Politifest 2019: Housing and Transportation Summit

Politifest was produced by Voice of San Diego and was a daylong journey through the discussions and debates surrounding the cost of living in San Diego - and California in general. The event took place at the University of San Diego and began with a performance from the San Diego Homeless Choir, followed by a range of sessions led by subject matter experts. Panelists discussed housing supply, homelessness and potential solutions, the future of transit, and new tax and policy proposals. There were also candidate debates focused on these topics.

Transit-Oriented Development: Best Practices

This Politifest session discussed the definition of transit priority areas, which are related to transit-oriented development and city planning for the half-mile radius by illustrating the best such areas in San Diego and the West. These will include the range of building types and intensities that are supported by transit, ranging from pedestrians to bicycles to various forms of public transit, including local buses, bus rapid transit, light rail and commuter rail.

PANELISTS INCLUDED:
Howard Blackson, Urban Designer
Kirby Brady, SD Regional Economic Development Corp.
Andrew Malick, Malick Infill Development

Urban Affordability, Micro Units and Shared Spaces

Given the widespread shortage of affordable housing, alternative approaches to increasing housing density and supply have sprung up in urban communities across the nation. This session discussed innovative ideas in the industry - from micro-units to dormitory-style co-living developments with shared amenities - and how they can contribute to increased housing supply and affordability for current residents and new San Diegans.

PANELISTS INCLUDED:
Betsy Brennan, Downtown San Diego Partnership (Moderator)
David Allen, Trestle
Council President Georgette Gómez, City of San Diego
Andrew Malick, Malick Infill Development