Nearly 80 percent of all new apartments opening across San Diego County this year will be built right here in the City of San Diego.
According to new reporting, 79 percent of the apartments expected to open countywide in 2026 are located within our city limits. At a time when housing construction has slowed in many regions, San Diego continues to lead. We are making intentional, pro-housing decisions that allow homes to be built where they make the most sense: near jobs, transit, schools, and services. Building more homes brings new life to our neighborhoods, supports local businesses, and helps bring housing costs down for everyone by increasing supply.
For too long, outdated zoning and unnecessary red tape made it harder to deliver housing, even though there’s broad agreement that we need more of it. My administration took a different approach. We modernized zoning rules, streamlined permitting, and reduced approval timelines. City programs have helped unlock housing in areas that can support growth, while faster approvals are turning proposals into real homes on the ground.
The result is new housing being built across the city — you can see construction in neighborhoods from Mission Valley and Kearny Mesa to Serra Mesa, Bankers Hill, and Downtown — not concentrated in one place and not stalled by bureaucracy.
And it’s delivering real results: rents have been flat or declining for six straight months, including the first year-over-year rent decrease in 25 years.
Building more homes is essential to tackling our housing shortage and bringing costs down.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.
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2025 Progress Report: Public Safety Progress You Can See Citywide
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San Diego remained one of the safest big cities in America in 2025, with crime declining for the third consecutive year.
Overall crime fell by 6 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. Murders dropped by 22 percent, sexual assaults by 7 percent, and vehicle thefts by 22 percent. San Diego also maintained one of the lowest homicide rates among major U.S. cities, with police solving 27 of 28 homicides for a 96 percent clearance rate.
Fire and emergency response capacity also grew. Preliminary data showed encampment-related fires along freeway corridors decreased by 48 percent. San Diego Fire-Rescue graduated its 100th, 101st, and 102nd Fire Academies, strengthening staffing and improving response times across the city. The department responded to more than 174,500 incidents, including fires, rescues, and medical emergencies, and added new equipment to its fleet, including water tenders, brush engines, aerial ladder trucks, a hazmat unit, and a fire helicopter used for aerial firefighting, rescues, and rapid response during major emergencies.
Lifeguards performed more than 6,000 water rescues and over 403,000 preventative actions, protecting residents and visitors along our coastline. Our first responders also assisted with some of the most destructive fires in state history and responded swiftly to emergencies at home, including a major plane crash in Tierrasanta with no loss of life on the ground.
Public safety remains my top priority. These results show what’s possible when we invest in people, technology, and preparedness to keep San Diego safe.
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Cutting Red Tape for Behavioral Healthcare Providers
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Despite a 14% reduction in on-street homelessness in the City of San Diego, we can still plainly see the need for mental health and addiction services. While San Diego County is responsible for providing behavioral health treatment, the City has a responsibility to ensure the land development conditions exist for that care to be delivered. My administration has taken action to remove barriers that slowed the development of mental health and substance-use treatment facilities.
Working with City Council and City staff, my office led a comprehensive update to the City’s Land Development Code to support the County’s treatment system by making it easier for providers to site and build behavioral health facilities across our city.
The changes streamlined permitting for residential care and behavioral health facilities, expanded where these services can be located, and reduced delays that previously added months or even years to project timelines. These reforms focus on removing local land-use obstacles so treatment providers can move forward more quickly, while maintaining safeguards near schools, childcare facilities, and single-family neighborhoods.
In early 2024, the City Council approved Father Joe’s Villages to move forward with a new detox facility in Downtown without unnecessary permitting delays. That facility added 44 detox beds, representing a dramatic increase in Medi-Cal eligible detox capacity in the city and helping expand the County’s ability to connect people experiencing homelessness and addiction to life-saving treatment.
These land-use reforms reflect a clear commitment: the County is responsible for treatment, and the City is responsible for making sure outdated rules do not stand in the way. When people are ready to seek treatment and recovery, we will insist that options exist and continue doing everything we can to bring people inside and connect them to help.
