SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- California's June Primary Election will decide more than just the state's next governor, with San Diego residents set to decide the fate of Measure A.
Measure A, or the Non-Primary Home Tax, which was formerly known as the "Empty Homes Tax," hopes to address the price of housing in San Diego. The measure establishes an annual tax on San Diego homes that are left empty for more than 182 days of a year.
The tax starts at $8,000 per empty home, increasing to $10,000 the next year with a $4,000 surcharge for corporations. The measure was introduced by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera. His office believes that the measure could generate upwards of $51 million annually.
The measure is directed at vacant second homes and does not apply to primary residences, renters, long-term rental properties or active-duty military members and impacts less than 1% of properties in the city, according to Elo-Rivera's office.
Unlike many of the statewide decisions in the upcoming ballot, the fate of Measure A will be decided in the June election -- with no November vote.
Yes on Measure A
Alliance San Diego, supporters of the measure, believe that Measure A will help return properties to the housing market and generate revenue. The organization also suggests that revenue will go to essential city services.
City Councilmember Kent Lee said the solution to housing affordability isn't only building new homes but freeing up already available properties.
"Empty homes should be lived in, rented out, or sold to someone who will use them for their intended purpose," Lee said.
More than 5,100 San Diego homes sit vacant during most of the year, according to Alliance San Diego.
San Diego remains one of the most expensive cities in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Most recently, the average cost for a San Diego home hit the $1 million mark in 2023.
Alliance San Diego Civic Engagement Director Itzel Maganda Chavez said Measure A might help her finally have a forever home.
"Today's vote will have a direct impact on my life, and if the more than 5,100 homes left vacant in the city were put up for sale, my husband and I might actually have a shot at making San Diego our forever home, three times the chances we have now," Maganda Chavez said.
Additionally, the measure has been endorsed by San Diego City Fire Fighters, I.A.F.F. Local 145, the San Diego Housing Federation, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, and the San Diego Municipal Employees Association.
"Firefighters stand with the Empty Homes Tax because it would generate revenue and make meaningful progress on affordability at a time when our members are struggling to afford homes in our city," Fire Union President George Duardo said.
Elo-Rivera believes Measure A will help bring San Diego homes back to working families.
"This measure is simple: homes should be for San Diegans, not just for profit," Elo-Rivera said. "Every home that comes back into use is a door opened for a family that gets to stay."
No on Measure A
The No on Measure A campaign is skeptical that the tax will actually fund services that address housing affordability and instead simply go back into the city's general fund.
This campaign is largely being pushed by activist Shane Harris, who is the No on Measure A spokesperson.
"With ballots already in voters' mailboxes, it's critical voters have clear, honest information," Harris said. "This campaign is focused on cutting through the noise and making sure people know the facts before they vote."
Those against the measure believe the tax targets homeowners and is invasive. Others in the No on Measure A campaign include former City Councilmember Scott Sherman, President of the San Diego Association of Realtors Karen Van Ness and President of Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors Claudia Zaker.
"There is no guarantee, as Shane said, that this money will be used for housing," former City Councilmember Mark Kersey said at a press conference. "It can just as easily be used for more bureaucracy, the city's ever-widening pension payment, or nearly anything else."
During the No on Measure A press conference, residents who own multiple properties said they are concerned about the tax increase.
"Voters are being told this measure will solve the housing crisis, but the reality is it doesn't guarantee a single dollar will go to housing," Harris said.