SD City Council President Withholds Proposed Stormwater Funding Measure

San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera announced today that he has decided to withhold the proposed stormwater measure from the November 2024 election. This measure was first proposed by Elo-Rivera after the January 22nd storm, which caused widespread flooding in Southeast San Diego.

During the floods, thousands of residents were forced from their homes, and many of them lost nearly all their possessions. The measure would help fix infrastructure that could have prevented the extent of damages experienced by residents.

Currently, the City of San Diego has a $1.6 billion stormwater deficit, meaning repairs and restructuring of outdated infrastructure have been delayed due to lack of funding. The decision to delay this measure follows changes to ACA 1. A proposed State ballot measure which, if approved by voters, would have set the threshold for voter approval of local infrastructure funding at 55%.

“The two-thirds voter approval threshold for infrastructure revenue is undemocratic and has stood as an impediment to San Diego making critical improvements,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, “Our coalition saw real hope in the proposal to change the threshold to 55% and were confident voters would strongly support the ballot measure we were advancing.”

Following concerns on the proposed ACA 1 changes, Elo-Rivera said he will take time to grow their coalition and pursue a plan for securing dedicated revenue to better San Diego infrastructure.

“Aging infrastructure, flood prevention, and clean waters remain immediate, yet underfunded priorities within our existing stormwater system,” said Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava. “Though a dedicated revenue stream for stormwater is the ultimate goal, the development of this measure highlighted the value that tackling the billion-dollar infrastructure backlog will have for our neighborhoods. I remain committed to not losing this momentum as we develop a stormwater system that meets the needs of our neighborhoods and today’s climate challenges.”

Other organizations, such as San Diego Coast Keeper and Climate Action Campaign, have also asserted their dedication to keep fighting for the funding. Even if an electoral victory isn’t likely this year.

City News Service contributed to this article