By Cassie N. Saunders
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
The County’s Housing and Community Development Services (HCDS) presented its annual plan strategy to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, following extensive community engagement.
The proposed Fiscal Year 2027–28 Annual Plan Strategy prioritizes:
Building and preserving affordable housing
Expanding access to housing, including rental assistance and move‑in support
Increasing housing with supportive services, such as permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing
More than 33,000 residents and stakeholders received information about this year’s engagement process, and 207 community members provided input. The County published articles in community newspapers that focus on the County’s threshold languages and communities at higher risk of housing instability.
The County also held in-person community input sessions in Spring Valley, Del Mar, Ramona, Fallbrook, and Imperial Beach, along with two virtual sessions to increase accessibility. Surveys were available in 10 threshold languages and public notices were shared through local partners.
Residents identified high rent, limited affordable housing options, and insufficient rental assistance as the region’s biggest housing challenges. They highlighted the needs of families with children, extremely low‑income households, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities.
This annual process guides how the County prioritizes federal funding from four U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs:
ª Community Development Block Grant
ª HOME Investment Partnerships
ª Emergency Solutions Grant
ª Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
These programs support the development of affordable housing, strengthen neighborhoods, and expand services for vulnerable people across the region.
This is the first phase of the County’s annual planning process. In Spring 2027, HCDS will return to the Board with recommended projects and budget allocations.
This work advances the County’s goals of supporting safe, healthy, and thriving communities; reducing barriers to stable housing; and strengthening services for residents with the greatest need. It also supports the Housing for All initiative and the regional Live Well San Diego vision.
Since 2017, the County has invested more than $343 million in affordable housing infrastructure. Through surplus County land and financing through the Innovative Housing Trust Fund, the County has helped create more than 3,900 new homes, with nearly 2,200 additional homes now in development.