How Three Key Ballot Measures Could Affect SD Real Estate

Rauch: “A ‘yes’ vote will make San Diego’s transient occupancy tax rate among the highest in the US. and will not allow tourism to thrive, nor will it guarantee a stream of dollars for promotion.”

SAN DIEGO—Whether Measure B truly helps middle-income families afford homes and Measures C and D’s true impact on the hospitality industry are being brought into question on Nov. 8, sources tell GlobeSt.com.

Measure B San Diego will be brought before San Diego County voters on Tuesday to approve a general-plan amendment in Northern San Diego County to provide more housing affordable to middle-income families. Supporters argue that it would help alleviate the region’s severe housing crisis. The finding of a report prepared by Scott Barnett, president of the San Diego Taxpayers Advocate, is that Measure B will be good for taxpayers. According to the report, the Lilac Hills Ranch project includes: a legally binding commitment to build a much-needed K-8 school; a commitment to make all necessary community road and infrastructure upgrades to the tune of $16 million—$2 million more than the County of San Diego estimated is needed; $2 million net in new tax revenues for county taxpayers annually; a commitment to fund a water-recycling plant so the project will use less water than is currently consumed on the site.