The Policy & Innovation Center is a dynamic think tank and social impact incubator, dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research, uniting diverse stakeholders, shaping evidence-based policy recommendations, piloting scalable solutions, and channeling resources into communities to address systemic issues.

People Working Together

Forging strong alliances that will stand the test of time.

Research for the Common Good

Applying equity-focused research to our region’s most pressing challenges.

Resources for
the Region

Adding and activating capital to strengthen the region.

Risk Water Map

Ideas Brought
To Life

Using research and resources to develop creative, effective, and equitable solutions.

Brookings

In partnership with the Brookings Institution, and in the areas of Economy & Workforce, Equity, Housing, Water, and Climate & Environment, we champion collaboration, foster innovative thinking, and implement effective ideas, all to create a higher quality of life in the San Diego region and beyond.

Featured Projects

San Diego’s Creative Economy

A report by the City of San Diego and PIC shows that San Diego is a creative leader, with the region’s creative industries – including organizations and businesses producing cultural, artistic and design goods or services as well as intellectual property – creating nearly 170,000 jobs with a total economic impact of $10.8 billion in 2022 alone. Learn More

Where to Build Affordable Housing in San Diego

The Policy & Innovation Center launched the region’s first interactive tool designed to help identify which government-owned parcels may be ideal candidates for affordable housing projects. Learn More

Understanding Climate Risks in San Diego

This granular climate risk report released by the Brookings Institution in partnership with the Policy & Innovation Center reveals compelling new insights related to growing climate-related heat, wildfire and flood threats in the region. Learn More

Raul Campillo

“One of my first calls for support when approaching a significant municipal problem is to the Policy & Innovation Center. Their staff and leadership have the answers—and more importantly know the right questions to ask—and civic leaders who collaborate with them quickly realize the power of their contributions, for the benefit of the public and our constituents.”

Raul Campillo
City Councilmember, City of San Diego
Dr. Hei-ock Kim

“We’re proud to stand with the Policy & Innovation Center at the forefront of the fight for equity in San Diego County. When the opportunity arose to address the full scale of gender discrimination at the regional level, the Policy & Innovation Center was our first choice of partner. The rigor of their research and depth of their policy expertise make the Policy & Innovation Center a powerful voice for the voiceless.”

Dr. Hei-ock Kim
Founder & Executive Director, Center for Social Balance
Former Chairman Rafael Castellanos

“The San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center is one of our go-to partners to help bring in federal and state dollars that support commerce, community, and the environment throughout the region. When we’re not collaborating on important economic opportunities, we’re working together on policies that ensure San Diegans enjoy a remarkable way of life for years to come.”

Former Chairman Rafael Castellanos
Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners

In the News