Statement from SDCTA on Housing Measure

Housing Measure Needs Taxpayer Protections

Haney Hong, President and CEO of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, released the following statement today:

“San Diego Taxpayers Association has many concerns that need to be addressed in any proposed housing bond scheduled for the November 2020 ballot. Super Tuesday showed the voters general hesitation about allowing for blank checks, so we will stringently apply our Tax Support and Process Criteria in considering whether to endorse or oppose what’s ultimately written.

When the current cost to build one unit of affordable housing for government is approaching half a million dollars, we need to see financing tied to performance and an achievable distribution of housing units where every neighborhood takes their fair share. It only makes sense for the taxpayers to make this investment if it saves as much or more in the other publicly funded services that would be otherwise provided.

Amongst a number of issues, we have questions from reviewing how the language will or will not require leveraging the investments of partner agencies, like the County, and the kinds of strings attached to performance or if residents reject projects. Our goal is to continue to work with the Housing Federation to resolve the many questions and concerns from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.”