Meet the BIA San Diego Legislative Team

Policy Consultant

Stefanie Benvenuto

Stefanie has been working in legislative affairs since 2009 and specifically in San Diego’s business community since 2015. You can contact Stefanie with any questions regarding the Public Policy Council, Urban Council, South County Legislative Affairs, the BIA working group, or County Legislative affairs committees.

stefanie@pacpublicaffairs.com

BIA PAC Consultant

James Lawson

James is a long-time San Diego political operator with roots in City Hall. Today, he handles all of the BIA’s PAC and campaign engagements.

james@pacpublicaffairs.com

Legislative Affairs & Outreach Manager

Caylin Frank

Caylin has worked in government affairs and public policy since 2007, most recently as a councilmember in the city of Poway. While managing our legislative department, she handles community outreach and all issues in North and East County.

caylin@biasandiego.org

Executive Assistant

Jen Morales

Jen serves as Executive Assistant and supports the office in all aspects of daily operations. She provides essential administrative and meeting support to the legislative team, ensuring smooth coordination and efficiency across all activities. Please contact her for any questions you have regarding meeting logistics. 

jen@biasandiego.org

"Oceanside Onward" Initiative

Following the previous public review period in June 2024, the City of Oceanside has revised the General Plan Update, Smart & Sustainable Corridors Specific Plan, Climate Action Plan Update and associated environmental documents based on community input and technical review. Staff invites public review and feedback on the project’s Draft Recirculated Program Environmental Impact Report (Draft RPEIR) during the 45-day public review period from December 18, 2025, through February 1, 2026. The BIA will be submitting comments on behalf of our members, so please take some time to review the documents and share any feedback directly with Caylin Frank (caylin@biasandiego.org) to ensure we accurately reflect the needs and concerns of our housing community.

Historic Reform Package "A" Heading

to Committee

On January 14^th the Land Use & Housing Committee will consider the first of two important historic reform packages. For over a year, Historic Resources staff has worked to create policies and procedures that would streamline and provide clarity for projects challenged by historic designations. Most will recall that the most substantial pieces of the proposal are expected in Package B, which we do not expect to see until later 2026. The LU&H committee will hear Package A, which is largely procedural and govern things like the appointments. There was a notable win, however, with Package A when staff agreed that appeals of non-designations would be limited to the property owner versus by any member of the public. Staff will be present to speak in favor of Package A, and are hopeful that momentum will lend itself to Package B. If you’d like to attend and would benefit from speaking points, please contact Stefanie at stefanie@pacpublicaffairs.com.

LDC Language Out, Heading to Planning Commission

The 2025 Land Development Code Update (LDC) has had its language published in full, and can be reviewed here. Since publication, members have been reviewing and identifying priority items including the elimination of the DIF waiver for small units in CCHS; transition plane application city-wide; CCHS for sale; and certain provisions pertaining to affordable housing, among others. It is now scheduled to be heard on February 14^th for its first public hearing at the Planning Commission, where we intend to be present to speak to our concerns and the items that we are supportive of. As our position letter is drafted, we ask any interested members to review the language and provide feedback as soon as possible to Stefanie at stefanie@pacpublicaffairs.com. 

Project Greenlight

Ryan Companies, Oceanside Development

A Project Greenlight request has come in from Ryan Companies for their development of 373 mixed-income apartments (38 for low-income households) and 17,500 sf of commercial space envisioned as cafes and/or shops to complement the downtown Oceanside community. The site is located just blocks from the pier on Mission Avenue and Myers Avenue; the public hearing is anticipated for January. All support is appreciated, but those who live or work in Oceanside are preferred.

If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Caylin Frank at caylin@biasandiego.org

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!