San Diego City Council to Vote on Pure Water Funding and Ocean Beach Historical Protections

City Council Tackles Pure Water Costs and Coastal Preservation

San Diego’s political landscape faces a critical juncture this Tuesday, February 24, 2026, as both the City Council and the County Board of Supervisors convene to address multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects and controversial land-use reforms. Today's sessions are expected to draw significant public interest, particularly concerning the future of coastal preservation and the city's long-term fiscal health.

City Council Morning Session: Pure Water Phase 2

Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the San Diego City Council is scheduled to review a series of expenditure reports related to the Pure Water Program. Items 54 through 57 on the morning agenda focus on Phase 2 of the project, a massive undertaking designed to provide a local, sustainable water supply. However, the $4 billion commitment required for Phase 2 has faced recent pushback. Local stakeholders and water authority representatives have urged the council to pause and reevaluate the plan’s affordability, citing concerns that rushing into the next phase without a clear financial roadmap could overburden residents already facing rising utility costs.

Afternoon Session: Ocean Beach Preservation

The 2:00 p.m. afternoon session is highlighted by the "Preservation and Progress Package A" (Item 332). This proposal has become a flashpoint for residents in Ocean Beach, as it targets the Ocean Beach Cottage Emerging Historical District. The proposed reforms would allow for denser housing development through the "Complete Communities" program on properties that are not specifically designated as contributing resources to the district. Neighborhood advocates warn that these changes could lead to the following impacts:

• The circumvention of long-standing 30-foot coastal height limits for new projects.
• Increased density in historic cottage neighborhoods that alters community character.
• Greater strain on existing infrastructure, including sewer and water systems.

County and Budget Context

While the City Council debates these specific items, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors is holding its General Legislative Session at 9:00 a.m. today at the County Administration Center. Both governing bodies are operating under the shadow of a projected $120 million city budget deficit for the 2027 fiscal year. Council members have already indicated that budget stabilization will likely require difficult reductions in library and park services, making today’s spending decisions on infrastructure and land-use even more pivotal for the city’s financial future. Mayor Todd Gloria is expected to release a full budget proposal in April, but today's votes will signal the city's current priorities.