A Los Angeles Times article highlights San Diego’s upcoming vote on a “non-primary home” tax. The proposal would impose an $8,000 annual tax on homes left vacant for more than half the year, potentially generating up to $24 million to support housing efforts. It targets an estimated 5,000 underutilized properties in a city where housing costs remain among the highest in the nation.

Supporters argue the tax could increase housing availability and discourage vacancies, while critics question its financial burden on homeowners and the allocation of revenue.

UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies housing manager Shane Phillips commented on the policy, stating, “This is a policy, essentially, to bring luxury housing back onto the market.” He emphasized that “we are talking very small stakes compared to the scale of the crisis and the need.”