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Dear Neighbor,
Last week was a remarkable one for our City in terms of housing. I had the honor of attending the openings of three new affordable housing projects.
Each development is an example of how our City's pro-housing policies and programs are successfully removing barriers and encouraging the construction of homes that San Diegans of all income levels can afford.
These developments benefited from various City initiatives designed to encourage development, including streamlined permitting processes and creating incentives for builders.
One of the developments, for example, is a new 100% affordable project in Grantville called ShoreLINE, which has 124 homes for hardworking, very low-income San Diegans. Its location at a trolley stop gives residents transportation choices, which in turn helps us meet our climate action goals. This project benefitted from an update to the Navajo Community Plan that made this project eligible for streamlined permitting.
Our community plan update process is just one way we’re facilitating new housing construction in San Diego. My administration has also passed two Housing Action Packages to make it easier to build more affordable and middle-income housing.
Our Bridge to Home initiative has provided tens of millions of dollars to housing builders in gap-financing assistance. And, through our Affordable Housing Permit Now and Complete Communities Now programs, we’re speeding up permitting to get shovels in the ground – and front-door keys in the hands of residents – faster.
Building more homes that San Diegans can afford is key to solving nearly every challenge we face as a city. It’s the way to lower the cost of housing, putting more hard-earned dollars back in the pockets of San Diegans.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.
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Calling on San Diego Landlords to Help House San Diegans Displaced by January Storms
San Diego city leaders are rallying the community to aid in the effort to secure housing for those displaced by the Jan. 22 storm and flooding.
Our goal is clear: to help house hundreds of people who are currently staying in hotel rooms under the County of San Diego’s Emergency Temporary Lodging Program.
At the urging of myself and other regional officials, the County has extended the lodging program for storm victims from its original end date of May 11 to June 21. Those who have not found apartments to rent while they wait for home repairs to be completed are at risk of homelessness.
I am reaching out directly to San Diego-area landlords now asking them to help by providing housing for these people whose lives were upended in the storm. I’m also asking people who own short-term rentals and any available residences to consider offering them as resources for residents impacted by the storm.
Interested landlords are encouraged to upload information about their available units to affordablehousing.com to help storm-impacted families identify potential rental housing. Select the “Owners” drop-down menu and choose “List Your Property."
Displaced residents are eligible for temporary rental subsidies financed through various sources and funds, but the competitive San Diego rental market poses a substantial hurdle to rehousing those affected.
It’s crucial we relay any and all open and available units to affordablehousing.com to help storm-impacted San Diegans still in need of housing find a place to live.
I am grateful to anyone who is willing to step forward to assist their fellow San Diegans.
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Over 9,800 Tons of Debris Removed, $24 Million in Aid for Residents Due to the Emergency Declaration
The City continues to address the impacts of the January 22 storm by removing debris and maintaining essential infrastructure in the neighborhoods hit hardest by the extreme rains and flooding.
To date, 9,801 tons of storm-related debris have been removed, and 60 stormwater channel segments spanning 17.4 miles, primarily along Chollas Creek, have been diligently maintained to prevent future flooding and enhance our City's storm resilience.
Looking forward, we are shifting resources to prioritize continued maintenance of these 17-plus miles of channels and investing more than $700 million in stormwater capital improvement projects over the next four years. The City is also sponsoring two state bills designed to help our region better prepare and react more effectively to flooding.
Our collaboration with FEMA has brought tangible relief to many storm-impacted San Diegans. As of April 29, FEMA has approved a total of $24.1 million in federal funding to help people get back on their feet. This includes $20.1 million for housing assistance and approximately $4 million for other needs, benefiting a total of 3,127 people in San Diego County who were impacted by the storm.
While we have made significant progress, there is still more work to be done on our path to recovery. We remain committed to not only rebuilding, but also strengthening our community's foundation in the wake of this natural disaster.
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GETTING IT DONE: FIXING OUR STREETS | |
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Road Repair in City Heights, Encanto, Linda Vista and Serra Mesa
The City’s Transportation Department continues to fix our streets through the effective slurry seal program, extending road life and improving safety. The latest slurry seal project includes revitalized streets for residents in City Heights, Encanto, Linda Vista, and Serra Mesa.
