Mayor Cheryl Cox

Cheryl Cox, Mayor Of Chula Vista

Cheryl Cox was sworn in as the City of Chula Vista’s 39th mayor on December 6, 2006.  In her first year in office, Mayor Cox initiated an Independent Financial Review of the City’s finances to identify the reasons behind the City’s fiscal problems and offer recommendations that would ensure a sustainable approach to budgeting in future years.

The Urban Core Specific Plan, a zoning document that lays the foundation for revitalization and redevelopment in the northwest area of the city, received Council approval in the spring of 2007. One year later, the plan, which promotes green building standards and provides for mixed-use development, a modern public transit system and walkable neighborhoods, was singled out for an award from the Urban Land Institute.

Other milestones early in the Mayor’s term include establishing a civic engagement strategy for Southwest Chula Vista and opening up the H Street view corridor by demolishing vacant industrial buildings along the bayfront.

In an effort to help residents learn more about how their government works, Mayor Cox launched her first Citizens’ Leadership Academy in September 2007. The Academy has become so successful, a waiting list exists for each new session.

Also in 2007, Mayor Cox welcomed the opening of the new South Bay Expressway, a direct route to new shopping centers and restaurants in eastern Chula Vista. To encourage Chula Vistans to spend locally, the Mayor launched the continuing Shop/Dine Chula Vista campaign.

Until her election, Cox worked for more than 35 years as a teacher, school principal, school district office administrator, and college instructor.  She served six years on the Chula Vista Elementary School District Board of Trustees.  During her 11 years as a member of Sharp Healthcare’s Board, she worked on plans to improve and expand hospital outpatient and emergency services.

Mayor Cox became a member of the City’s Charter Review Commission in 2002, and was named to the City’s ad hoc Committee for Campaign Finance Reform.   From 2003-2005, Cox was a charter member of an independent, 10-member Urban Development Committee, studying how redevelopment can work in positive and productive ways. For several years, she was a governmental relations and education consultant.

Mrs. Cox received a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego, a master’s degree in political science from San Diego State University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California. 

In 2007, she received the San Diego Urban Corps’ Kate Sessions Environmental Award, the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership and Involvement Award, and was selected for Hilltop High School’s Hall of Fame.  In 2008, the California Women’s Leadership Association recognized the Mayor with a Trailblazer Award. 

Mayor Cox is the daughter of retired Navy officer John Willett, Chula Vista’s Volunteer-at-Large, wife of San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, and mother of two adult daughters.