San Diego · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Diego public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Water rate restructuring after Pats ruling
Even with the rate hikes already approved, water and sewer costs keep climbing, the rate stabilization fund will be drained by 2027, and dozens of capital projects are being delayed. Councilmembers want internal efficiency fixes, not just blame on the County Water Authority.
Water revenue bonds for Pure Water and water system
The city is adding $6.65 million to its contract with Trussell Technologies to keep the North City Pure Water facility on track — part of the recycled-water program that will eventually supply a big chunk of the city's drinking water.
Underground utility district Bay Ho 03
The council adopted an updated master plan for burying utility wires citywide and approved a handful of pole and overhead line exceptions in District 1.
La Jolla Terrace HOA lawsuit over failed underground pipe
The city is facing a lawsuit from a homeowners association claiming property damage from a failed underground city pipe. Speakers used the case to press the city on aging water and stormwater infrastructure — fix problems proactively instead of waiting for failures and lawsuits.
Public Power / Municipalization of SDG&E
Should San Diego buy SDG&E's electric grid and run it as a public utility? The Phase II study says it's feasible and could save ratepayers billions, but union workers fear job losses and the price tag could top $7 billion. No vote was taken — this was informational.
SDG&E Franchise Compliance and Renewal
The independent audit found SDG&E largely compliant with its franchise agreements, with minor documentation and scheduling issues. The citizen oversight committee recommends conditional renewal — but critics say compliance isn't the same as affordability.
Water bond downgrade and borrowing costs
Moody's downgraded the water utility's bond rating the morning of the vote, citing weak liquidity and uncertainty about raising rates. The practical hit is small — maybe five basis points — but it signals the water system's finances are under strain as the city borrows $475 million.
Pure Water program contract expansion
The council signed off on adding $6.65 million and three years to the Trussell Technologies contract supporting the North City Pure Water Facility — part of the city's push to recycle wastewater into drinking water.
Chollas Stormwater Infrastructure Loan
Councilmembers pushed to spend flood-reimbursement money and new budget dollars on channel clearing and the Beta Street channel, citing the 2024 floods and El Niño risk. The Foster motion included $1.35 million for stormwater channel maintenance.
Pump Station 2 Wastewater Upgrade
The council approved a contract amendment to keep the critical 63-year-old Pump Station 2 upgrade on track, avoiding sewage spills like past rain-event overflows.
2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
The city's updated 25-year water forecast shows demand flattening by 2050 thanks to conservation and lower growth projections, with Pure Water pushing local supplies to 70% by 2050. The drought plan lays out six shortage levels and response actions.
2026 Sewer Revenue Bonds
The city is borrowing about $226 million for sewer system needs and refunding older bonds to save roughly $3 million a year. Sewer ratepayers fund the debt service, and Fitch assigned a negative outlook citing big capital needs like Pure Water.
MyWaterSD portal contract restructuring
The city is extending its customer portal contract with Smart Energy Water through 2031 while cutting the contract ceiling from $16.3M to $5.5M — a restructuring that saves ratepayers and keeps the online bill-pay system running.
Alvarado Trunk Sewer Phase IV upgrade
The city is borrowing up to $50 million at 2.2% from the state to replace aging sewer trunk lines, boosting sewer capacity. Repayment comes from sewer rates, not the general fund.
Water Authority representation
Tim Douglas, union president and former city reservoir ranger-diver, was appointed to the regional water board at a time of contentious water rate discussions.
Water and sewer rate outlook FY 2027-2031
Even with the rate hikes already approved, water and sewer costs keep climbing, the rate stabilization fund will be drained by 2027, and dozens of capital projects are being delayed. Councilmembers want internal efficiency fixes, not just blame on the County Water Authority.