San Diego Mayor Calls for Local Housing Reforms Before Seeking Federal Aid

Todd Gloria says cities must update zoning, codes, and permit processes before asking for federal help on housing

Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:15pm

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San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria stated that localities 'shouldn't be asking for federal assistance if we haven't done the work at home' on housing, which he says means updating zoning, codes, and permit reform. Gloria expressed a desire for a partnership with the federal government on housing, but said cities must first take steps to improve their own housing regulations and processes before seeking federal help.

Why it matters

Mayor Gloria's comments highlight the ongoing challenges many cities face in addressing housing affordability and availability, and the need for local governments to take responsibility for updating outdated policies and regulations that can hinder housing development. His remarks also suggest a potential path forward for cities to partner with the federal government on housing solutions if they first demonstrate a commitment to reforms at the local level.

The details

In an interview on C-SPAN's 'Ceasefire' program, Mayor Gloria said that localities 'can do our part at the local level' on housing by updating zoning, codes, and permit processes. He argued that cities 'shouldn't be asking for federal assistance if we haven't done the work at home' in this regard. Gloria expressed optimism that with a federal partnership, 'big things can get done' on housing, especially with the country's 'first president who's a developer, by profession.' The mayor said such reforms could ultimately drive down housing costs for Americans.

  • The interview aired on C-SPAN on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Todd Gloria

The mayor of San Diego, California.

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What they’re saying

“We shouldn't be asking for federal assistance if we haven't done the work at home, and that means updating your zoning and codes and permit reform, etc.”

— Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego (C-SPAN)

What’s next

Mayor Gloria did not specify any definite next steps, but his comments suggest that San Diego and other cities will need to prioritize local housing policy reforms before seeking increased federal assistance on the issue.

The takeaway

Mayor Gloria's remarks underscore the importance of local governments taking responsibility for outdated housing regulations that can hinder development and affordability. His call for cities to 'do the work at home' first before asking for federal help indicates a potential path forward for cities to partner with the federal government on housing solutions, but only after demonstrating a commitment to necessary policy reforms at the municipal level.