Homelessness Fell 7% Across our Region

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City of San Diego: ADU Density Bonus Program

On May 15^th, the City of San Diego’s Land Use and Housing (LU&H) committee reviewed proposals to restrict the ADU Density Bonus program. The hearing was extremely well attended with strong turnout from both those that want the program to continue, and those that have been arguing for its end. Our organization has been a part of a coalition of pro-housing stakeholders who have been working with the City leadership to identify a path to preserving the ability to create housing through the program, while also making changes to moderate some of the more severe developments.

The robust discussion featured a strong contingent of NIMBY voices, and they were widely critical that ADU’s do not constitute homes. While this is a very specific program that is being reviewed, we are cognizant that the anti-housing vitriol is a major concern for our members broadly and are monitoring the strategy and engagement of these groups. In the end, the committee voted 3-1 (Lee, Elo-Rivera, Campillo- yes; Moreno- no) to forward the staff recommendation with a clean unit specific cap on units that could be built. Other pieces of the proposal, including fees on units and a two-story height limit, were also maintained. It should be mentioned, however, that all Councilmembers had a positive, pro-housing sentiment in their comments and Councilmember Moreno’s opposition was due to the fact that she felt the proposals were too restrictive, which we appreciate. The package is being forwarded on for full Council review next.

By Lori Pfeiler

New data from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness shows local cities and our region may finally be starting to turn the corner on homelessness. “Significant reductions in family homelessness and veteran homelessness led to an overall reduction of 7 percent in regionwide homelessness this year when compared to last year,” RTFH said Tuesday with its release of the results from the 2025 Point-in-Time Count (PIT). “The data shows noteworthy reductions in several cities that saw their numbers fall due to a series of investments, partnerships, and utilization of best practices.”

RTFH highlighted several citywide reductions in sheltered and unsheltered homelessness, including:

City of San Diego down 14 percent
Carlsbad down 15 percent
Encinitas down 12 percent
Oceanside down 9 percent
La Mesa down 9 percent
Chula Vista down 6 percent

Notable unsheltered decreases include:

Family homelessness across the county fell 72 percent
Veteran homelessness across the county fell 25 percent

“The progress is certainly encouraging,” RTFH CEO Tamera Kohler said. “The investments our region and cities have made are working, especially as they relate to veterans, family homelessness, and those needing a little financial assistance. I want to thank the elected leaders, providers, and other decision makers who have helped drive this change. I also want to stress the obvious: there’s more work to do. Too many people, for example, are living in their cars, and while we are moving closer toward eliminating family and veteran homelessness, we need more apartment owners and landlords willing to house people with assistance.”

Tamera is correct, of course. More work needs to be done. The more housing builders are allowed to build, the better off everyone is. New housing stock at any level creates opportunities for San Diegans and often frees up existing housing. HUD officials have said we have under built in San Diego for decades, and that is the main factor contributing to our homelessness crisis.

The BIA continues to advocate for fewer barriers to housing so our members can build more of the homes and apartments San Diegans can afford.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL RTFH NEWS RELEASE

Housing Advocates: there is strength in numbers so please forward this email to your network, including your employees. Help us grow our coalition of supporters advocating for more homes and apartments San Diegans can afford!