SAN DIEGO–The Yes on Measure A campaign today announced that more than 50 percent of voters approved the ballot measure. Ballots are still being counted and Measure A requires a two-thirds majority to pass.
By 10 p.m. on Nov. 3, Measure A had recorded 57.76% of the vote.
“We still don’t know the final results yet, but it sends a very powerful message that a majority of voters want the city to take action on homelessness,” said Stephen Russell, president and CEO of the San Diego Housing Federation. “Reaching the two-thirds threshold is difficult, but we are committed to continuing to work with the city to implement solutions to homelessness. We will pay close attention to the election results as they come in during the next few weeks.”
Several surveys conducted by the Housing Federation over the last three-and-a-half years showed that reducing homelessness ranked top among concerns for local likely voters, moving to second place only after the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic.
Measure A seeks to raise $900 million to alleviate homelessness by building affordable and permanent supportive housing for families, veterans, elderly and people experiencing homelessness. The initiative was backed by a broad and diverse coalition of supporters that included the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, the Building Industry Association of San Diego, youth and homeless advocates and the local Democratic party.
“Whatever the outcome, the coalition we built has energized San Diegans to find creative and City Council members. “I feel more optimistic than ever that we have the support and the determination to finally address homelessness and housing affordability.”
Russell thanked Chris Ward, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, Betsy Brennan of the San Diego Downtown Partnership, the Labor Council and others who had the vision and showed the leadership to back Measure A.
