SDCCD selects firms to oversee $3.5 billion Measure HH bond program

March 28, 2025 | San Diego Community College District
The chancellor and vice chancellor of operations with three representatives from the firms

(Left to Right) David Dunn, Program Director at Kitchell; Anthony L. Sanchez, Executive Vice President at Cumming Group; and Robin Duveen, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Gafcon, are congratulated by SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith and SDCCD Vice Chancellor and Executive Operations Officer Joel Peterson during the March 27 meeting of the SDCCD Board of Trustees where an RFQ was awarded to the three firms to provide oversight for Measure HH bond projects.

The San Diego Community College District has selected three well-known program management firms – Cumming Group, Gafcon, and Kitchell - to oversee the $3.5 billion Measure HH bond program that will support new construction and upgrades to SDCCD's campuses, enhancing educational spaces, improving technology, updating classrooms, labs, and support facilities, and expanding workforce training opportunities to better serve students and the community.

The three program management firms will provide strategic oversight, financial accountability, and expert coordination to ensure the effective use of Measure HH funds, delivering on the promise to modernize SDCCD facilities and create state-of-the-art teaching and learning environments for approximately 90,000 students served annually at San Diego City College, Mesa College, Miramar College, and the seven campuses of San Diego College of Continuing Education.

“With these firms in place, we are confident that Measure HH projects will be delivered on time, within budget, and effectively serve the needs of our diverse students, faculty, and communities,” said Gregory Smith, SDCCD Chancellor. “Measure HH is more than constructing and renovating buildings—it’s about expanding academic opportunities, strengthening workforce development, and uplifting local communities.”

Experienced Program Management Organizations (PMOs)

The three PMOs bring decades of experience in managing large-scale public infrastructure projects, and share a common goal of building teaching and learning environments that promote academic excellence, develop a skilled workforce, and serve diverse communities:

Cumming Group will oversee capital renovations and renewal projects, including focusing on infrastructure and systems modernizations and improved sustainability, across all SDCCD campuses. “We are elated to support the district and help shape the future of the district’s facilities for years to come,” said Anthony Sanchez, Executive Vice President. “We are committed to the district’s mission, vision, and values, and are committed to helping achieve shared goals.”

Gafcon, a San Diego-based firm, will manage new construction projects for San Diego City College and the San Diego College of Continuing Education. “As part of the San Diego community, we are honored to help transform these historic campuses into modern, innovative learning environments that will serve students and the community for generations to come,” said co-CEO’s Robin Duveen and Bryan Benso. “We are committed to ensuring SDCCD’s vision for the future is realized with excellence, transparency, and efficiency.”

Kitchell will manage new construction at Mesa and Miramar Colleges. “This opportunity to support the district’s transformative vision for these two campuses aligns with our commitment to excellence and strong support for San Diego’s educational community,” said David Dunn, Program Director. “We look forward to partnering with the district, students, and the community to create facilities that will shape San Diego’s workforce for decades."

"These firms will help us deliver Measure HH projects efficiently, on budget, and with the greatest beneficial impact to our communities,” said Joel Peterson, SDCCD Vice Chancellor and Executive Operations Officer. “Getting the PMOs on board early is essential to help us keep costs low by accelerating design and construction activities as quickly as possible,” he added.

Anticipated activities for the first four years include:

Phase I Project Development | Now – June 2025
Develop RFPs for Phase I Design-Build teams | April – June 2025
Advertise and selection process for Design-Build teams | June – October 2025
Design-Build team awards | August - January 2026

Phase II Project Development | 2027 –2031
Develop RFPs for Phase I Design-Build teams | 2028
Advertise and selection process for Design-Build teams | 2028
Design-Build team awards | 2029

Commitment to Transparency and Oversight

The SDCCD is committed to full transparency in the management of Measure HH funds. The program management firms will work closely with the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) to provide regular updates on expenditures, project milestones, and compliance with all financial and regulatory requirements. Comprehensive project updates, financial reports, and community engagement opportunities will be made available through SDCCD’s Measure HH website and public forums.

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