April 10, 2017

Mayor Kevin Faulconer unveiled a path forward to finance the long-stalled contiguous convention center expansion. The expansion – strongly approved by San Diego City Council, Port of San Diego and Coastal Commission – was delayed by litigation. After the latest round of success in Court earlier this year, the Mayor moved forward with a proposal to pay for the more than $600 million project. The plan calls for voters to consider a TOT increase similar to the former “3-2-1” plan where hotels closest to the convention center would see an increase of 3 percent and those farthest from the center would only have a 1 percent additional increase. Included in the financing would be a set aside of approximately $20 million per year in spending related to infrastructure and homelessness purposes. In June, the Council will consider placing it on the November ballot.