Housing shortage and homelessness response
High costs of living drive ongoing housing and homelessness challenges; the county budget and Measure B discussions include affordable/supportive housing interventions, with funds also linked to behavioral health. It remains a top priority alongside safety-net protections amid federal policy shifts affecting vulnerable residents.
What approach should San Diego County take on housing shortage and homelessness?
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Sources
San Diego County — https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cao/edga/county-legislative-advocacy/2026.html
Housing and homelessness: Affordable/supportive housing, interventions; high costs of living as driver
County News Center — https://www.countynewscenter.com/county-adopts-balanced-9-16b-budget-investing-in-community-services-and-long-term-stability/
Boosts for... housing/homelessness... Taps ~$95 million in one-time reserves for social programs, housing, and Tijuana projects
San Diego Union-Tribune — https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/10/04/sales-tax-hike-social-programs-are-defining-this-low-key-race-for-the-board-of-supervisors/
Key divides: sales tax/social programs... affordability/housing density
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Heavily invest new tax and reserve funds in supportive housing plus services for all in need
- Expand affordable and supportive housing tied to behavioral health and safety-net programs
- Increase targeted housing interventions while requiring treatment participation where possible
- Balance new housing units with enforcement against encampments and local zoning flexibility
- Focus on shelter capacity and job programs rather than permanent supportive housing growth
- Reduce county housing spending; emphasize private development and personal responsibility
- Oppose new housing density mandates and tax-funded programs as ineffective government overreach