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City Launches Major Energy Retrofit Program to Cut Emissions and Modernize Public Facilities
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The City Council approved a new Energy Savings Performance Contract that moves San Diego into the next phase of electrifying City facilities, cutting pollution, lowering long-term energy costs, and modernizing the public buildings residents rely on. Led by the City's Department of General Services, this plan allows the City to replace aging, fossil fuel-powered systems with clean, electric technology in 40 City-owned buildings, advancing our Climate Action Plan goals while improving indoor air quality and public health.
The contract will upgrade libraries, recreation centers, police stations, and administrative facilities, with 23 buildings becoming fully zero-emissions. The program also includes new solar and battery installations and the conversion of 39,000 streetlights to energy-efficient LED fixtures. These improvements come at no upfront cost to taxpayers, using long-term energy savings made possible by these upgrades to pay for the work—freeing up public dollars that would otherwise go toward rising utility bills and emergency repairs.
This work is one reflection of San Diego’s continued leadership on climate action. For the fourth consecutive year, the City earned international recognition by being named to Carbon Disclosure Project’s 2025 A List. CDP is a global nonprofit that operates an independent environmental disclosure system. This recognition places San Diego among a small group of global cities recognized for transparent reporting, strong climate planning, and measurable progress toward a net-zero future.
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📚 Mayor’s Mix: Black History Month 📚✊🏾
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In last week’s trivia feature, we asked: Approximately how many people cross the San Diego–Tijuana border each day, making it one of the busiest binational regions in the world?
▪️ About 25,000 — 8.74% (9)
▪️ About 75,000 — 27.18% (28)
✅ About 150,000 — 64.08% (66)
The correct answer is about 150,000 people per day. This daily movement of workers, students, families, and visitors is what makes San Diego one of the most connected binational regions anywhere in the world.
This week’s question, in recognition of Black History Month: Which legendary San Diegan is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in Major League Baseball history and spent his entire career with the Padres?
▪️ Dave Winfield
▪️ Tony Gwynn
▪️ Jackie Robinson
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GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS
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Slurry Seal Extends Street Life in and Around Nestor
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City crews continued resurfacing streets in southern San Diego. Several neighborhood roads received a fresh slurry seal. This work slows street deterioration and strengthens the overall condition of San Diego’s road network.
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Mayors Address Housing and Immigration at the U.S. Conference of Mayors
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Mayors from across the country gathered at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Conference to focus on practical solutions to the housing crisis and the real-world challenges facing cities. Discussions centered on boosting housing supply, speeding up permitting, and sharing strategies that deliver results. Mayors also raised concerns about the impacts of aggressive immigration enforcement on families, workers, and local economies. San Diego’s progress on building more homes and reducing homelessness helped inform a national dialogue grounded in action, outcomes, and protecting the well-being of our communities.
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Farmers Insurance Open Returns to Torrey Pines
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The Farmers Insurance Open once again brought the PGA Tour to Torrey Pines, showcasing one of San Diego’s most iconic coastal venues. The tournament generated significant economic activity for the region, supporting local jobs, small businesses, and San Diego’s global profile.
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Welcoming the Lunar New Year
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Community members gathered at Diamond Palace Restaurant to welcome the Lunar New Year alongside the House of China and the Chinese School of San Diego. The celebration marked the Year of the Fire Horse — a symbol of determination and forward momentum, and my own Chinese zodiac — with a banquet honoring culture, family, and tradition. Events like this reflect how San Diego is strengthened by the cultures and communities that call our city home.
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Grand Opening of the Pope Francis Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe
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Rooted in a long history of welcoming immigrant families like my own, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church has opened the Pope Francis Center to provide spiritual support, legal services, and help navigating resources for those in need. The parish has proudly served the Barrio Logan and Logan Heights communities for over 100 years, and in the spirit of Pope Francis, the church’s new center reflects the care, dignity, and community that make this part of San Diego so special.
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SAN DIEGO ON THE GLOBAL STAGE
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Leveraging Southern California's Diplomatic Community
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I was pleased to welcome Rachel Washington, Director of the Office of Foreign Missions in Los Angeles, to discuss how San Diego can better connect with the diplomatic corps across Southern California to strengthen international relationships that drive trade, attract foreign investment, and support local businesses with global ties.
