From the Mayor's Desk

From the Mayor's Desk: Advancing Housing Solutions for a Stronger San Diego 

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Following the incredible year we had in 2023 in issuing permits for new homes, we made significant progress in 2024 toward ensuring every resident has a roof over their head at a price they can afford. Here's a snapshot of some of the milestones achieved: 

 

Permitting More Homes 
 

According to preliminary data, San Diego issued permits for approximately 8,500 new homes, a major leap from prior years, continuing the momentum set in 2023 with nearly 10,000 homes permitted. Programs created through two of my executive orders have helped by speeding up permitting for 33 projects with more than 3,500 homes – and we have another 3,500 in the pipeline. 
 

Policy Breakthroughs 
 

Housing Action Package 2.0 encourages innovative housing solutions like repurposing parking lots and shopping malls, incentivizing student housing, streamlining project approvals, and more.  
 

Complete Communities Now was launched, requiring City departments to review qualifying housing projects within 30 days, accelerating housing near transit and building on the success of 2023’s Affordable Housing Permit Now program. 
 

Direct Investments in Housing 
 

The Bridge to Home program awarded $24 million in its fourth round of funding, supporting affordable housing developments. Since its inception, the program has invested $90 million into 22 projects, creating nearly 2,000 affordable apartments in neighborhoods from Rancho Bernardo to San Ysidro. 
 

Comprehensive Planning Updates 
 

Key community plan updates for Hillcrest and University City increased housing capacity while supporting local industries. Blueprint SD, a forward-thinking update to the General Plan, prioritized housing and job growth near transit. 
 

Streamlining Housing Approvals 
 

Enhancements to permitting programs, such as rapid review and self-certification, accelerated timelines for eligible projects, making it easier for residents to do projects like remodeling homes or installing solar panels. 
 

State Recognition 
 

State leaders praised San Diego for its leadership in streamlining housing policies, setting a gold standard for cities across California.

 

From building more housing to passing reforms that make housing construction easier and faster, 2024 demonstrated my commitment to tackling the housing crisis head-on. 

 

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