Housing Authority hears eviction‑prevention results, approves CEO pay and a settlement amid federal voucher uncertainty

The San Diego Housing Authority convened as part of the council meeting to receive an information briefing from San Diego Housing Commission President and CEO Lisa Jones on homelessness‑prevention programs and to consider two formal items: CEO compensation and a settlement in litigation brought by Encanto residents.

In an informational presentation, Jones and Senior VP Casey Snell described the Housing Instability Prevention program (HIP), launched in September 2022, which provides flat rate, shallow subsidies and case management for up to 24 months. As of February 2025, HIP had 302 households enrolled (capacity ~300), had assisted 413 households to date, and reported an average direct subsidy of about $671 per household per month. Jones said 95% of HIP participants were in deed‑restricted or naturally affordable units and that the program prioritizes seniors and people with disabilities. Jones told members the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had notified jurisdictions that Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) funding might end earlier than previously anticipated, possibly within the year, and staff are evaluating options.

Council members pressed staff about program targeting and metrics; Jones said the Housing Commission plans an independent assessment with the Urban Institute to identify populations for maximum cost‑effectiveness and will bring recommendations to council before budget decisions.

On action items, the Housing Authority considered the Housing Commission board’s recommendation to set the CEO’s salary at $372,500 for 12/13/24–12/12/25 and to authorize a $14,000 performance incentive payment (4%). The recommendation came with comparative pay exhibits for peer agencies. Several members expressed concern about timing given federal funding uncertainty and overall fiscal stress; others noted the Housing Commission budget is largely federal/state and that retention of leadership reduces turnover costs. The housing authority approved the compensation package by a 6–2 vote (Council Members Von Wilpert and Campillo voted no; Council Member Moreno absent).

The authority also approved a settlement agreement in Patrice Baker et al. v. City of San Diego, resolving claims that alleged the City’s community‑plan density changes violated federal and state fair‑housing law. Deputy General Counsel Jenny Goodman told the authority that the settlement requires planning and economic‑development actions already in department work plans and does not require a payment by the Housing Authority. The settlement was approved unanimously (8–0, Council Member Moreno absent).

The Housing Authority heard public comment from advocates and critics during the briefing; several speakers urged more transparency and asked for data on caseloads and waitlists.

Next steps: staff will monitor HUD guidance on EHV renewal, carry out the Urban Institute assessment for HIP targeting, and implement the planning work required under the settlement.