Southern California is home to consulates from more than 100 countries, underscoring the rich international presence and the opportunity for San Diego to deepen those ties for economic and cultural benefit. Engagements like this help ensure our region is seen as a serious partner in innovation and international collaboration.
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SERVING SAN DIEGO: BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
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Welcoming New Leaders to San Diego’s Boards and Commissions
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San Diego continues to benefit from residents who step up to serve on the City’s boards and commissions, bringing real-world expertise to help guide policy and decision-making.
Congratulations to our newest appointees, who were sworn in and are ready to get to work for our city!
Soheil Nakhshab was appointed to the Board of Building Appeals and Advisors. He is the founder and CEO of Nakhshab Development and Design, Inc., a licensed civil engineer and general contractor, and a professor of real estate development. His experience spans historic redevelopment, urban infill housing, and complex projects that support workforce housing while meeting California building codes.
Grace Jones was appointed to the Resiliency Advisory Board. She is a national client manager at Partner Engineering and Science with a background in climate-change risk assessments, energy audits, and environmental site work. She holds a degree in environmental science and policy and brings valuable expertise to the City’s work on climate preparedness and resilience.
Interested in serving your community and helping shape San Diego’s future? Apply to serve on a City board or commission here: https://onboard.sandiego.gov/application/
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Join the Conversation on Accessing City Council Information
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The Office of the City Clerk is hosting community listening sessions to hear directly from residents about how they access City Council agendas, notices, and public information. These sessions are an opportunity to share what works, what can be improved, and how the City can make it easier for people to participate in local government. Community members are encouraged to attend in person or virtually and complete the public engagement survey to help shape future improvements.
Upcoming Community Listening Sessions:
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Tierrasanta Recreation Center
11220 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92124
Attendees are also encouraged to complete the Public Engagement Survey to share their experiences and ideas for improving public access.
Survey links:
Residents are encouraged to attend in person or participate virtually through Zoom at www.sandiego.gov/listening or by telephone at 1-669-254-5252 Meeting ID: 160-023-4308.
To contact the Office of the City Clerk about this event—or if you are requesting a translator for the in-person session—please email cityclerk@sandiego.gov or call 619-533-4000.
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New Online Portal for Balboa Park Parking
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Parking passes for Balboa Park are now available through a new online portal, giving City of San Diego residents access to discounted rates when they verify residency in advance. The portal offers annual, monthly, daily, and hourly options, with up to three hours of free parking at Lower Inspiration Point. Parking revenues will be reinvested directly into park operations and maintenance, helping preserve this treasured public space for generations to come.
Learn how to get started:
• Learn How to Pay for Parking at a Meter Kiosk
• Learn How to Use the Online Portal, including step-by-step instructions to verify residency and purchase parking passes
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Help Shape the Future of Recreation Programming in San Diego
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The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is inviting residents to help shape the future of recreation in San Diego. Community input will guide how recreation centers operate, what programs are offered, and how residents receive information about them.
The Parks and Recreation Department is inviting community leaders and representatives to 45-minute Zoom focus groups to share ideas, flag barriers to participation, and improve how we communicate about programs. Sessions include a brief presentation, Q&A, and an interactive survey. Registration is required.
Upcoming dates (by Council Districts):
Upcoming Virtual Focus Groups
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026: All Council Districts
4 p.m.
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Civic Center Plaza Comes Alive with Plaza Central Pop-Ups
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Downtown’s Civic Center Plaza is getting a vibrant refresh with Plaza Central — a new series of pop-up events bringing food, music, and art to the heart of the city. The activations are free and open to the public every Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a lively preview of the area’s long-term revitalization.
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Stay Informed with Inside San Diego
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Stay up-to-date with the latest news and information about our city through Inside San Diego, our new hub for all things San Diego.
From community updates to important City announcements, Inside San Diego is your go-to source for staying engaged and informed as a resident.
Don’t miss out on critical alerts and updates—sign up today to receive notifications via email or text message.
It’s a simple way to stay connected with everything happening in our great city. Subscribe now!
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