The Need to Strengthen Affordable Housing Requirements in San Diego
Mark your calendars for Dec. 12, as the San Diego City Council will revisit the mayor’s Housing Action Package 2.0. While many proposals are supported, the amendments to the Complete Communities Housing Solutions program raise concerns. These changes could further weaken already insufficient affordable housing requirements. It is crucial for the City Council to consider strengthening these requirements instead.
Introduced three years ago, the Complete Communities program is a density bonus initiative that offers increased density in exchange for affordable housing units for low to moderate-income households.
The current affordable housing requirement under Complete Communities is 40 percent, which may seem high but is actually weaker than the city’s existing inclusionary housing ordinance of 8 percent. The difference lies in how the percentage is calculated, resulting in fewer affordable homes being mandated by Complete Communities.
Considering the significant increase in land value offered by the program, developers should be obligated to provide a higher percentage of affordable units, ideally at least 15 percent of the total units.
An Example of the Program’s Shortcomings
Take, for instance, the proposed project at “4249 Nobel Drive” in North University City. This development highlights the flaws in the Complete Communities program, where a significant density increase would only require a minimal number of affordable homes to be provided.
The proposed amendments in HAP 2.0, if approved, could further diminish affordable housing requirements by allowing off-site construction in less affluent areas and permitting moderate-income housing options only. This could exacerbate the imbalance in housing opportunities across the city.
The Impact on Lower-Income Residents
With rising homelessness and the demolition of affordable housing units, the need for strong affordable housing policies is more critical than ever. The proposed changes to Complete Communities could lead to the displacement of lower-income residents and the creation of socio-economically unbalanced communities.
It is imperative for San Diego to adhere to state housing laws and take affirmative action towards fair housing practices. By strengthening the affordable housing requirements in Complete Communities, the city can promote socio-economic diversity and provide more housing options for low-income residents.
A Call to Action
In conclusion, the City Council must reevaluate the Complete Communities program to ensure it aligns with its original goal of providing housing opportunities for all economic segments. By prioritizing robust on-site affordable housing requirements, the city can create truly complete communities that benefit all residents.
