San Diego, February 5, 2026
San Diego officials are implementing a mid-rise housing initiative to address the city’s growing housing affordability crisis. By promoting developments ranging from four to six stories, the city hopes to increase housing density while maintaining neighborhood character and revitalizing urban areas. Recent projects include 324 and 483 affordable housing units near San Diego State University. The city’s Housing Action Packages aim to incentivize new home construction for all income levels and update the Mid-City Communities Plan to align future growth with community needs.
Mid-Rise Housing Initiative to Combat San Diego’s Affordability Crisis
San Diego, California – In a concerted effort to tackle the city’s escalating housing affordability crisis, San Diego officials are championing the development of mid-rise housing. This initiative aims to provide more affordable living options and revitalize urban areas.
Mid-Rise Housing Initiative
The city has been actively promoting mid-rise housing as a solution to its housing challenges. Mid-rise buildings, typically ranging from four to six stories, are seen as a means to increase housing density without compromising the character of existing neighborhoods. These developments are strategically located along commercial corridors and in older neighborhoods, integrating residential spaces with retail and community services to create vibrant, walkable environments.
Recent Developments
Several projects exemplify this approach. For instance, a modular multifamily housing developer has initiated seven active projects in San Diego, including two major developments near San Diego State University. One project, now leasing, includes 324 apartment homes accessible via the Mid-City Rapid bus line. Another under-construction project will deliver 483 apartment homes deed-restricted to low-income households at 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). These projects are situated near retail and neighborhood services, expected to benefit from the addition of hundreds of new residents.
City’s Housing Action Packages
To further support these initiatives, the City of San Diego has implemented Housing Action Packages. The Housing Action Package 1.0, adopted in February 2022, introduced new programs and code revisions to incentivize the construction of new homes at all income levels. Building on this, Housing Action Package 2.0, approved in December 2023, continues the commitment to create regulations that encourage the development of homes for San Diego’s diverse population. Both packages aim to promote new home opportunities in all communities that San Diegans of all income levels can afford.
Addressing Affordability Challenges
San Diego’s housing affordability crisis is underscored by significant increases in home values. In the Mid-City area, the median value of a home has risen by 384% over two decades, from nearly $150,000 in 2000 to $723,000 in 2022. This surge has outpaced income growth, making it increasingly difficult for renters and prospective homeowners to afford housing. Experts emphasize the need for robust federal intervention and local policy changes to address this imbalance. Increasing the housing supply, particularly through mid-rise developments, is viewed as a critical strategy to alleviate affordability pressures.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
The city is also updating the Mid-City Communities Plan, the first update in 25 years, to identify opportunities for new homes, businesses, and infrastructure that benefit everyone in Mid-City. This plan will serve as the 30-year vision for history and place, sustainability and climate resilience, land use, design, mobility, and parks, public facilities, and open space. The update aims to incorporate community input to ensure that future growth and investment align with the needs and desires of local residents.
Conclusion
San Diego’s focus on mid-rise housing represents a strategic approach to addressing the city’s housing affordability crisis. By promoting developments that blend residential and commercial spaces, the city aims to create vibrant, sustainable communities that offer affordable living options for all residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is mid-rise housing?
Mid-rise housing refers to residential buildings typically ranging from four to six stories. These developments aim to increase housing density while maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods.
How does mid-rise housing address San Diego’s affordability crisis?
By promoting mid-rise housing, San Diego aims to increase the housing supply, particularly in urban areas, thereby alleviating affordability pressures and providing more affordable living options for residents.
What are the Housing Action Packages?
The Housing Action Packages are initiatives by the City of San Diego to incentivize the construction of new homes at all income levels. Housing Action Package 1.0, adopted in February 2022, and Housing Action Package 2.0, approved in December 2023, aim to create regulations that encourage the development of homes for San Diego’s diverse population.
What is the Mid-City Communities Plan update?
The Mid-City Communities Plan update is the first in 25 years and aims to identify opportunities for new homes, businesses, and infrastructure to benefit everyone in Mid-City. It will serve as a 30-year vision for the community’s growth and development.
Key Features of San Diego’s Mid-Rise Housing Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mid-Rise Housing | Residential buildings typically ranging from four to six stories, aiming to increase housing density while maintaining neighborhood character. |
| Housing Action Packages | City initiatives to incentivize the construction of new homes at all income levels, with Package 1.0 adopted in February 2022 and Package 2.0 approved in December 2023. |
| Mid-City Communities Plan Update | The first update in 25 years, aiming to identify opportunities for new homes, businesses, and infrastructure to benefit everyone in Mid-City, serving as a 30-year vision for the community’s growth. |
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