San Diego County’s COC Consolidation: Transforming Operations for a More Efficient Future

Enhancing Efficiency Through Consolidation
The County of San Diego is undertaking a major consolidation effort at its County Operations Center (COC) to streamline services and enhance operational efficiency at the campus. This consolidation project reprograms 475,000 SF spanning four 4-story office buildings. When complete, the project will strategically support the essential programs of the Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) while optimizing the County’s use of space and resources.

Three years ago, the roof on the Health Services Complex became unstable, precipitating an immediate relocation of all staff in the building. With an increased adoption of remote work, the project leverages a more functional and centralized facility to meet the needs of both County staff and the public. Twelve departments collaborated to reduce 125,000 SF and prioritize visitor parking to relocate seven HHSA departments to the campus. The consolidation project will optimize public-facing operations while incorporating specialized spaces such as a vaccine refrigeration room, emergency command centers, training labs, and mud rooms for field staff, ensuring departments have the space and infrastructure necessary to serve the community effectively.  

A Multi-Phased Approach to Minimize Disruption
For a smooth transition, the County is executing the consolidation project in seven phases, with each phase completing construction, furniture installation, and move-in within an 8-week timeframe. This approach allows departments to relocate in a coordinated manner while maintaining operational continuity. By strategically sequencing moves, embracing open lines of communication, and managing procurement efficiently, the project team is reducing downtime and avoiding disruptions to essential services. Each phase is designed to align with the County’s broader vision of optimizing resources and enhancing service delivery.

Investing in the County’s Future
When complete, the project will increase the campus population to approximately 3,500 employees, with nearly all County departments represented under one roof. More than a tenant improvement, the COC Consolidation project represents a forward-thinking investment in the County’s future—one that prioritizes streamlined operations, enhanced collaboration, and improved public service delivery for years to come.

Project Partners
Client: County of San Diego
Architect: HED
MEP: McParlane & Associates
General Contractor: Align Builders
Developer: LOWE
County of San Diego Teams: General Services, Alternate Public Defender, Auditor & Controller, County Counsel, County Fire, Environmental Health, Human Resources, Parks & Recreation, Planning & Development Services, Public Defender, and Public Works