Local Policy Updates: March 12, 2021

San Diego Land Use & Housing Committee discusses prioritiesAt its February 18th meeting, the San Diego City Council Land Use & Housing Committee discussed its 2021 work plan, laying out policy priorities for the committee’s work for the year. The comprehensive work plan includes many of SDHF’s policy priorities, including: preservation of existing affordable housing, identifying public land for affordable housing opportunities, and new funding for the construction of affordable housing. SDHF commented in support of the work plan and committee members Stephen Whitburn (Chair), Sean Elo-Rivera (Vice Chair), Joe LaCava, and Vivian Morenoshared their enthusiasm to get to work on the plan and bring impactful housing policies to the full City Council for adoption. The full work plan can be viewed here.

Final AHSC Guidelines adoptedFollowing a lengthy process that included three public comment periods, the Strategic Growth Council voted on February 24 to adopt final guidelines for the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program. The guidelines include geographic targets aimed at better distributing program funds statewide. The County of San Diego is defined as a geographic area as a part of this targeting and following a robust advocacy effort from the San Diego Housing Federation, City of San Diego, SANDAG, and other stakeholders after the region did not receive a single award in the last round. With the new geographic targets in place, the San Diego region stands a much better chance to receive AHSC funds moving forward. SDHF continues to work with city staff, SANDAG staff, and staff at the Strategic Growth Council to advocate for San Diego to receive a fair share of funds from this program.