San Diego County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Diego County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Surplus land sale on Cottonwood and Magnolia avenues
The county is auctioning 11.71 acres on Cottonwood Avenue and declaring 12 more acres on Magnolia Avenue surplus. After the sale, the City of Santee — not the county — controls land use.
Housing and community development funding plan
A public hearing was scheduled on the FY 2027-28 Annual Plan Strategy, which decides how federal housing dollars — CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA — get spent in the county. Residents could weigh in on where those needs are greatest.
Tenant Legal Services and Fair Housing Program Solicitation
The county authorized a competitive procurement for tenant legal assistance and fair housing education to protect renters from displacement and housing discrimination.
Housing for All Framework and Innovative Housing Trust Fund
The county adopted the Housing for All framework to streamline housing programs and reviewed the trust fund's 5-year progress in financing affordable housing developments region-wide.
York Drive Senior Living Project and Sewer Alignment Appeal
Neighbors appealed a major senior housing project over concerns about sewer line upgrades, environmental impacts, and tree removal along their properties.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Separate Sales
The county is looking at allowing homeowners to separately sell ADUs as condominiums under state law AB 1033. Supervisors want to add rules to protect first-time homebuyers and prevent investors from buying them all up as rentals.
Ocean View Boulevard Affordable Housing and Health Center
The county approved agreements to transform county land on Ocean View Boulevard into 121 affordable housing units and a health clinic. The project combines vital health services with housing for low-income families.
County Charter Modernization Measure
The board voted to place sweeping governance reforms on the November ballot, creating independent watchdogs for ethics, budgeting, and program effectiveness, while aligning term limits to 12 years.
San Pasquale Academy Future and Foster Youth Services
The county considered closing the historic San Pasquale Academy residential foster campus due to declining enrollment and state policy shifts toward family-based care. After intense public outcry from students, alumni, and community leaders, the board voted to pause the closure and demand a long-term plan.
Transitional Age Youth Housing in Vista
The board approved $1.8 million in reserve funds to help build 35 permanent supportive housing units for former foster youth in partnership with Dignity Moves and Casa de Amparo.
CalAIM Partnership for Homeless Outreach Services
The county shifted $1.1 million from an unsuccessful sleeping cabin initiative into a proven homeless diversion program that helps families stay housed before losing their homes.
County Workforce Vacancies and Recruitment
Staff reported that county vacancies have dropped to 5.1%, though labor representatives warned that frontline staffing shortages still strain workloads.
Behavioral Health Services Department Reorganization
The county is moving forward with transforming Behavioral Health Services into a distinct department separate from HHSA to improve mental health and substance use care coordination.
First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program
The board voted to study the feasibility of creating a county-funded first-time homebuyer assistance program to help families navigate high housing costs and limited inventory.
Public Housing Agency Annual Plan and Rental Assistance Administration
The county administers rental assistance and public housing programs for over 25,000 residents. The board approved annual updates and HUD plan submissions to secure ongoing funding and financial repositioning.
Healthcare Trailer Permit Duration
Permits for temporary healthcare trailers on residential lots can now last up to five years instead of needing annual renewals, helping families care for aging or sick relatives.