Marco Li Mandri
Little Italy Legacy Member
Born and raised on Columbia Street in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy, Marco Li Mandri has deep roots in the community he would later transform. He graduated from UC San Diego in 1976 with a Bachelor’s degree in Independent Study. In 1986, Marco married Laura, and together they raised their five children—Chrystal, Paul, John, Joey, and Dominic—in San Diego’s SDSU College Area and Kensington neighborhoods. Over the years, the Li Mandri family has grown to include their children’s spouses, Fred and Courtney, and their beloved grandchildren, Olivia and Mina.
In 1984, Marco launched San Diego Pasta, a fresh pasta market that supplied local restaurants. However, his passion for community development soon led him to become involved in revitalization efforts in Normal Heights. Starting as a stakeholder, Marco transitioned into the Business Improvement District (BID) field as a professional consultant.
In 1992, he founded The Marco Group, specializing in the formation and administration of assessment districts throughout Southern California. As his work expanded beyond state borders, Marco established New City America in 1995, broadening its focus to include Business Improvement Districts, Community Benefit Districts, Tourism Improvement Districts, Special Service Areas, and Neighborhood Improvement Districts.
Since 1996, Marco has led the creation of 98 assessment districts across the nation. Among his most notable achievements is the revitalization of San Diego’s Little Italy, now recognized as the most pristine and successful cultural Italian neighborhood in the United States. His leadership has turned it into one of the city’s most vibrant and desirable neighborhoods.
Marco’s expertise extends to numerous other districts, including Downtown Chula Vista, East Village, Downtown Glendale, Downtown Hayward, Western SOMA/San Francisco, Downtown Downey, Downtown New Bedford, Oakland’s Chinatown, Coast Village in Santa Barbara, and Lincoln Heights, among others.
In addition to hands-on revitalization, Marco has contributed to legislative efforts that support property-based maintenance districts. He authored a California State ordinance, adopted by cities such as San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland, providing greater flexibility in establishing property assessment districts.
Today, Marco Li Mandri is a national leader in business and community development revitalization. His visionary leadership has not only created thriving communities but also fostered economic development and enduring cultural vibrancy nationwide.
Marco Li Mandri was awarded the esteemed title of Little Italy Legacy Member, a lifetime honor, by the Little Italy Association Board of Directors on February 4, 2025. This recognition celebrates his exceptional service as the inaugural Chief Executive Administrator of the Association and his steadfast leadership spanning over 30 years. Grazie Mille, Marco!