Measure M: Voters Consider More Affordable Housing in San Diego

If approved by voters, San Diego would have the ability to increase by 38,680 the number of housing units available for people with low incomes.

Measure M would increase a cap on the amount of affordable housing units in which the city of San Diego can be involved.

The proposal was placed on the ballot in July after a study by the San Diego Association of Governments reported the city of San Diego needs 38,680 affordable rental housing units for low- and very low-income residents by 2020.

Councilman Todd Gloria said the ballot measure will make room for creation of additional affordable housing.

“It won’t construct it, it won’t necessarily fund it but it allows it to actually be,” Gloria explained adding that it’s an important first step to getting housing most families can afford.

No argument against Measure M was filed in the office of the City Clerk.

“Everyone says that this is a good idea,” Gloria said adding that even employers have asked for more affordable housing so they can recruit employees to the area.

Forty-two percent of homeowners and 57 percent of renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, according to Aimee Faucett, Executive Vice President & COO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

She said affordable housing is a priority and this ballot measure allows voters to send a message.

“This is only one step closer. It’s not going to solve the problem,” Faucett said. “A vote Yes on Measure M will signal to the City Council and housing commission that it’s a mandate to make sure affordable housing units are built for our families.”

Read more about the measure here.

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