Regional Economy, Infrastructure Needs
Among Topics Scheduled for March 5 Task Force Meeting

SAN DIEGO, CA - City officials will discuss infrastructure needs, the regional economy and other issues during the March 5 meeting of the City of San Diego’s Affordable Housing Task Force. The task force meeting will be held at noon in the Fourth Floor Training Room of the City’s Development Services Center, 1222 First Ave., in downtown San Diego.

Highlights at the meeting will include:

• Professor Alan Gin of the University of San Diego will discuss how the San Diego Region’s economy has affected housing needs.
• Details about the Infill/Affordable Housing Expedite Program by Mike Westlake of the City’s Development Services Department.
• San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) will show a 15 minute video dealing with regional housing issues.

The public will also have an opportunity to speak to the task force about affordable housing issues.

Issues discussed at the meetings will be used by the task force to make recommendations on affordable housing to the City. City staff will begin work this year on the City’s 2004-2009 Housing Element, which will include recommendations by the task force as appropriate.

The Affordable Housing Task Force is comprised of 20 members who represent community organizations and planning boards, housing and environmental advocates, charitable organizations, academics, affordable housing developers, realtors, apartment owners, business and labor. The task force will assist in identifying areas of change that will result in an increase to the City’s affordable housing stock. Recommendations could include such areas as financial strategies, housing production goals and current regulatory impediments.

For more information about the task force, visit the City's web site at www.sandiego.gov, and click on the link under "News and Special Announcements." The web page includes meeting agendas and minutes, a list of task force members, and other information.

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