August 26, 2024

Policy Advisor Evan Strawn was busy last month advocating for pro-housing policies at the City of San Diego. The San Diego City Council passed Blueprint SD, a refresh of the City’s General Plan, in mid-July. Blueprint has an emphasis on new mixed-use development and much needed housing for our region’s workforce. The Chamber led a coalition in support of the measure with the exception of some last-minute amendments that were introduced, relating to goals for building electrification and zero-emission vehicles. Chamber staff will continue to work with City staff as Blueprint is implemented and ensure the Chamber is at the table for any future conversations regarding building electrification and zero emission goals and/or regulations.  

In late July, the City of San Diego unanimously approved the UC Plan Update. San Diego is home to one of the best research universities in the world and some of the world’s most innovative companies right here in San Diego, but employees are struggling to find somewhere to live, creating a major issue for the ongoing economic vitality of the area. Evan spoke to the Council regarding how the UC Plan Update can take an important step forward in solving this problem by providing much needed workforce housing in the University Community. The Update also includes a list of co-benefits that are priorities of the City, including reducing GHG emissions and encouraging transit usage. The Chamber has been proud to support this much-needed update over the last few years.