Downtown Planning and Policy Update 10.27.2023

DSDP Updates

Public Policy

Ballots are now out for the November 7 special election for County Supervisor District 4. Vote now!

The City of San Diego has opened a new Safe Sleeping program for unhoused residents. The O Lot Safe Sleeping site, located on City property at the edge of Balboa Park near the Naval Medical Center, has capacity for up to 400 tents, each allowing space for two people. In addition to tents, the program is providing on-site amenities and services, including meals, restrooms, showers, laundry, storage trailers, case management, basic needs assistance and resource referrals. Operators include Dreams for Change and the Downtown San Diego Partnership.

On Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors voted (4-0) to draft an Unsafe Camping Ordinance similar to one recently passed in the City of San Diego.

Local San Diego delegates sent a letter on Tuesday to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development urging a change to their homelessness funding formula. San Diego has the eight largest homeless population, yet receives the 14th highest amount of Continuum of Care funding. The formula was last updated in 1977.

Today, SANDAG allocated $3 million from a Caltrans grant to the "Downtown Central Mobility Hub and Connections" project. With over 37,000 residents and more than 76,000 employees in Downtown San Diego, the area serves as a major employment and entertainment hub, as well as a significant commercial center. The project will enhance the transportation options for both San Diegans and visitors, making it easier for them to navigate and enjoy our vibrant Downtown.

Today, we thanked SANDAG for allocating $3 million from a Caltrans grant to the "Downtown Central Mobility Hub and Connections" project. With over 37,000 residents and 76,000 employees in Downtown, the area serves as a major employment and entertainment hub, as well as a significant commercial center. The project will enhance the transportation options for both San Diegans and visitors, making it easier for them to navigate and enjoy our vibrant Downtown.

Economic Development

San Diego’s new campaign expedites citywide sidewalk repairs by notifying property owners of their repair duty, waiving a $2,200 permit fee, and simplifying the approval process. Property owners will be notified of their responsibility for sidewalk damage without enforcement actions. Instead of the current process involving multiple reviews, they can hire a contractor and submit before-and-after photos for repairs.

On Monday, the Development Services Department (DSD) will convert all active Project Tracking System (PTS) “hybrid” Discretionary Permit applications to a fully cloud-based, online permitting system. The digital conversion replaces the interim "hybrid submittal process" implemented between May 2020 and Dec. 2021 to maintain permitting services during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The San Diego Tourism Authority is currently accepting applications for its Accelerator 2024 program. This initiative is designed to support ten businesses in San Diego led by individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women, veterans, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ community members. Applications due November 22.

SANDAG has granted the City of San Diego $4.8 million for the construction of affordable housing. Key elements of this grant include a $2.5 million allocation for a pilot program aimed at assisting with development impact fees and $650,000 designated for the establishment of a Master Plan for Affordable Home Development.

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

Mon. Oct 30

City Council @ 10 am & 2 pm

Tues. Oct 31

City Council @ 10 am & 2 pm

Housing Authority @ 2 pm

Weds. Nov 1

Rules Committee @ 9 am

Thurs. Nov 2

Community and Neighborhood Services Committee @ 1 pm