On May 15^th, 2025 KMA San Diego staff members, Linnie Gavino and Michael Tactay, attended the grand opening of the $1.3 billion Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center.  Led by Paul Marra and Linnie Gavino, KMA assisted the San Diego Unified Port District in structuring, negotiating, and documenting the complex public-private financing strategy behind the 535-acre project.

Linnie reflected on the longevity of the project “Gaylord Pacific Resort Hotel & Convention Center is the result of an innovative collaboration between the San Diego Unified Port District, the City of Chula Vista, and RIDA Development. For nearly a decade, KMA has been proud to support the District in navigating the complexities of this public-private partnership, which required extensive time, a strategic vision, and long-term perseverance. We are proud to have contributed to bringing this visionary project to fruition and look forward to the lasting positive economic impact it will generate for the Chula Vista Bayfront and the region as a whole.”

As one of the region’s largest waterfront developments, the project will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and revitalization for the surrounding community. KMA’s role included ongoing financial and fiscal analyses and presentations at public meetings, closed sessions and stakeholder briefings. This effort ultimately led to a successful and innovative public-private partnership supported by a wide range of funding sources from both the District and the City of Chula Vista.

Michael also commented on the project and emphasized its community benefits, “as a lifelong Chula Vista resident, it’s incredibly rewarding to have provided financial consulting services in support of the Gaylord Pacific Resort Hotel — a catalytic project in the heart of the City. It’s exciting to see such a significant investment come to a historically underserved area, and to contribute to a project that offers new economic opportunities for Chula Vista residents and the broader San Diego region.”