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Celebrating Homeownership
I joined the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals for their Cinco de Mayo event, where I recognized the crucial work they do in helping San Diego's Hispanic community achieve homeownership. I also got to share more information about our pro-housing City’s policies that are working to help both renters and buyers navigate our housing crisis.
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Highlighting the Work of Mama’s Kitchen
I had the pleasure of attending the Mama’s Day event supporting Eva Matthews in her new role as CEO of Mama’s Kitchen. This wonderful event showcased San Diego’s vibrant food scene while working to raise awareness about the work Mama’s Kitchen does delivering millions of meals to our community members facing serious illnesses.
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Unity and Community at the Chicano Federation Luncheon
I was honored to join community leaders and supporters at the Chicano Federation Unity Luncheon this year. This important event celebrates the significant impact of the Chicano Federation's programs, which empower and support our diverse communities. It was a great opportunity to connect with hardworking people who are united in their mission to enhance the wellbeing of San Diegans.
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Stepping Up for Pets: San Diego Humane Society’s Walk for Animals
“First Dog” Diego and I were proud to join the San Diego Humane Society for their 30th annual Walk for Animals at NTC Park at Liberty Station. It was a heartwarming event celebrating our community’s dedication to animal welfare and to helping the Humane Society care for more than 40,000 animals every year. As a fellow rescue parent, I want to see more animals like Diego get a chance at a better life.
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Youth Opportunity Pass Program
All riders 18 and under will be able to ride MTS and North County Transit District (NCTD) services for FREE with a Youth PRONTO app account, or a Youth PRONTO card.
The Youth Opportunity Pass is a pilot program, sponsored by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and County of San Diego, through June 30, 2026.
To be eligible for the Youth Opportunity Pass, riders 18 & under must have a Youth PRONTO app account, or a PRONTO Youth card, and travel with proof of eligibility. (Kids 5 & under ride MTS and NCTD free at all times, and don’t need a card or proof of eligibility.)
You can request to change to a reduced fare card online using our PRONTO Online Application. Read the PRONTO Online Application FAQs to learn how to change to a reduced fare card online then login to your PRONTO account to access the online application form.
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Flood Relief Grants Available for San Diego Residents
The Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR), in partnership with the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR), has announced the availability of a $1.16 million grant from the REALTORS® Relief Foundation to aid those affected by the January floods.
This crucial funding aims to support recovery efforts for homeowners and renters whose residences were damaged in the storms, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods such as Encanto, Mountain View, Southcrest, Lemon Grove, National City, and Spring Valley.
Eligible residents can apply for assistance here. Each approved applicant can receive a check equivalent to their monthly housing payment, up to a maximum of $2,900. This initiative is a testament to the dedication of our real estate community in helping families recover and sustain their homes after such devastating events.
The REALTORS® Relief Foundation, established in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, continues its mission to provide housing-related aid in disaster-stricken areas. This grant opportunity follows a disaster declaration by the U.S. President, underscoring the severity of the January storms which impacted nearly 2,400 households and caused extensive damage.
All eligible San Diegans are encouraged to apply for this grant and take a step towards rebuilding their lives.
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Community Feedback on the Sports Arena Redevelopment Process
Join the Midway Rising team at Mission Bay High School for an informational workshop on May 7 at 6 p.m. to learn more about the Sports Arena redevelopment process.
To RSVP, please click here.
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Coastal Resilience Master Plan
The City received grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the California State Coastal Conservancy to develop a Coastal Resilience Master Plan.
The Coastal Resilience Master Plan is an implementation action of Climate Resilient SD. The plan will identify nature-based solutions for locations along San Diego's coast to improve the resilience of our communities to sea level rise while also benefiting wildlife, habitat and natural coastal resources.
The plan will include the development of concept-level designs for six locations along San Diego's coast, a pilot project technical studies and completion of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental analysis.
Throughout plan development, the City will engage with stakeholders and community members through a stakeholder advisory committee, pop-up engagement events, and community workshops and webinars.
