About

Our Mission

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 as a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

Our Vision

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

Advocate!

Advocacy for the Military Community:
SDMAC advocates for policies and initiatives that support the military’s presence and contributions to the San Diego region. This advocacy ensures continued investment in military operations, facilities, and personnel.

Inform!

Focus on economic impact:

SDMACs annual MEIR, quantifies the economic benefits of military spending in San Diego.

Data-driven analysis:
This report leverages research from the Rady School of Management to provide detailed data on military spending, job creation, and veteran benefits.

Community outreach:

By sharing this information, SDMAC aims to raise awareness about the substantial contribution of the military to the San Diego economy.

Connect!

Networking Opportunities:
Membership provides access to events, forums, and discussions where members connect with military leaders, government officials, and industry professionals. These connections foster collaboration and innovation aligned with SDMAC’s goals.

Our History

Since 2004, SDMAC has filled a vital role advancing the partnership and communication between the military, elected and appointed officials, and business leadership in the San Diego region. SDMAC was founded to establish a much-needed free exchange of information between our local military, elected officials, and the business community. The six original founders came from a variety of backgrounds including the San Diego Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, the local business community, legal profession, and retired Navy and Marine Corps officers.

In the early years, our local military bases were facing encroachment issues including a proposed relocation of the San Diego commercial airport to the Miramar Air Station. SDMAC supported our Military leaders by meeting with elected officials and educating the civilian community about the challenges and safety concerns of sharing air space. After being at the forefront of the San Diego Regional Airport Site Selection initiative, SDMAC became a leader in explaining the impacts from the Congressionally-authorized Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, helping our region benefit from the process while protecting our most valuable installations. SDMAC also assumed a leading role in protecting the strategic role of San Diego’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. More recently, SDMAC is currently working to support the NAVWAR Headquarters redevelopment project, working to improve employment opportunities for military spouses in California through temporary work licensing, and strengthening our relationships with elected officials at every level.