ABOUT US

We are a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit dedicated to economic justice

Mission

To inspire public interest in basic economics, including the important role of land and natural resources in promoting liberty, justice, and prosperity in San Diego County and the State of California

Vision

A fair and just society arises from citizens keeping more of their earned income and a fair tax system that generates public revenue in a way that minimizes disincentives for work and production.

Our Board Members

George Gastil

Vice President

George Gastil teaches History at San Diego State University. He brings experience as a former elected official, having served on the Lemon Grove School Board and the Lemon Grove City Council. During much of his time on the City Council, George represented his city on the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors and on the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). Since he was very young, George has been interested in thinkers with a broad view of economic and social change, such as Henry George, E.F. Schumacher, and R.H. Tawney.

Alan Ridley

President

Alan Ridley has been President of the Foundation for Economic Justice for 12 years. A retired career consultant, he spent his professional career in student services at Cuyamaca College, where he worked in the Career Center supporting students in their academic and professional paths. In addition to his leadership at FEJ, Alan Ridley is an accomplished fencing instructor and manages the foundation’s internship program.

Ted Gwartney

Treasurer

Ted Gwartney, MAI, is a real estate economist and appraisal. From 1975-1986 he organized and was the Assesment Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (Deputy Minister of Finance) of the British Columbia Assessment Authority in Canada. President of the American Journal of Economics and Sociology. President, of the Council of Georgist Organizations. Former President, of the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation. Former Professor, in the Department of Law, on Real Estate Appraisal, at Baruch College, New York. Expert witness in the Connecticut Superior Courts.

Our History

The Foundation for Economic Justice is the newest chapter in a local legacy that began more than a century ago. Inspired by the economic thought of Henry George and advanced in San Diego by leaders such as General Joseph Pendleton, USMC, and Superior Court Judge C. N. Andrews.

The work started as the Single Tax Association of San Diego and has carried forward through four generations of civic and educational efforts. Today we continue that mission, advocating for a more just, equitable, and livable San Diego through research, public education, and community engagement.

1st

Single Tax Association of San Diego

Founded to promote Henry George’s principles of economic justice.

2nd

Henry George School of San Diego

An educational center near San Diego State University dedicated to teaching Henry Georges principles.

3rd

Basic Economic Education, Inc.

Organization based in San Diego’s Linda Vista, expanding outreach and engagement.

4th – Today

The Foundation for Economic Justice

Carrying this proud legacy forward and continuing the work started by these previous organizations.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We’re committed to safe, respectful dialogue—and we use your input to shape our work. Share what issues impact you most in San Diego, what you want to see change, and anything else you’d like us to know.