From Policy Wins to Community Change: 35 Years of SDHF Leadership

For 35 years, the San Diego Housing Federation has worked to ensure that every person in our region has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Our story is one of persistence, partnership, and progress—shaping the policies and investments that make homes possible for thousands of San Diegans.

Over the years, our advocacy at the state level delivered key wins. We proudly sponsored SB 713 (Padilla), which strengthens state housing law by making it clear that local governments cannot impose standards that prevent density bonus projects from moving forward. By codifying this directive, we are ensuring greater certainty for developers to build affordable housing—faster, and with fewer obstacles.

We also co-sponsored AB 480 (Ting), a landmark bill that clarifies and strengthens the Surplus Land Act. Across California, unused public land holds enormous potential for affordable housing. This bill ensures that these public assets are prioritized for community benefit, helping unlock new opportunities for homes in neighborhoods where families need them most.

At the local level, we joined forces with the Homeless Experience Advocacy and Leadership (HEAL) group to conduct San Diego County’s first in-depth analysis of Age-Friendly Policies. As our population ages, ensuring that seniors can age in place with dignity has never been more urgent. Together, we evaluated how jurisdictions are aligning their policies with the needs of older adults—highlighting opportunities to improve housing, expand access to resources, and create stronger systems of support.

Even in the face of daunting financial challenges, SDHF stood firm. In 2024, California faced a staggering $38–$73 billion budget deficit that threatened affordable housing funding. Through relentless advocacy alongside our statewide coalition partners, we protected critical programs like the Multifamily Housing Program and Regional Early Action Planning Grants 2.0. Beyond preservation, we also secured new investments: $500 million for the State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program and $1 billion for the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) Program. These victories mean more homes, more stability, and more hope for Californians experiencing housing insecurity.

As we celebrate 35 years of impact, one thing is clear: our work is far from over. The housing crisis requires bold leadership, strong coalitions, and the continued support of people like you. Together, we can expand affordable housing, protect vital funding, and build a more just and equitable future for San Diego. Your donation strengthens our advocacy, fuels our partnerships, and helps us continue delivering results for our communities.