The State of California’s Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has awarded $33.7 million in competitive grant funding from the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program to Hitzke Development Corp. and Casa Familiar for their Avanzando housing project in San Ysidro. The project, located near public transit, will create 103 rental units, of which 101 will be affordable.   

“I am thrilled to see another AHSC grant awarded to our City,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “The Avanzando project is a perfect example of affordable transit-oriented housing done right. Residents will have access to key bus routes and our Trolley’s Blue Line for efficient daily commuting. We are proud to support this project, which also features pedestrian and bike lane upgrades, because residents deserve a range of convenient transportation options.”  

The City of San Diego is included as a sub-recipient partner for the award and will receive $320,000 to help develop the surrounding transportation infrastructure for the project. The City right-of-way improvements include a half mile of sidewalks with ADA-accessible pedestrian curb ramps and the conversion of two miles of Class II bike lanes into separated Class IV bikeways within the project area. The project will also feature transportation upgrades to Metropolitan Transit System assets, including 10 new bus shelters along the 906 and 907 bus routes and expanded weekend Trolley service on the Blue Line.  

“Casa Familiar is honored to receive this grant from the Strategic Growth Council,” said Lisa Cuestas, Executive Director of Casa Familiar. “This funding is a critical step in our mission to create equitable housing opportunities and to build a community where 103 families can thrive for generations. The Avanzando (Advancing) San Ysidro Community Land Trust project exemplifies our commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.”   
 
“Tackling the housing crisis requires more than just building homes; it demands a commitment to collaboration and innovation,” said Ginger Hitzke, president of Hitzke Development Corp. “This project exemplifies how we can come together with community partners like Casa Familiar and the City of San Diego to create lasting, sustainable and equitable housing solutions. By working collectively, we're not just addressing the immediate need for affordable housing, but we're also investing in the future of our communities.” 
  
The AHSC grant program is a state-funded initiative designed to support the development of affordable housing projects that promote environmental sustainability.  

Mayor Gloria’s administration joined several other jurisdictions to successfully urge the SGC to award AHSC funds by region, which has resulted in more equitable allocations across the state. Since Mayor Gloria took office, $74.8 million has been awarded from this program to build 293 homes in San Diego.