By VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
In response to the escalating financial pressures on its residents, San Diego City Council has announced the creation of a committee to address cost of living concerns.
The select committee chaired by Council member Sean-Elo Rivera, will be charged with identifying innovative policies aimed to reduce costs of housing, transportation, childcare, and other financial challenges faced by San Diegans.
The committee’s formation comes as San Diego ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the United States for 2023-2024, according to a study from the US News & World Report.
“San Diegans are working harder than ever but still struggling to keep up with rising costs,” Elo-Rivera said. “This committee is about fighting for a San Diego where everyone can afford to live with dignity and security.”
Minimum wage in the City of San Diego currently sits at $17.25, however, a single adult working full time would need to earn roughly $30 an hour to support themselves in the city. In order for a family of four to make it, one working parent would need to earn $51.82 an hour, based on a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Living Wage calculator.
Joining Elo-Rivera as vice chair is Councilmember Henry Foster III in District 4, and Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert in District 5.
Starting in January, the committee will hold public meetings throughout the year to gather input from residents and will have the authority to propose legislative changes to address affordability.
“We look forward to working with the Cost of Living Committee to make San Diego a place where all San Diego families can thrive,” said Kyra Greene, Executive Director of the Center on Policy Initiatives.
