Board approves policy to centralize county space management to reduce leasing costs

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously March 3 to adopt a policy that centralizes review of county office space and leasing decisions, aiming to reduce what staff described as nearly $60 million in annual leasing costs.

"These long term lease decisions lock in taxpayers for years," said Chair Lawson Reimer, explaining that an inventory found more than 70 active county leases and that coordinated planning can allow early termination when landlords agree. Reimer cited the county operations center consolidation as an example that avoided roughly $150 million in capital costs.

The measure requires departments to assess existing county space and mandates countywide coordination before entering new multiyear leases. The policy also instructs staff to seek lease provisions that allow early termination without penalties when space is unused or when landlords agree to reduced fees.

Public comment ranged from support for the policy’s cost‑saving intent to broader criticisms of county priorities. Callers and in‑chamber speakers urged attention to local issues including Tijuana River Valley pollution and questioned whether consolidation would concentrate power. Several phone commenters suggested negotiation language to reduce or waive early termination fees to improve feasibility.

Vice Chair Montgomery Stepp moved the item and the motion was seconded and approved without recorded opposition. The board asked staff to return if further implementation details or lease‑negotiation guidance are needed.