(May 7, 2025) San Diego, CA — The County of San Diego took another major step forward in addressing the region’s housing crisis today, voting to advance two new affordable housing projects on surplus County land that will bring 224 new deed-restricted homes to San Diego’s Mid-City neighborhood and downtown Escondido.

These new developments — 90 units for seniors in San Diego’s Mid-City neighborhood and 134 units in Escondido for seniors and/or families — are part of a growing County strategy to repurpose public land for public good. While located in city neighborhoods, the projects are driven by County investment and reflect Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer’s broader vision to accelerate affordable housing across the region.

The developments are part of a growing County-led strategy to turn public land into affordable homes — and to help meet the region wide goal of building 10,000 affordable housing units on government-owned property. That goal, announced in 2022 by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and regional partners, is designed to rally all levels of government to help solve one of San Diego’s most urgent challenges. The County’s surplus land strategy, championed by Lawson-Remer, represents one of the most ambitious contributions to that collective effort.

“These affordable homes on County land reflect our commitment to take bold action and partner across jurisdictions to meet our housing goals,” said Supervisor Lawson-Remer, who has led efforts to deploy surplus County land for affordable housing. “We’re building more than just units — we’re building a regional response to the housing crisis.”

The agreement approved today clears the way for development to begin on both sites, which is the product of coordinated efforts between the County, local municipalities, and affordable housing developers. The projects will include services for residents, and support walkable, transit-oriented communities aligned with the region’s climate and equity goals.

Project Highlights

• 100% Affordable Housing: All 224 units will be deed-restricted and income-qualified.
• Public Land for Public Good: Both sites are former County properties, prioritized under the County’s surplus land strategy.
• Local-Regional Coordination: The County closely collaborated with the Cities of San Diego and Escondido to identify need, accelerate approvals, and streamline development.
• Seniors and Working Families: Homes targeted to seniors, low-wage workers, and those priced out of the region’s rental market.

This vote marks another milestone in the County’s broader housing push. Since Supervisor Lawson-Remer took office in 2021, San Diego County has committed land for more than 10,000 homes and increased affordable housing production fivefold. Today’s announcement builds on that momentum.

“Solving the housing crisis takes every level of government working together—and that’s exactly what we’re doing here,” said Lawson-Remer. “We’re not just building housing—we’re building partnerships that deliver real results for San Diego families.”