San Diego City Council Meeting – January 13, 2026

The San Diego City Council convened on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 9 a.m., recessed at noon, and reconvened at 2 p.m. The meeting included proclamations honoring retiring city officials and recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a consent agenda with multiple items, discussion items on the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS), Measure C implementation, a homelessness oversight committee, opposition to offshore drilling, and a temporary rule change. Public testimony was heard on all major items. Several votes were not unanimous, with members registering no votes on specific consent items.

Land Acknowledgement and Pledge

• Councilmember Moreno led the land acknowledgement honoring the Kumeyaay Nation and the pledge of allegiance.

Proclamations (Items 30, 31, S508–S511)

• The council approved proclamations for Gary Pence (retiring transportation engineer, 36 years), Elizabeth “Liz” Malin (retiring city clerk, 32 years), Phyllis Minick (volunteer in La Jolla), and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15, 2026). Councilmembers and former officials spoke in support. The vote was unanimous 8–0 (Councilmember Campillo absent).

Consent Calendar

• Items: 10, 50–66, 100–108, S500–S505, S512–S513. Included appointments (Tim Douglas to San Diego County Water Authority Board, Evaristo Rafael Barra to Citizens Equal Opportunity Commission, and multiple reappointments to the Commission for Arts and Culture).
• Public comments: Karina Pugh (LGBTQ Community Center) thanked for CPPS funds; Dana Givitt and Tasha Williamson criticized the College Area Community Plan update, alleging violations of fair housing law and CEQA; others spoke on water board, housing, and public safety.
• Council comments: Members thanked appointees and highlighted CPPS funding in their districts.
• Vote: Motion carried with the following no votes:
  • Item 50: Councilmember Von Wilpert (expired contract).
  • Item 63: Councilmembers Foster, Moreno, and Elo Rivera (SDPD supplemental positions – cost neutrality concerns and need for reform).
  • Item 65: Council President LaCava.
  • Item 64: Councilmember Campillo absent.

Discussion Items

Item 330 – Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) for FY 2026–2027

• Presentation: Leonardo Alarcon (Economic Development) requested approval of the 20th ROPS, totaling approximately $37 million, with $32 million from the Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF). The city has retired 94% of enforceable obligations, leaving 38 line items.
• Public comment: None.
• Vote: Unanimous 7–0 (Councilmembers Moreno and Campillo absent).

Item 331 – Clarifying Ordinance for Measure C (Approved March 2020)

• Presentation: City Treasurer Liz Correa presented a clarifying ordinance updating the tax imposition date to May 1, 2025 (delayed six years and four months) and resetting timelines for revenue allocation, five-year plans, and audits. Revenue splits: first 5.5 years: 41% homelessness, 59% convention center; then 31% homelessness, 10% street repairs, remainder to convention center.
• Public comment: Evan Strawn (San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce) supported; one member (million mile man) opposed homeless spending.
• Vote: Unanimous 8–0 (Councilmember Campillo absent).

Item S506 – Homelessness Revenue Account Citizens Oversight Committee

• Presentation: Sarah Jarman (Homelessness Strategies and Solutions) proposed a seven-member advisory committee with expertise in finance, nonprofit management, lived experience, etc. Ex officio members include IBA, CFO, and HSSD director. Members serve four-year terms; mayor selects initial chair.
• Public comment: None.
• Vote: Unanimous 8–0 (Councilmember Campillo absent).

Item S514 – Resolution Opposing Offshore Oil and Gas Leases in Federal Waters

• Presentation: Brian Elliott (Council President’s office) noted the Trump administration’s 2025 proposal for 34 lease sites, including off Southern California. The resolution opposes drilling, citing risks to marine life, Navy operations, tourism, and climate goals.
• Public comment: Sophia (Youth V Oil), Ann Middleton (Wild Coast), Charles Rayleigh (Sierra Club) supported; John Stump referenced city charter prohibition; Blair Beekman urged attention to Tijuana River issues.
• Vote: Unanimous 7–0 (Councilmembers Campillo and Von Wilpert absent).

Item S507 – Temporary Rule of Council (Amendment to Rule 6.1.3)

• Presentation: Council President LaCava explained the temporary rule allows committee chairs flexibility in work plans pending permanent rule amendments. No public comment.
• Vote: Unanimous 7–0 (Councilmembers Von Wilpert and Campillo absent).

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations approved unanimously (8–0).
• Consent agenda approved with no votes on items 50, 63, and 65 as noted.
• ROPS (Item 330) approved 7–0.
• Measure C clarifying ordinance (Item 331) approved 8–0.
• Homelessness oversight committee (Item S506) approved 8–0.
• Offshore drilling resolution (Item S514) approved 7–0.
• Temporary rule change (Item S507) approved 7–0.
• Housing Authority item H81 (labor negotiations designation) approved 7–0 earlier in the afternoon session.
• The meeting adjourned to a special council meeting on January 15, 2026, for the mayor’s State of the City address.