Steve Castaneda, CEO

Steve has been called an "entitlement whisperer." He is an expert in land use, regulation and transportation infrastructure issues. Moreover, his experience has spanned the geographic landscape of California, from the coastal zone to inland agricultural areas.

In California, public support for development is a must – and Steve has a well-honed ability to lead coalition building and advocacy. He augments this skill with technical ability, managing teams of experts in preparing project applications that address concerns raised by decision makers.

Steve's ability to shepherd a project through the regulatory approval process is unmatched in Southern California. Recent successes have included the 2024 California Coastal Commission approval of the Huntington Beach mixed-use project known as Magnolia Tank Farm. With experience in residential, commercial/visitor-serving and industrial developments, he understands how to gain consensus and support for both public and private sector projects.

In addition to land use, Steve applies his knowledge of the California communities to manage government and utility program enrollment initiatives.

He has served his own community of Chula Vista, a large city within San Diego County, in elected and appointed offices, giving him a keen understanding of how government works. He is currently serving as a Sweetwater Authority Board member and president of South Bay Water, and serves as its delegate to the San Diego County Water Authority. He has served as a Chula Vista City Council member, and as a Board member of the Metropolitan Transit System, among other roles.

With a passion for mentoring others and sharing his experience with the next generation, he is a lifetime member of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials. He is also a board member of the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon, and a board member of South Bay Pioneers, a residential recovery program in Chula Vista.