At a strategic planning forum convened by the Port of San Diego on Aug. 16, a cross-section of community leaders and groups, including elected officials, military and industry representatives, met with Port District representatives to discuss vital needs and challenges. Job creation and economic development, safety and security and environmental stewardship are considered the major issues facing the port as it charts its course for the next several years. Among the more than 100 guests at the three-hour planning session were Congressman Bob Filner, District 3 City Councilman Todd Gloria, National City Mayor Ron Morrison and Imperial Beach Mayor Jim Janney. Included in the discussions were the Downtown San Diego Partnership, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, San Diego Convention Center and educational institutions. “Our accomplishments are many and not without cost — over $2 billion has been invested since the port’s inception in 1962 and there has been controversy, challenges and some heartache along the way,” Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Scott Peters said in welcoming remarks. Peters cited some accomplishments: bringing more than 3.7 million cruise passengers to the city between 2006 and 2010; generating $205 million in maritime revenue in that same five-year period; pumping $10 billion in tourism dollars to the regional economy and creating 38,000 jobs. “The next 50 years will bring about remarkable projects and initiatives that will leave a legacy for generations of San Diegans,” Peters said.  Guests participated in a working session in which they catalogued what they believe are the major regional priorities.  Challenges and barriers cited were lack of funding, state budget concerns, job creation, reinvigorating the cruise business, excessive bureaucracy and balancing economic and environmental interests. The group agreed partnerships should be forged with other ports as well as with labor, military and educational institutions, along with the five cities that are port members — San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, Coronado and Imperial Beach. “I appreciate this outreach and I’m delighted to see the beginning of the outreach and input from stakeholders,” said Jim Unger, president of the San Diego Port Tenants Association. Kris Michell, president of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, complimented the port for bringing together such a diverse group to provide strategic ideas. “I hope we can create a path for the future,” Michell said. Gloria said job creation is among the region’s top priorities. He emphasized the port’s role as an economic catalyst for the region, saying, “We want to make sure the port remains an economic asset.” The timing for regional dialogue and collaboration would appear perfect, since the port will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.