San Diego City Council to Vote on Affordable Housing Funds and New Police Oversight Director Today

City Council Convenes for Key Votes on Oversight and Housing

The San Diego City Council is scheduled to meet today, Monday, January 26, 2026, to deliberate on several high-profile items ranging from police accountability to the funding of affordable housing initiatives. The session, presided over by Council President Joe LaCava, will be split into a morning closed session and an afternoon public discussion, with several urgent appointments and contract extensions on the docket.

Appointment of Commission on Police Practices Executive Director

One of the most significant items for today’s session is the proposed appointment of Roger Smith as the Executive Director for the Commission on Police Practices. Under Item S400, the Council will vote on a resolution to officially appoint Smith to the role with a proposed annual salary of $216,000. This appointment is a critical step in the implementation of Measure B, which was approved by San Diego voters in 2020 to establish a more robust, independent police oversight body.

The selection follows an extensive recruitment process that saw over 80 applications. Smith was recommended by the Council President following interviews with a community panel and an ad hoc committee. If confirmed, Smith will be tasked with leading the commission’s efforts to investigate police misconduct and improve transparency within the San Diego Police Department.

Reallocation of Millions for Affordable Housing

The Council is also expected to approve an amendment to the Homekey+ Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) subrecipient agreement. Item 200 seeks to reallocate approximately $593,000 in unused funds from previous affordable housing allocations directly into the Homekey+ program. This funding is intended to cover acquisition costs that have exceeded original estimates, ensuring that projects can move forward with necessary infrastructure like solar panels and outdoor community spaces.

Infrastructure and Management Contracts

Beyond personnel and housing, the Council will address the continued management of the Evan V. Jones Parkade. Under Item S401, the city is seeking a one-year extension of its contract with Ace Parking III, LLC. The extension would push the contract’s expiration to February 2027, providing the Purchasing and Contracting Department with additional time to finalize a long-term procurement strategy for the facility’s management.

Public Participation and Schedule

Today’s agenda is structured as follows:

• 10:00 a.m. – Closed Session and Housing Authority Special Closed Session.
• 2:00 p.m. – Public Discussion Items and Non-agenda Public Comment.

Residents can participate in the meeting in person at City Hall or virtually via the city’s official streaming platforms. Public testimony for non-agenda items will be heard during the afternoon session, offering community members a chance to address the Council directly on local concerns.