Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
Resident Ownership of Neighborhood Change


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Who We Are

Our Community

Named for the area's diamond-shaped business improvement district, the Diamond Neighborhoods cluster in the heart of San Diego's 4th City Council District. Home to more than 88,000 residents, it includes the communities of Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Lincoln Park, Mountain View, Mount Hope, North Encanto, Oak Park, South Encanto, Valencia Park, and Webster.

At its heart is a growing hub of activity that includes the Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center, the Tubman-Chavez Multicultural Center, the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, the Elementary Institute of Science, Market Creek Plaza, and the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center.

JCNI partnered with residents to plan, design, build, lease, and invest in Market Creek Plaza, a 10-acre commercial and cultural center. Residents also led the development of the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center, a gathering place and conference center. These social enterprises are designed to spin off into resident ownership once they are profitable.

The Diamond Neighborhoods of Southeastern San Diego

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We believe in the potential of residents to change their own neighborhoods.



Exploring new philanthropic roles and relationships for strengthening under-invested neighborhoods