Facility Needs

Affordable Pathway to Higher Education

MiraCosta College plays a critical role in providing affordable, high-quality education and career training for local residents of all ages. As the cost of attending colleges and universities has become so expensive, many more students are starting their education at community colleges. MiraCosta College ensures that lower- and middle-income students who can’t afford the high price of a four-year university still have an opportunity to succeed in college and careers.

Vital Workforce and Economic Resource

The College trains nurses and healthcare professionals who serve our medical needs, teachers who educate our kids, and skilled workers who fuel the local economy. Each year, more than 30% of local high school graduates rely on MiraCosta College for higher education and job training, and the College prepares students for transfer to four-year universities and for success in in-demand career fields. The College does an outstanding job of preparing students for success – 95% of graduates from MiraCosta’s biomanufacturing program receive job offers immediately upon graduation.

Independent analysis shows that MiraCosta College plays a significant role in the local economy, generating approximately $648 million in added income each year and supporting nearly 6,800 jobs across the region. The largest share of this impact comes from former students working locally with higher skills and productivity, strengthening local businesses and industries. For every dollar students invest in their education at MiraCosta College, they earn $7.60 in higher lifetime earnings, benefiting families, employers, and the broader community.

Many of our college facilities were built before 1970, and some classrooms, labs, and facilities haven’t been upgraded in 50 years. In some cases, underground clay and cast-iron pipes, as well as other infrastructure, are failing, resulting in gas leaks, water leaks, sinkholes, sewage backups, and other safety concerns.

Aging systems – including plumbing, electrical, heating, and underground infrastructure – are increasingly unreliable and can pose safety and operational challenges. Upgrading these facilities would help ensure safe, functional learning environments that support today’s educational and workforce needs.  

MiraCosta Community College District may place a local college facilities bond measure on the ballot this year to fund repairs and upgrades to aging classrooms, labs, and career-training facilities. The goal is to improve student and veteran access to local, affordable, high-quality education and ensure college classrooms, labs, and facilities meet current academic, industry, health, and safety standards.

Funding would be used to address urgent needs, including:

• Upgrade career-training facilities and equipment to align with in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, business, and skilled trades.
• Improve math and technology classrooms and science labs to support career pathways in fields like nursing, biotech, and health sciences.
• Repair or replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, gas lines, sewer lines, and electrical systems where needed.
• Remove hazardous materials like asbestos, lead pipes, and mold from older buildings.
• Upgrade classrooms and labs to help local students complete the first two years of college affordably and transfer to four-year universities.

As the cost of attending UC and California State University systems has become so expensive, more students are starting at community colleges. MiraCosta College has one of the highest transfer rates to the University of California system. Facility improvements help ensure local students have access to affordable, high-quality education close to home, reducing overall college costs while maintaining strong academic and career outcomes.

We have thousands of military veterans returning from service who need job training, job placement, counseling and support services. Each year, MiraCosta provides more than 4,800 active military veterans and their families the support they need. Facility upgrades could support improvements to spaces that provide the training and support services for veterans, helping them successfully transition to civilian careers.

Yes. All money raised by a local bond measure would stay in the community and could not be taken away by the State or used for other purposes.

By law, any local college bond measure must include:

• Independent annual financial and performance audits
• A Citizens’ Oversight Committee
• A detailed project list

These protections ensure funds are spent only as voters intend.

If approved by a 55% vote, the potential measure would authorize approximately $680 million dollars in bonds by levying $13 per $100,000 of assessed property value (not market value).

In 2016, voters approved Measure MM, a $455 million general obligation bond to modernize aging facilities and upgrade instructional technology. Measure MM funded major campus improvements, including a new center that consolidates student services, expanded access for students with disabilities, upgraded labs and workforce-training facilities, and improvements to libraries, veterans’ services, and other instructional spaces.

While Measure MM delivered many important upgrades and repairs, it did not address all facility needs. More than a decade later, additional repairs and improvements are still needed to keep campuses safe, modern, and support high-quality education for local students.

MiraCosta College has earned an A+ rating for bond transparency and accountability every year since voters approved Measure MM in 2016. In the San Diego County Taxpayers’ 2024-25 School Bond Transparency Report Card, MiraCosta College was one of only six districts countywide (and one of just two community college districts) to receive the highest possible rating. These consistent A+ ratings reflect the College’s commitment to independent oversight, transparent reporting, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.

As planning continues, community members will have opportunities to learn more about the proposal and provide input. Visit [url] or contact [email] for more information.