On November 5, 2024, San Diego residents will cast their votes to either re-elect incumbent Mayor Todd Gloria or choose challenger Larry Turner, a police officer, as the next leader of their city. With critical issues on the ballot, including housing affordability, homelessness, and infrastructure funding, this election represents a pivotal moment in San Diego’s future.
In a recent interview with CBS 8’s Carlo Cecchetto, both candidates shared their strategies to address the city’s pressing challenges. As the election approaches, their vision for San Diego’s future becomes central to the debate, as they provide distinct perspectives on these key issues.
Housing Affordability: Two Visions for the Future
One of the most pressing concerns for San Diegans is the rising cost of housing. Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized increasing housing supply as a fundamental approach to addressing affordability. His administration has worked to streamline the permitting process to expedite housing projects, cutting down approval times drastically.
“What once took months or even years now happens in 30 days or less. Last year alone, we approved nearly 10,000 new homes—double what we did just the year before,” Gloria explained. He acknowledged concerns about the increased density in some neighborhoods but warned that without action, San Diego could see more families forced out of the city or, worse, a surge in homelessness.
Larry Turner, on the other hand, took a different stance. He argued that the mayor’s policies had allowed developers to bulldoze affordable housing in the name of increasing supply, leading to inflated prices. “We’re demolishing affordable housing, filling landfills in the process, and expecting new construction to lower prices—yet that’s not the reality we’re seeing,” Turner emphasized.
Turner proposes halting new affordable housing developments in areas already saturated with them, focusing instead on preserving existing units. He also plans to discourage investors from driving up prices and impose stricter regulations on short-term rentals, which he believes have exacerbated housing shortages.
Infrastructure Funding: A Tale of Two Approaches
San Diego faces a staggering $9.3 billion shortfall in infrastructure funding, with essential projects such as road maintenance, dam repairs, and storm water management urgently needed. Measure E, a proposed one-cent sales tax, aims to generate the necessary revenue to tackle this crisis, but the proposal has sparked a debate between the candidates.
Mayor Gloria supports the measure, framing it as an investment in the city’s future. “It’s a modest investment that will lead to significant enhancements in our roads, public safety, and the overall quality of life,” Gloria stated. He acknowledged concerns about the lack of earmarking for infrastructure but reassured voters that the funds would go toward addressing the city’s most pressing needs.
In contrast, Turner strongly opposes Measure E. He pointed out that the current administration has not been responsible with its existing budget and questioned the fairness of placing the burden on residents. “Why should San Diegans foot the bill for the city’s financial mismanagement? This tax disproportionately affects lower-income residents, and it’s not the solution,” Turner argued. He advocates for better fiscal management and finding alternative ways to increase revenue, such as fostering a more business-friendly environment.
Homelessness: A Crisis Demanding Urgent Action
Homelessness remains a significant issue in San Diego, with more individuals becoming homeless each year than those who are being housed. Both candidates offered their solutions, but their approaches were starkly different.
Mayor Gloria highlighted the high cost of housing as a root cause of homelessness and defended the city’s use of temporary shelters. “Safe sleeping sites are a critical step. They offer immediate refuge and help prevent the dangers associated with encampments,” Gloria noted, adding that these shelters have been well-received by the unhoused community.
Turner focused on mental health and addiction as the primary causes of homelessness. He advocates for more aggressive intervention, including implementing conservatorships for those unable to make decisions due to mental health or substance abuse issues. “Compassion means taking action. We can’t let people remain on the streets and suffer any longer,” Turner stressed.
He plans to partner with philanthropic organizations to fund shelters offering comprehensive support services, ensuring those in need receive both housing and the necessary care to rebuild their lives.
Moving Forward: A Crucial Decision for San Diego
As Election Day approaches, the contrasting visions of Todd Gloria and Larry Turner offer San Diego voters a clear choice. Both candidates acknowledge the city’s pressing challenges but propose very different solutions. Mayor Gloria believes in expanding housing, investing in infrastructure through Measure E, and providing immediate solutions to homelessness. Meanwhile, Larry Turner advocates for preserving existing housing, fiscal responsibility without new taxes, and addressing the root causes of homelessness through mental health and addiction services.
The direction San Diego takes on these issues will shape the city’s future for years to come. With the stakes high and the city at a crossroads, voters must carefully weigh the candidates’ proposals and decide who best aligns with their vision for San Diego.