Is San Diego’s affordable housing crisis solvable, or are we destined to price out the next generation?
In this special episode of Skip the Lines Podcast, Jonathan Mitchell sits down with Thomas DeFranco, Director of Policy at the San Diego Housing Commission, for a deep dive into the city’s affordable housing challenges and opportunities. Thomas sheds light on the intricacies of Section 8 housing, federal subsidies, and the role of the San Diego Housing Commission as a crucial intermediary that manages funds, provides vouchers, and supports landlords and tenants alike. He also explores the creative ways the commission is working to increase housing availability, from converting older properties to densifying existing ones, and emphasizes the critical need for a diverse range of affordable housing solutions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Meet Thomas DeFranco
- Background and role at San Diego Housing Commission
04:50 Understanding Section 8 Housing
- Explanation of housing voucher process
- Becoming a Section 8 landlord
10:30 Expanding Housing in San Diego
- Properties owned by Housing Commission
- How developers can participate
19:16 Funding & Politics: Federal Impacts on Housing
- San Diego Housing Commission's $740M budget breakdown
29:00 Myths, Challenges, and Future Opportunities
- Misconceptions about affordable housing (AMI explained)
- NIMBYism and local opposition to development
40:00 Lightning Round with Thomas DeFranco
- Personal insights into real estate and fun facts
Quotes:
“We can't change our programs every four years with a new administration.” – Thomas Defranco
“Having new neighbors isn't a scary thing—it's an opportunity.” – Thomas Defranco
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📢 Connect with Thomas Defranco!
Website: https://sdhc.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommydefranco
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasdefranco
Twitter (X): https://x.com/thmsonline
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