San Diego · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Diego public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.