Knauss School of Management researchers compile new report on NAVWAR’s impact on San Diego’s economy

At an event Tuesday, the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) and the University of San Diego Knaus School of Management released the 2024 Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) Economic Impact Report. This report, compiled by USD researchers, describes the significant impact NAVWAR will have on the region’s economy.

Key findings include:

• In fiscal year 2022, NAVWAR was responsible for $3.14 billion to $3.38 billion in gross regional product (GRP) for the San Diego region economy.
• In the San Diego area, NAVWAR directly employs more than 5,300 people. Considering wages and benefits, NAVWAR’s workforce contributes $910 million to the local economy.
• NAVWAR businesses are responsible for more than 18,800 jobs across the region. Contracts signed by NAVWAR reach businesses across the country. More importantly, many of these contracts are awarded to local companies large and small, disproportionately benefiting the San Diego region.

“As the voice of the local military, SDMAC wanted to produce a report that would help the community better understand the critical economic importance of the Navy’s NAVWAR operations in the San Diego region,” said SDMAC President Mark Ballmert, CEO and Chief Executive Officer, said: “An independent, rigorous analysis by a team at USD’s Knauss School of Business does just that, showing that our community benefits by providing many high-paying jobs to people across San Diego County. Masu.”

The report is significant because it comes at a time when the Navy is considering redeveloping the approximately 70.3-acre Naval Base Point Loma Old Town campus that is home to NAVWAR. Earlier this month, the Navy announced it had selected Manchester Financial Group/Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate as a potential master developer for the site. The potential redevelopment would benefit the area by building and operating new commercial facilities, much-needed residential facilities, and important transportation facilities.

“The University of San Diego is proud to partner with SDMAC to highlight the significant contributions NAVWAR has made to our region,” said Executive Director of USD’s Knauss School of Business and Burnham Moores Real Estate Center. Director Stas Karas said. “Our support for this report was driven by USD’s commitment to serving as San Diego’s central institution and the university of choice for our military-connected community.”

Researchers from the University of San Diego Knaus School of Management, in collaboration with consultants from DPFG, used IMPLAN software to determine the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of NAVWAR on local gross regional product and employment.