Councilmember Todd Gloria, Council President

I am excited to welcome Downtown to District Three. You have been well represented by Councilmember Kevin Faulconer and I know you’ll be served capably by my staff and me.

Along with Downtown, District Three now includes Bankers Hill, Golden Hill, Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Normal Heights, North Park, Old Town, Park West, and University Heights. Home to San Diego’s civic and business core, unique and historic neighborhoods, the waterfront, urban canyons, diverse arts and culture opportunities, the heart of the LGBT community, Balboa Park, and people of great diversity of all kinds, this is truly the best Council District.

Since I learned your neighborhood was being added to my jurisdiction, I have made an effort to get to know you and your concerns. I appreciate those of you who have accepted my invitations to chat and those who have extended their own to help me hit the ground running. So many of your priorities are shared by the other urban neighborhoods I represent; you want smooth roads and an efficient transportation system, a financially stable City, and direct and open access to your government.

As many of you know, I am committed to being actively involved in the communities I represent.  From attending your neighborhood events and meetings, to holding casual gatherings at neighborhood coffee shops, and being on Twitter and Facebook so often I’ve been accused of not sleeping, I know that I am a better representative by remaining in close contact. I ask you to remain or become engaged and I know we’ll do great things together.

Great advancements have been made in my first term to structurally balance our budget, repair roads, and create partnerships for progress.

Momentum is also building in our efforts to address one of Downtown’s biggest challenges: helping homeless individuals permanently get off the streets. The January opening of San Diego’s new permanent homeless services and housing facility, Connections Housing, will play a key role in addressing this chronic issue.

San Diego has done more than ever in recent years to consider the homeless population differently. I am proud of the impacts of our collaborative efforts and know more must be done as the global economic downturn has increased the number of people in need. This challenge will be met aggressively, strategically and through additional teamwork.

As we address homelessness, this community’s ongoing post-redevelopment revitalization will be pursued.  Downtown is slated to see its residential population grow in the coming decades. This means that the need for more public facilities like parks and fire stations and neighborhood-serving businesses is also growing.  Our new Central Library will be a tremendous asset and catalyst for more beneficial investment.

Whether it’s addressing homelessness, making fiscally sound decisions, or investing in public infrastructure, I count on your ongoing input and participation to inform my work as your Councilmember.

I know that great things are possible in this City. I am a third-generation San Diegan whose family came here in 1929 thanks to the United States Navy. My family and I have seen a lot of changes in our community, and I am proud of those I’ve helped champion. Much more is ahead, and I can’t wait to make a great impact on Downtown, and all of San Diego.