)
6. Update your capability statement as you complete relevant projects
7. Participate in SDCCD's Bond Workforce Education Program if you employ or could employ current students or family members of employees

The contractors who succeed with Measure HH will be those who start relationship-building and qualification development now, not those who wait for bid invitations. Pacific Beach contractors, La Jolla contractors, and Mission Beach contractors have a unique advantage given their proximity to Mesa College and their established presence in San Diego County under the Community Benefits Agreement.

Conclusion: A Generational Opportunity for San Diego Contractors

The San Diego Community College District's $3.5 billion Measure HH bond program represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for contractors throughout San Diego County. With Sundt Construction's April 2, 2026 selection for the Saville Performing Arts Center and construction beginning on the Harry West Gym in September 2026, the program is transitioning from planning to active construction.

For Pacific Beach contractors serving La Jolla, Mission Beach, Bird Rock, and Tourmaline Surfing Park, Measure HH offers pathways into institutional construction that can transform business portfolios. The program's scale ($3.5 billion), timeline (through 2035), accelerated spending schedule ($2.1 billion by 2030), and Community Benefits Agreement requirements create unprecedented accessibility for local firms.

Success requires strategic action starting now. The contractors who will capture significant Measure HH work are those building relationships with the 16 design-build firms today, obtaining necessary public works qualifications, documenting institutional construction capabilities, and positioning themselves as qualified local partners before individual project bids are released.

The Mesa College projects in Clairemont bring major institutional construction directly adjacent to Pacific Beach service areas. Pacific Beach contractors working from Crystal Pier to Tourmaline Surfing Park, throughout La Jolla and Bird Rock, and in Mission Beach neighborhoods are ideally positioned to serve these nearby projects. The four new sand volleyball courts at City College's Harry West Gym demonstrate that even beach-oriented contractors from Pacific Beach can find relevant project scopes. The aviation facilities at Miramar College, early education centers, performing arts venues, and administrative buildings create opportunities across every construction specialty for contractors throughout Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and Mission Beach.

Beyond direct SDCCD contracts, the economic activity generated by $3.5 billion in campus improvements will spur student housing development, faculty/staff housing, retail and commercial construction, and property improvements throughout the neighborhoods surrounding all four campuses.

The time to act is now. With construction beginning in September 2026 and subcontractor selection happening over the coming months, contractors who delay will miss the first wave of opportunities. Contact the design-build firms, register as an SDCCD vendor, obtain your public works qualifications, and position your business for participation in San Diego's largest institutional construction program in history.

Pacific Beach Builder, located just minutes from Mission Bay and serving contractors throughout Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Mission Beach, Bird Rock, and the Tourmaline Surfing Park area, specializes in helping San Diego contractors navigate complex institutional opportunities and develop relationships with major design-build firms. Our experience with educational facilities, public works requirements, and the local construction market—combined with deep knowledge of Pacific Beach and La Jolla's unique coastal building conditions—positions us to guide contractors through the Measure HH procurement process.