SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO PARTICIPATE IN VIENNA SOCIAL HOUSING FIELD STUDY (DISTRICTS: ALL)
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OVERVIEW
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy D-7, Out-of-County Business and Related Guidelines and Processes and Administrative Code section 470, Supervisor Joel Anderson and Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe are requesting approval to attend the Fall 2025 Global Policy Leadership Academy (GPLA) Social Housing Field Study: “International Best Practices in Mixed-Income Housing” in Vienna, Austria. This six-day program is coordinated by GPLA and LeSar Development Consultants and will immerse delegates in a series of lectures, panels, and site visits to multiple social housing developments.
Supervisor Anderson and Supervisor Montgomery Steppe were both invited to participate in this field study as panelists, sharing insights from San Diego’s housing efforts while learning from Vienna’s internationally recognized housing model. Their participation in this field study will offer valuable insights and best practices that can inform San Diego County’s efforts to increase affordable housing supply, reduce homelessness, and pursue sustainable development.
Today’s request is for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to approve both Supervisors’ travel to Austria to attend the study scheduled for September 21 through September 27, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
SUPERVISOR JOEL ANDERSON AND SUPERVISOR MONICA MONTGOMERY STEPPE
Per Administrative Code 470, approve Supervisor Joel Anderson and Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe’s travel to Austria for participation in the Fall 2025 Global Policy Leadership Academy’s Vienna Social Housing Field Study: “International Best Practices in Mixed-Income Housing” scheduled for September 21 through September 27, 2025.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Participating in the Vienna Social Housing Field Study aligns with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors’ (Board) ongoing commitment to equity in housing and service delivery. Vienna’s housing model demonstrates successful strategies for integrating low- and moderate-income housing across diverse neighborhoods, reducing housing insecurity, and fostering mixed-income communities. The insights gained from this international delegation will support the County in identifying policy solutions that promote access, inclusion, and affordability for all residents, particularly those in historically underserved communities.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
This action supports the County of San Diego’s Sustainability Goal of fostering resilient, livable communities. Vienna’s planning approach combines social housing with strong environmental and transportation planning principles, offering models that could inform the County’s future land use, energy efficiency, and housing design policies.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 CAO Recommended Operational Plan in the Board of Supervisors District Two and District Four budgets based on General Purpose Revenue. The estimated cost is up to $20,000 for each office budget. This request will not result in any change in net General Fund cost or require additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
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ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
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BACKGROUND
The Global Policy Leadership Academy (GPLA) offers a series of intensive housing policy field studies designed to give carefully curated cohorts of local and regional housing policy leaders, practitioners, and changemakers a deep understanding of the Vienna social housing model and how it came to be the most livable city in the world. Vienna’s internationally recognized social housing model provides over 60% of its residents with affordable housing options, supported by a public-private financing structure and long-term urban planning. The field study agenda includes presentations, neighborhood tours, and policy discussions on housing affordability, mixed-income integration, tenant protections, social housing development, and sustainability.
Supervisor Joel Anderson and Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe were invited to participate in the Fall 2025 study as panelists, offering perspectives on regional housing challenges and solutions from San Diego County. Their attendance will help elevate the County’s leadership on housing innovation and facilitate knowledge exchange with global experts. They were specifically asked to speak on a panel scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, to share their reflections and regional insights.
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy D-7, Out-of-County Business and Related Guidelines and Processes and Administrative Code section 470, this is a request to approve Supervisor Anderson and Supervisor Montgomery Steppe to attend the Fall 2025 GPLA Social Housing Field Study: International Best Practices in Mixed-Income Housing in Vienna, Austria. This six-day program is coordinated by GPLA and LeSar Development Consultants and will immerse delegates in a series of lectures, panels, and site visits to multiple social housing developments. Supervisor Anderson and Supervisor Montgomery Steppe’s participation in this field study will offer valuable insights and best practices that can inform San Diego County’s efforts to increase affordable housing supply, reduce homelessness, and pursue sustainable development. Today’s request is for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to approve both Supervisors’ travel to Austria to attend the study scheduled for September 21 through September 27, 2025.
By authorizing this travel, the Board will support Supervisor Anderson and Supervisor Montgomery Steppe in gaining valuable insights and learning best practices that can inform San Diego County’s efforts to increase affordable housing supply, reduce homelessness, and pursue sustainable development.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed action supports the Empower and Engage Community and Advance Sustainability and Equity Strategic Initiatives of the County of San Diego’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. By participating in the Vienna Social Housing Field Study, Supervisor Joel Anderson and Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe will gain insights into innovative housing strategies that promote equitable access to affordable housing and sustainable community development. These learnings will inform the County’s efforts to implement policies and programs that address housing affordability, reduce homelessness, and enhance the quality of life for all residents, particularly those in underserved communities.
Respectfully submitted,
joel anderson Monica Montgomery sTEPPE
Supervisor, Second District Supervisor, Fourth District
ATTACHMENT(S)
ATTACHMENT A - GLPA Field Study Invitation Letter - Sup. Anderson
ATTACHMENT B - GLPA Field Study Invitation Letter - Sup. Montgomery Steppe