SAN DIEGO, CA – In a decisive move aimed at retaining top leadership talent, the San Diego Housing Authority (SDHA) has approved a 5% salary increase for San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) President and CEO Lisa Jones, bringing her annual base salary to $372,500, plus an additional $5,000 adjustment to align with industry standards. The City Council, acting as the Housing Authority, voted 6-2 in favor of the increase, recognizing Jones’ leadership during critical moments for the city’s housing initiatives.
This decision comes at a complex time, as San Diego grapples with federal funding cuts that threaten crucial affordable housing programs. Even as the city navigates fiscal constraints, proponents argue that competitive compensation is necessary to retain high-level executives who are tasked with steering the city’s housing strategy through economic turbulence.
Leadership in Times of Crisis
Jones, who took the helm as President and CEO of SDHC in late 2023, has played a pivotal role in addressing San Diego’s affordable housing crisis. Under her leadership, the commission has navigated severe funding shortages, provided relief to vulnerable residents, and led negotiations for a new labor agreement.
Despite the budget challenges, Jones remains committed to her role.
“I’m not going anywhere. This is where I want to be,” Jones affirmed during the meeting, reinforcing her dedication to San Diego’s housing future.
Councilman Kent Lee underscored the increasing complexity of the role, emphasizing that appropriate compensation is essential to retain top talent.
“We are the eighth-largest city in this country, and the things we are asking Jones to do come with increasing complexity. We need to compensate folks appropriately, or we are going to feel the consequences,” Lee stated.
The approved raise places Jones’ salary in the range of leaders in similar-sized housing agencies, such as the Housing Authority of the City of Inglewood ($388,923) and the Housing Authority of King County, Washington ($352,873). When factoring in benefits, retirement contributions, and incentives, her total compensation package surpasses $400,000—a figure deemed appropriate for an executive managing one of California’s largest housing agencies.
Performance Incentives and Recognition
In addition to the salary adjustment, the SDHA’s Ad Hoc CEO Performance Evaluation Committee recommended a $14,000 performance incentive for Jones, citing her exemplary service during last year’s January floods and her role in advancing key housing initiatives.
SDHC conducts annual performance reviews for the CEO position, ensuring that leadership remains accountable to the city’s housing goals.
Budget Strains and Program Cuts
The timing of the pay raise has sparked debate, given the recent elimination of key housing voucher programs due to federal budget cuts. In January, the SDHC was forced to end developer incentive programs designed to boost affordable housing projects.
During the same council meeting, Jones presented an informational briefing regarding an announcement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) indicating that funding for the Emergency Housing Voucher Program—which supports 460 families in San Diego—would likely expire by April.
Given these financial hurdles, Councilmembers Marni von Wilpert and Raul Campillo voted against the salary adjustment.
“I don’t feel it is the right time to approve tens of thousands in bonuses,” von Wilpert stated. “I would need this to be a full budget discussion. I’d have to face a lot of people if I voted to approve this—people who were federal employees and are now sitting at home after being fired by the Department of Government Efficiency.”
Campillo echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that while Jones is worth every dollar, the city faces an impending $250 million deficit, making executive salary increases a challenging decision.
However, financial experts point out two factors in favor of the pay raise:
- San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has already implemented cost-cutting measures that have significantly reduced the city’s deficit.
- The majority of the Housing Commission’s budget is sourced from federal and state funding, not the city’s general fund, as clarified by Independent Budget Analyst Charles Modica.
The Importance of Strong Leadership in Housing Policy
Advocates for the pay increase argue that effective leadership is critical in addressing San Diego’s housing crisis. Councilwoman Jennifer Campbell urged her colleagues to shift their perspective, highlighting the vital role SDHC plays in preventing homelessness.
“Rather than asking what the impact of a pay raise is, we should be asking where the city would be without the Housing Commission,” Campbell stated. “Without this agency, we’d see an additional 10,000 to 15,000 people on our streets.”
Councilman Stephen Whitburn, while supporting the salary adjustment, stressed the importance of tangible results moving forward.
“I expect to see a robust effort to get people off the streets and into housing,” Whitburn stated, reinforcing the need for continued progress in addressing homelessness.
A Career Dedicated to Housing Solutions
Jones brings over 17 years of housing policy experience to her role. Before leading the SDHC, she served as Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the agency.
Her career spans leadership roles at the Housing Authority of San Bernardino County, where she also directed knowledge and education initiatives for the affiliated nonprofit Your Success.
Jones holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Institute of Leadership and Management at the University of East Anglia, England. She is also an alumna of the Impact Center’s Women’s Executive Leadership Program.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As San Diego continues to confront housing affordability challenges, strong leadership remains essential. While the CEO’s salary adjustment has sparked debate, it also underscores the broader discussion on prioritizing housing solutions.
With federal funding uncertainties looming, Jones and her team face the complex task of ensuring housing stability for thousands of San Diego residents.