"Safe, high quality, affordable housing is essential to a thriving regional economy,” said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith. “We are grateful for the state’s investment in establishing a housing finance authority to bring safe, high quality, affordable communities to San Diego.”
SDRHFA leaders credited San Diego delegation members including Assemblymember Chris Ward, and Senators Catherine Blakespear, Brian Jones, Stephen Padilla, and Akilah Weber Pierson for their leadership and assistance in securing the funding.
The one-time funding is part of a combined $17.5 million allocated to California’s three regional housing agencies, including those serving the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It was included in Senate Bill 113 which was recently signed by Governor Newsom. Collectively, the three regional housing agencies represent more than 20 million California residents.
“We are grateful for the support of our legislators, our philanthropic partners, and our community. We are building the foundation for long-term, collaborative solutions that can expand affordable housing opportunities for working families, educators, and students throughout our region,” said Cody Petterson, Ph.D., San Diego Unified Trustee and Chair of the San Diego Regional Housing Finance Authority. “The state's investment reflects growing recognition that regional collaboration is essential to meeting California's housing needs.”
Locally, the SDCCD and San Diego Unified have already embarked on commitments to provide housing for their employees and students. San Diego Unified recently approved 2,500 workforce homes on five school properties, while the SDCCD has an 800-bed affordable student housing project underway at City College. The district also recently signed a lease agreement to convert a downtown office building into 60-units of apartments for students with partners and dependents.
“Affordable housing shapes whether families can build a future in San Diego and whether students can remain rooted in their schools,” said San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. “San Diego Unified is addressing this challenge on two fronts: advancing workforce housing on district-owned land and partnering through the San Diego Regional Housing Finance Authority to expand affordable housing solutions for students, families, and educators across the region. This state investment strengthens that broader regional work and helps make San Diego a place where families can stay, new families can put down roots, and educators and staff can live in the communities they serve.”
In August, the SDRHFA Board appointed an advisory committee with expertise in development and affordable housing solutions. The nine-member advisory committee is responsible for providing recommendations to the board and assisting in the development of funding guidelines and advising on the overall implementation of SB 440.
“California’s regional housing agencies partnering together is proof of the power of a regional approach- closely-knit communities working together across city and county lines to tackle shared challenges and design lasting solutions,” said Tomiquia Moss, Secretary of the California Housing and Homelessness Agency. “These funds create opportunities for local governments across the state to advance affordable housing production and preservation, enhance planning efforts, and strengthen vital services for millions of Californians.”
The state’s assistance will position the agency with the necessary internal infrastructure to pursue long-term financial sustainability via several strategies under consideration, including advancing a regional revenue measure as early as 2028, continuing to diversify its philanthropic funding base, and working with the state to support capacity development and funding for the education sector.
At the October 20 meeting of the SDRHFA Board, Senators Blakespear and Padilla, and Assemblymember Ward presented a ceremonial check and shared comments of support.
“I was glad to join other San Diego County legislators in advocating for $6.5 million from the state budget to fund the San Diego Regional Housing Finance Agency,” said Senator Catherine S. Blakespear. “This money will help provide much-needed affordable housing near jobs, school and transit. The formation and launch of SDRHFA is an exciting development that will help improve affordable housing options throughout the region.”
“This $6.5 million in state funding will allow San Diego to build more of the housing we desperately need to allow educators and other essential workers to live in the communities that they serve,” said Senator Steve Padilla. “I am proud to be part of this coalition of lawmakers, educators, and advocates that are making this vision a reality.”
"Housing affordability remains one of the greatest challenges facing San Diegans, and preserving housing near jobs, schools, and public transit is essential to keeping our communities accessible," said Assemblymember Chris Ward. "I’m proud to have worked alongside my San Diego colleagues to secure $6.5 million to support the San Diego Regional Housing Finance Agency’s housing preservation efforts while building the financial infrastructure needed for long-term sustainability. This investment will strengthen local partnerships, preserve much-needed housing, and help ensure more San Diegans can afford to live and thrive in the communities they call home."