San Diego County is making major strides in tackling the housing crisis, with new data showing that 84% of its state-mandated housing goal has already been met — just four years into the eight-year cycle.

Today, the Board of Supervisors voted to formally accept the County’s 2024 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report, which shows 5,645 homes permitted toward the 6,700-unit goal — plus another 4,500 additional homes moving through the pipeline.

And at the current pace, the County is projected to exceed its housing goal by more than 4,500 homes by 2029 — a milestone that could mean thousands more families, young people, and essential workers can afford to stay in San Diego County.

“We didn’t just meet our goals — we’re on track to beat them,” said Acting Chair Terra Lawson-Remer. “That’s thousands more families who can stay in the region they love. More teachers, nurses, and first responders who can live near the people they serve. And fewer San Diegans pushed out by rising rents.”

The report reflects sustained momentum despite rising interest rates, litigation delays, and regulatory headwinds. Since 2021, the County has focused on cutting red tape and accelerating housing production, particularly in smart growth areas and near transit.

Key Highlights:

• 84% of RHNA Goal Achieved: 5,645 homes permitted toward the state target of 6,700 by 2029.
• Thousands More in the Pipeline: Over 4,500 additional units moving through the approval process.
• 500% Increase in Affordable Housing: Fivefold growth in county-funded affordable housing production since 2021.
• Tripled Pace of Homebuilding: The County has significantly accelerated approvals over the past four years.

Cutting Red Tape to Keep Building

To build on this progress, the County is rolling out new tools to streamline housing:

• Faster Permits: 30-day guaranteed review timelines now apply to affordable, workforce, and smart-growth projects — speeding up approvals.
• By-Right Clarity: A new streamlined checklist ensures affordable projects on Housing Element sites move forward without delay.
• Support for Small Projects: The County continues expanding resources for ADUs, lot splits, and small-site development to unlock more housing choices.

“We’re making it faster and easier to build the right kinds of housing — in the right places — for the people who need it most,” Lawson-Remer said.

A Foundation for the Future

These accomplishments build on the vision laid out in Lawson-Remer’s 2025 State of the County Address:

“All of us deserve a roof over our heads and a secure place to call home. Yet in the richest country in the world, middle-class families can’t afford even a small starter home. That’s why housing has been a cornerstone of our work since I took office.”

To view the State of the County Address, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGWORQPsvas&t=1s