San Diego, December 21, 2025
The San Diego City Council has officially disbanded the Select Committee on Addressing Cost of Living after a successful year of policy initiatives aimed at improving housing affordability. Significant actions included proposing caps on rental fees and discussing taxes on second homes and vacation rentals. The committee, established to tackle pressing cost-of-living issues, concluded its operations, signifying a pivotal step towards addressing the concerns of local residents.
San Diego City Council Disbands Cost-of-Living Committee After 2025 Policy Initiatives
San Diego, CA – The San Diego City Council has officially disbanded the Select Committee on Addressing Cost of Living, concluding its operations after a year of significant policy initiatives aimed at alleviating housing affordability challenges in the city.
Committee’s Key Actions in 2025
Established in December 2024, the committee focused on identifying and addressing factors contributing to the high cost of living in San Diego. Notable actions included:
- Proposed Elimination of Housing ‘Junk Fees’: In October 2025, city and county leaders introduced an ordinance to cap rental fees beyond monthly rent at no more than 5%, ban fees for basic services, and require full disclosure of all rental costs in listings and lease agreements. This initiative aimed to protect renters from unnecessary and deceptive fees that drive up housing costs.
- Consideration of Tax on Second Homes and Vacation Rentals: In October 2025, Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera proposed a tax on second homes and full-time vacation rentals to help close the city’s structural budget deficit. The proposal was in the early stages, with details still being worked out.
Committee’s Mandate and Conclusion
The committee was authorized to operate from January 8, 2025, through December 19, 2025, with the possibility of a two-year extension if its objectives were not completed. With the successful implementation of its initiatives, the committee’s work has concluded, and it has been formally disbanded.
Background on the Committee’s Formation
The Select Committee on Addressing Cost of Living was established in December 2024 to focus on issues related to the cost of living in San Diego. Its primary objectives included assessing factors driving the cost of living, engaging with impacted stakeholders, and proposing legislative or policy changes to address these concerns.
Implications for San Diego Residents
The disbanding of the committee signifies the completion of its mission to tackle housing affordability and related cost-of-living issues in San Diego. Residents can anticipate the continued impact of the committee’s initiatives, such as the proposed elimination of housing ‘junk fees’ and potential new taxes on second homes and vacation rentals, which aim to make housing more affordable and address the city’s budgetary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the Select Committee on Addressing Cost of Living?
The Select Committee on Addressing Cost of Living was established in December 2024 by the San Diego City Council to focus on issues related to the cost of living in San Diego, including assessing factors that drive the cost of living, engaging with impacted stakeholders, and proposing legislative or policy changes to help address cost of living concerns.
What were the committee’s key actions in 2025?
In 2025, the committee took significant actions, including proposing the elimination of housing ‘junk fees’ and considering a tax on second homes and full-time vacation rentals to help close the city’s structural budget deficit.
Why was the committee disbanded?
The committee was authorized to operate from January 8, 2025, through December 19, 2025, with the possibility of a two-year extension if its objectives were not completed. With the successful implementation of its initiatives, the committee’s work has concluded, and it has been formally disbanded.
What are the implications for San Diego residents?
The disbanding of the committee signifies the completion of its mission to tackle housing affordability and related cost-of-living issues in San Diego. Residents can anticipate the continued impact of the committee’s initiatives, such as the proposed elimination of housing ‘junk fees’ and potential new taxes on second homes and vacation rentals, which aim to make housing more affordable and address the city’s budgetary needs.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Committee Formation | Established in December 2024 to address cost-of-living issues in San Diego. |
| Key Actions in 2025 | Proposed elimination of housing ‘junk fees’ and considered a tax on second homes and vacation rentals. |
| Committee Disbandment | Concluded operations after successfully implementing its initiatives, with authorization from January 8, 2025, through December 19, 2025. |
| Implications for Residents | Continued impact of initiatives aimed at making housing more affordable and addressing the city’s budgetary needs. |
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