San Diego City Wire

The San Diego County Fiscal Year 2023/24 Annual Report, released Thursday, highlights significant progress in addressing key regional challenges. The report outlines advancements in affordable housing, homelessness, behavioral health, public safety, justice reform, environmental sustainability, healthy communities, and equity.

Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton stated, "In coming together, we achieved more than any of us could alone. That unity, and the collective impact it brings, is making a difference in the lives of people throughout the region and positions us to deal with any challenges that may come our way."

Among the achievements detailed in the report are ten new affordable housing developments completed last fiscal year and 17 more planned. Since 2017, $314 million has been invested into affordable housing. The Shallow Rental Subsidy Program was expanded to help low-income seniors avoid homelessness by providing a $500 monthly subsidy to landlords.

Nearly 1,000 unhoused veterans found permanent homes through the Leave No Veteran Homeless initiative. Additionally, nearly $4.5 million was approved by the Board of Supervisors to expand the Mobile Crisis Response program using behavioral health experts for non-violent situations.

The county also celebrated new infrastructure with the opening of East Otay Mesa Fire Station and two state-of-the-art helicopters for fire fighting and patrol duties. Justice reform efforts included completing Phase 2 of the Youth Transition Campus and planning a resource hub for adults leaving jail.

One Safe Place provides trauma survivors with services in North County; plans are underway for a second location in South Bay. The Uplift Boys & Men of Color initiative received $500,000 to support at-risk youth.

Ten nonprofits received $100,000 each from the Equity Impact Grant Program to address inequity in housing, health, education, and public safety. An additional $2 million will expand this program over two years.

Environmental efforts include updating the Climate Action Plan for unincorporated communities and adding open space while planting thousands of trees. Construction began on a new public health lab set to open next spring.

The Southeastern Live Well Center opened its doors offering various community services including food assistance and veteran services. Two libraries expanded last year with plans for a new branch at Casa de Oro; two parks opened as well.

For more details on these initiatives and others mentioned in the report visit San Diego County's Annual Report webpage.