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County approves Housing Authority annual plan, moves to convert public housing funding to project-based vouchers
Summary
The board unanimously approved the Housing Authority's five-year and 2026 annual agency plans, authorizing amendments to convert public housing funding to project-based vouchers to bolster long-term operations and maintenance revenue and approved pursuing HUD capital funding estimated at $367,000 for 2026.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the County Housing Authority's 2026 annual agency plan and related five-year amendments on March 3, endorsing a move to convert funding for public housing units to project-based vouchers (PBVs) and authorizing submission of required HUD documents and capital fund applications.
Housing Authority staff told the board the programs serve roughly 11,100 households and that rental assistance currently injects more than $18 million a month into the local economy via payments to landlords. Staff said the conversion to PBVs is intended to increase sustainable revenue streams to support ongoing operations and maintenance of public housing properties.
"The county housing authority serves approximately 11,100 households through the housing choice voucher, public housing, and other rental assistance programs," staff said in the presentation, adding that the conversion will help preserve long‑term affordability at several public housing sites by shifting funding to a Section 8 project‑based model.
Staff provided pipeline figures: 119 PBV units in four developments expected online in 2026 and more than 300 additional units in eight developments planned for 2027 and beyond; the county currently operates roughly 387 PBV units and manages 121 public housing units at four Chula Vista sites. The board also was asked to approve the public housing capital fund five-year action plan and authorize applications for additional vouchers and grants; staff estimated the 2026 capital fund award at about $367,000 to support energy efficiency and upkeep.
During public comment, Legal Aid's Gil Vera urged attention to tenant protections tied to unit inspections and abatements, saying landlords sometimes use failed housing quality inspections to terminate contracts and displace voucher holders. "What we would recommend is currently the unit contract is terminated after 90 days and what we have seen is landlords use failed housing quality inspections as a way to terminate and evict Section 8 tenants," Gil Vera said, asking the board to consider adjustments to protect tenants.
Supervisors noted the plan funds core programs and allows modernization and preservation of affordable housing units. Supervisor Desmond seconded the motion to approve and asked staff to follow up with callers who raised property-specific concerns.
Outcome: the board adopted the plan and amendments by voice vote; all supervisors and tenant commissioners present voted aye. The board authorized the Housing Authority to submit HUD certifications, pursue capital fund grants, and apply for additional program funding or vouchers as opportunities arise.
Next steps: staff will implement the approved amendments, pursue HUD capital funding and continue community outreach. Board members asked staff to follow up individually with residents who raised specific property and tenant concerns during public comment.
