Summary
The 78 Corridor includes the cities of Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Vista. With a population totaling 630,000, the Corridor is home to nearly one-fifth of residents in the San Diego Region. Employment along the Corridor exceeds 290,000 jobs – roughly 19 percent of the regional total – and annual gross regional product (GRP) surpasses $36 billion, making the 78 Corridor a major player in the regional economy. Moreover, North County has emerged as a leader of technological innovation; with over 850 total tech firms – a concentration nearly 42% above the national average – the 78 Corridor’s diverse and well-established tech cluster has seen steady growth in recent years. Contributing more than $6.1 billion annually and directly employing nearly 25,000 people, tech along the Corridor is a major engine of economic growth within the region.
Innovate78 is a marketing and economic development initiative led by five North County San Diego cities – Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Vista . Along the 78 Corridor, elected leaders, city staff, businesses, and
educational institutions are working to leverage the area’s collective strengths and assets – speaking with one voice to retain, expand, and attract talent, companies, and investment.