San Diego, CA, December 29, 2025
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to reject a proposal aimed at restricting foreign investment in housing. Supervisor Jim Desmond, who proposed the measure, argued that such investments inflate home prices, hindering local residents’ ability to buy homes. However, other board members expressed concerns about potential discrimination and emphasized the need for inclusive housing solutions. The decision highlights the ongoing challenges of housing affordability in San Diego County, where median home prices are significantly high.
San Diego County Supervisors Reject Proposal to Restrict Foreign Investment in Housing
San Diego, CA – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to reject a proposal aimed at limiting foreign investment in entry-level and single-family homes, particularly near military installations and critical infrastructure. Supervisor Jim Desmond, who authored the proposal, was the sole supporter, expressing concern that such investments are driving up home prices and making homeownership less attainable for local residents.
Proposal Details
Supervisor Desmond’s proposal sought to have the county advocate for statewide restrictions or bans on foreign investment in specific housing sectors. He argued that large foreign corporations and investors are purchasing homes with cash offers, thereby outbidding local buyers who rely on traditional mortgages. Desmond emphasized the need to prioritize local homeownership and provide San Diegans with a fair opportunity to purchase homes in their communities.
Board’s Response
The majority of the board members expressed reservations about the proposal. Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer highlighted the importance of addressing housing affordability without singling out specific groups. She noted that while large corporations are contributing to the housing crisis, the proposal’s language could inadvertently target certain minority groups, drawing parallels to historical instances of discrimination. Lawson-Remer emphasized the need for inclusive solutions that do not perpetuate past injustices.
Community Concerns
During the public comment period, community members voiced their concerns regarding the proposal’s potential implications. Erin Tsurumoto-Grassi, a fourth-generation Japanese-American, urged the board to reject the proposal, citing historical precedents where similar measures led to discrimination against minority groups. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that policies do not repeat past mistakes and called for solutions that promote inclusivity and fairness.
Implications for Housing Affordability
San Diego County is currently facing a significant housing affordability crisis. The median home price in the region has reached approximately $937,000, making it challenging for many residents to afford homeownership. Reports indicate that only 13% of San Diego County households can afford to purchase the median-priced home, highlighting the severity of the affordability issue. The board’s decision to reject the proposal reflects the ongoing debate over how best to address housing affordability while balancing the interests of various stakeholders.
Background Context
Housing affordability has been a persistent challenge in San Diego County, with rising home prices outpacing wage growth. Previous efforts to address this issue have included initiatives to streamline the permitting process for affordable housing developments and increase incentives for building homes at all income levels. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a topic of discussion among policymakers and community members alike.
Looking Ahead
The board’s decision underscores the complexity of addressing housing affordability in San Diego County. While the proposal to restrict foreign investment was rejected, the conversation about how to make housing more accessible for local residents continues. Future discussions may focus on alternative strategies to increase the supply of affordable housing, support first-time homebuyers, and ensure that all community members have the opportunity to achieve homeownership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the proposal rejected by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors?
The proposal aimed to have the county advocate for statewide restrictions or bans on foreign investment in entry-level and single-family homes, particularly near military installations and critical infrastructure. Supervisor Jim Desmond authored the proposal, expressing concern that such investments are driving up home prices and making homeownership less attainable for local residents.
What was the outcome of the vote?
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to reject the proposal. Supervisor Jim Desmond was the sole supporter, while the majority of the board members expressed reservations about the proposal’s implications.
Why did the board reject the proposal?
The majority of the board members expressed concerns that the proposal’s language could inadvertently target certain minority groups, drawing parallels to historical instances of discrimination. They emphasized the need for inclusive solutions that do not perpetuate past injustices.
What is the current state of housing affordability in San Diego County?
San Diego County is facing a significant housing affordability crisis, with the median home price reaching approximately $937,000. Reports indicate that only 13% of San Diego County households can afford to purchase the median-priced home, highlighting the severity of the affordability issue.
What are the next steps in addressing housing affordability in San Diego County?
The board’s decision underscores the complexity of addressing housing affordability. Future discussions may focus on alternative strategies to increase the supply of affordable housing, support first-time homebuyers, and ensure that all community members have the opportunity to achieve homeownership.
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Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Proposal Details | Supervisor Jim Desmond’s proposal aimed to restrict foreign investment in entry-level and single-family homes near military installations and critical infrastructure to make homeownership more attainable for local residents. |
| Board’s Response | The majority of the board members rejected the proposal, expressing concerns about its potential to inadvertently target certain minority groups and emphasizing the need for inclusive solutions. |
| Community Concerns | Community members voiced concerns that the proposal could lead to discrimination against minority groups, drawing parallels to historical instances of exclusionary policies. |
| Housing Affordability | San Diego County faces a significant housing affordability crisis, with the median home price at approximately $937,000, making homeownership challenging for many residents. |
| Next Steps | Future discussions may focus on alternative strategies to increase the supply of affordable housing, support first-time homebuyers, and ensure equitable access to homeownership opportunities for all community members. |
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