In a recent government meeting, the San Diego City Auditor presented a performance audit of the San Diego Housing Commission's property acquisition processes, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement. The audit, which covered property acquisitions from fiscal year 2014 to 2023, revealed that while the Housing Commission generally adhered to best practices, there was a significant oversight in one instance where an appraisal potentially overvalued a property by $6.7 million.

The audit identified three main objectives: assessing the existence of policies and procedures for property acquisition, evaluating the alignment of acquisition strategies with organizational goals, and examining the funding strategies employed. The findings indicated that the Housing Commission lacks a formal property acquisition strategy and does not set annual acquisition goals, which could enhance transparency and accountability in its operations.

The audit team made four key recommendations, including the need for appraisals to align with current market conditions and the establishment of a formal acquisition strategy. The Housing Commission has agreed to implement most recommendations but disagreed with the suggestion to set an annual acquisition goal, citing a lack of consistent funding sources.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of support for the audit's findings and concerns about the Housing Commission's practices. Several speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining properties acquired through these efforts, highlighting personal experiences with inadequate maintenance in supportive housing.

The audit committee accepted the report and requested updates from the Housing Commission on its progress in addressing the recommendations. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges in addressing San Diego's affordable housing crisis, with calls for dedicated funding sources to support the Housing Commission's efforts in creating more affordable and permanent supportive housing units.