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thomasdefranco.bsky.social
@thomasdefranco.bsky.social
Director of Policy @ San Diego Housing Commission
North County mayors have been saying for years they need redevelopment agencies back to build affordable housing. But truth is cities + housing authorities already have powerful financial tools to incentivize housing….They just aren’t using them. voiceofsandiego.org/2025/11/11/t...
These North County Mayors Want to Bring Back Redevelopment Agencies
Five North County mayors argue that without subsidies from the state, it’s nearly impossible to produce the level of affordable housing the state demands.
voiceofsandiego.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Reposted
Big changes are coming to the San Diego Housing Commission's Section 8 voucher program. Years of high inflation in the housing market, plus stagnant federal funding, have dramatically reduced the program's ability to help low-income renters afford housing.

My latest:
www.kpbs.org/news/economy...
Funding cuts, skyrocketing rents push San Diego's housing voucher program into deepening deficit
Some low-income families could be facing rent increases next year, as inflation and funding cuts take a toll on federal programs that subsidize rents.
www.kpbs.org
November 7, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Great profile in @kpbssandiego.bsky.social that humanizes the experience of tenants living in downtown SROs through the eyes of a man living at Hotel Churchill. The low-barrier SRO model shows what naturally occurring affordable housing can look like in SD. www.kpbs.org/news/racial-...
San Diego’s dorm-style housing is disappearing as the need grows
The city is trying to turn that around. But so far, it’s not working.
www.kpbs.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:37 PM
SD region has seen significant YoY growth in ADUs over the past decade. Really great way to gently AFFH in exclusive single-family suburbs. Will be interesting to see how this may change housing production numbers in SD.
July 19, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Reposted
More housing means more opportunity. More opportunity means a better future. We’re for a better future. We’re for more housing.
June 17, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Reposted
Daniel Horton, chief of staff for Councilmember Henry Foster III, said projects built under the program "resemble slave quarters or camps."
Councilmember Jen Campbell held up a picture of an ADU development in Clairemont yesterday as an example of poor design.

I was at that exact ADU complex on Friday and spoke with a tenant, Sarah Agudo. She told me she loved her home and is glad it got built.

My latest: www.kpbs.org/news/politic...
Renters, builders defend San Diego's ADU program as council backs off repeal effort
The City Council rescinded a request to repeal the city's landmark ADU bonus program, but pledged to work with Mayor Todd Gloria to limit where it applies.
www.kpbs.org
March 6, 2025 at 4:30 AM
I feel like we need to have a conversation about these massive redevelopment plays that get city sign-off but are never able to get built, pencil, or fully operational. www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/02/14/c...
Campus at Horton in foreclosure
Developer Stockdale Capital Partners could lose the 10-acre property in the heart of downtown San Diego if it doesn’t pay its lender $351.2 million within 90 days.
www.sandiegouniontribune.com
February 15, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Top 10 most walkable neighborhoods in San Diego

1. Downtown
2. Pacific Beach
3. North Park
4. Hillcrest
5. Barrio Logan
6. City Heights
7. South Park
8. Bankers Hill
9. Ocean Beach
10. La Jolla Village
January 5, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Happy New Year, let’s make housing in San Diego more affordable in 2025.
January 2, 2025 at 3:27 PM