In a move to address the affordable housing crisis, San Diego is targeting a $15 million allocation for the construction of 528 new affordable homes. This initiative, part of the Bridge to Home funding program's Round 6, continues the city's investment in affordable housing, having poured nearly $108 million into 24 projects that have yielded 2,148 homes to date, as reported by the City of San Diego.
Mayor Todd Gloria is at the forefront of this endeavor, asserting, "We’re fighting every day to make housing attainable for all San Diegans." With the latest funding round, "we’re driving forward hundreds of affordable homes and sending a clear message: San Diego is building a future where everyone has a place to live and a chance to thrive," according to the City of San Diego. The city's strategy involves partnering with developers through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) issued in July, inviting proposals for creating housing units for low- to moderate-income individuals and families.
Out of nine funding requests totaling $46.2 million, city officials have recommended four projects. This includes the Global Village project in Redwood Village, a collaboration between the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans and Hitzke Development, which offers 137 homes for individuals and families. Additionally, there is The Joule in Grantville, a project developed by Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation and Citythinkers, Inc., providing 208 homes. Promenade Apartments in Hillcrest, developed by CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development in conjunction with the Community Revitalization Development Corporation, is set to add 94 homes. Meanwhile, the Salvation Army Rady Center, developed by Wakeland Housing in the East Village, plans to build 89 senior homes.
Economic Development Director Christina Bibler emphasized the broader implications of these developments, stating, "Affordable housing is foundational to a thriving, inclusive city." Bibler elaborated on the community benefits, such as an on-site childcare center and the strategic location in high-opportunity neighborhoods, believing these elements would result in "stronger economic, educational and health outcomes for the San Diegans who need them most," as told to the City of San Diego.
The selection process evaluated factors such as project feasibility and community benefits. The Bridge to Home funds, comprising $10 million from former redevelopment resources and $5 million from federal grants, are intended for the construction of new housing and related improvements. The City Council will need to green-light each of the loan agreements following a presentation to the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee. InsideSanDiego.org notes that since Mayor Gloria launched the program in 2021, one project loan agreement is pending approval out of the 24 that have been sanctioned so far.