Pop-Up Events
May 11, 2024
La Jolla Shores Park: 9 am – 12 pm
May 25, 2024
Belmont Park at Mission Beach: 9 am – 12 pm
Get more information here.
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Annual High School Registration Challenge
The City launched the Shirley N. Weber Voter Registration Challenge for high schoolers!
This month-long challenge aims to encourage students to register to vote and eligible students ages 16 and 17 to pre-register.
Get the details on Inside San Diego.
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Homeowners Can Now Apply for City of San Diego’s Low or No-Cost Lead Paint Hazard Abatement Services
The City has launched the San Diego Residential Lead Abatement Program (SDRLAP), funded by a multi-million-dollar settlement with three paint companies after prolonged litigation.
The program aims to eliminate toxic lead hazards from homes within the city, particularly benefiting low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. This initiative is a direct response to the dangers posed by lead exposure, which significantly affects children's health and development.
Homeowners can apply to have their properties inspected for led paint and, if needed, abated at minimal to no cost. The process may include temporary relocation, provided confidentially. Renters are advised to engage landlords about participating.
Further information and applications are available at sdhealthyhomes.org.
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Environmental Services Department Events
The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is excited to announce a series of recycling events and programs dedicated to support our community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Whether you are a seasoned recycler or just starting out, there’s something for everyone! Check out our upcoming events and join us in making a positive impact
Upcoming Recycling Events and Programs:
1. Organic Waste Recycling Webinar
Date/Time/Location: May 7, 2024, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Zoom
Description: Join this free webinar to learn more about the City of San Diego’s curbside Organic Waste Recycling Program, what it means for City of San Diego residents, and how to participate at home. During this one-hour webinar, you will learn how to reduce food waste in the kitchen through meal planning and food storage, how to properly dispose of food waste through the curbside Organic Waste Recycling Program, what types of waste can be put in the green bin, and why it’s so important to divert organic waste from the landfill.
Register here
2. Vermicomposting Basics Webinar
Date/Time/Location: May 8th, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Zoom
Description: Composting with worms has benefits for everyone, whether you want to divert kitchen scraps from the landfill, compost in small spaces, or create a natural fertilizer for your plants. This free webinar will teach you how to start and maintain a happy home for red wiggler composting worms.
Register Here.
3. Miramar Landfill Bus Tours
Date/Time/Location: May 11, 2024, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Miramar Landfill (5180 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111)
Description: Join a free two-hour bus tour that will give you a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when you dispose of waste and clear up the mystery of “throwing something away.” Each tour is available to City of San Diego residents ONLY. ESD’s partner, I Love A Clean San Diego, will explain the City of San Diego’s goal to reach zero waste by 2040 and how your daily actions impact the Miramar Landfill. You will not only learn about the importance of zero waste, but also be given the tools to get there. Other tour highlights include the Allan Company Recycling Facility, the Miramar Greenery and the Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility. Additional dates available in the registration link.
Register here
The Environmental Services Department is looking forward to having you! If you have any questions about any events, please reach out to SDRecyclingWorks@sandiego.gov.
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Mountain View and Spring Valley Disaster Recovery Centers to Become SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers
The State/Federal Disaster Recovery Centers in Mountain View and Spring Valley have converted into U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Outreach Centers.
The transition of the Mountain View and Spring Valley Disaster Recovery Centers to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers will better meet the current needs of San Diego County residents impacted by the January storms and flooding.
SBA representatives will continue to answer questions, explain the application process, help businesses apply for a low-interest disaster loan and close their approved disaster loans.
The Disaster Loan Outreach Centers will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary:
SAN DIEGO COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Mountain View Community Center Meeting Room
641 S. Boundary St. San Diego, CA 92113
Opens at 9 a.m. Monday, April 22
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Spring Valley Library
836 Kempton St. Spring Valley, CA 91977
Opens at 10 a.m. Monday, April 22
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesdays, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Fridays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Although the deadline to apply for a loan for property damage has passed, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size still have until Nov. 19, 2024, to apply for an economic injury disaster loan to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster
Economic injury loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years.
Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Again, the deadline to apply for economic injury is Nov. 19, 2024.
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Office of the Mayor
202 C St., 11th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
619-236-6330
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