San Diego City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026

The San Diego City Council met on March 3, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM and reconvening after a noon recess at 2:00 PM. The meeting covered proclamations, consent agenda items, a performance audit of key performance indicators (KPIs), and a major proposal to place an empty homes tax on the June 2026 ballot. Public comment was extensive, with over 50 speakers in chambers and additional remote participants.

Consent Calendar

• Proclamations (Items 30 & 31): Unanimously approved (8-0, with Councilmember Elo Rivera absent). Item 30 proclaimed March 3, 2026 as Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney Diana Adams Day. Item 31 proclaimed April 25, 2026 as Seroptimist International of San Diego Day.
• Consent Agenda (Items 50, 60, 100, 101, S500): Approved unanimously (9-0). Included software service agreements for the My Water SD web portal, building standards codes, community program funding, and a resolution excusing Councilmember von Wilpert from certain committee meetings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public comment on proclamations (Items 30 & 31): One speaker encouraged a federal lawsuit by the city attorney; another speaker expressed opposition to undocumented immigrants receiving benefits.
• Public comment on consent agenda: Speakers addressed concerns about private business contracts and accountability, and praised the PUD customer service portal.
• Non-agenda public comment: Topics included national security concerns, the need for greater mental health awareness and regulation of intoxicating drugs, criticism of the privatization of Torrey Pines Gliderport, and calls for disclosure of third-hand smoke contamination in real estate transactions.
• Public comment on Item 330 (KPI audit): Speakers raised concerns about inaccuracies in KPIs from Development Services and Planning, fiscal oversight, and the need for transparent performance metrics.
• Public comment on Item S501 (Empty homes tax): Over 50 speakers in chambers and 14 remote participants. Supporters argued that the tax would help address the housing crisis and generate revenue for city services, with many sharing personal stories of housing insecurity. Opponents cited legal concerns (e.g., the San Francisco case), potential negative impacts on second homeowners, and the lack of dedicated housing fund. Notable speakers included representatives from the San Diego Housing Federation, firefighter union, labor council, and community organizations.

Discussion Items

• Item 330: Performance Audit of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): The City Auditor presented findings that KPIs are underutilized due to accuracy concerns and lack of oversight. Recommendations included developing an annual performance report, creating a data validation process, and establishing a formal KPI philosophy. The Performance and Analytics Department (PANDA) and the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst (IBA) provided supportive comments. Councilmembers discussed the need for more consistent, outcome-oriented KPIs and the importance of involving workers in goal-setting. No action was required as it was an informational item.
• Item S501: Empty Homes Tax Ballot Measure: Councilmember Elo Rivera presented a proposal to place a measure on the June 2, 2026 ballot that would impose an annual tax on residential units vacant for more than 182 days, with a base tax of $8,000 in 2027 (rising to $10,000 in 2028) and an additional surcharge for corporate-owned properties. Exclusions were included for primary residences, long-term rentals, newly built housing, military deployment, family care, and other circumstances. The IBA estimated net general fund revenue of $9.2 million to $21.4 million in the first year, declining over time as units become occupied. The city attorney's office confirmed legal viability, distinguishing the measure from a similar San Francisco tax that was struck down. Councilmember Campillo requested a detailed legal memo and voted no, citing insufficient information. The motion passed 8-1.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamations: Approved unanimously (8-0).
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (9-0).
• KPI Audit: No action required; management agreed to all five recommendations.
• Empty Homes Tax: Adopted ordinance (Item S501) to place the measure on the June 2, 2026 ballot. Vote: 8-1 (Councilmember Campillo opposed). Councilmember Elo Rivera was authorized to sign and file a ballot argument in favor for the voter pamphlet.