Housing Commission says it cut 33 positions amid federal funding uncertainty

The San Diego Housing Commission informed the City Council on March 17 that it reduced its workforce by about 14 percent as part of measures to cope with declining or uncertain federal and state funding.

Lisa Jones, president and CEO, said the agency eliminated 33 occupied staff positions and will not fill 25 vacant roles; the layoffs took effect Feb. 27. Jones said about 60 percent of eliminated positions were supervisory or above and that none were represented staff. She said affected employees received two weeks paid leave, severance, modest health‑benefit extension and access to career transition support.

Jones described other cost‑containment steps — pausing some incentives, adjusting family contributions in voucher programs and rent adjustments in affordable housing programs — and said the commission will continue to advocate for state and federal resources to sustain services. The commission also announced leadership changes: a deputy CEO departure and the promotion of an internal executive to chief operating officer.

SEIU chapter leaders and Housing Commission staff testified during public comment that frontline workers were concerned about service impacts and inequitable distribution of cuts. Labor representatives asked the commission to preserve cost‑of‑living adjustments and flex credits for represented staff and to pursue alternative savings that protect on‑the‑ground service levels, while the commission said it remained open to negotiations.

Council members thanked commission leadership and the union for engagement and urged continued dialogue. The informational item required no council action but prompted multiple public commenters and a call for careful follow‑up on service levels and staff support.