Monica Montgomery Steppe Logo [[link removed]]

57 years ago today, housing equity secured a historic win. President Lyndon B. Johnson had signed the Fair Housing Act into law, and housing discrimination based on race, gender and religion was finally illegal.

But this win did not erase the generational harms leading up to it. The impacts of redlining — banks and governments systematically denying home financing in neighborhoods with high concentrations of non-white residents — are still felt today, especially in communities like District Four.

Redlining in San Diego dates back to the 1930s, when neighborhoods of color were designated undesirable. Denied housing in other neighborhoods, San Diegans of color had been forced into these areas that were subsequently underresourced, underserved, and undervalued by our government.

Nearly a century later, the legacy of housing discrimination still hangs over our communities.

Today, Black San Diegans make up 28% of the unsheltered population, despite being only 5% of San Diego’s total population. Only 30% of Black San Diegans own their homes compared to 61% of white residents.

These disparities aren’t a mistake — they are the result of centuries of intentional policy that benefited some while locking others out for no other reason than skin color.

But our county has always been strong and capable.

After decades of systemic discrimination, our communities remain resilient, vibrant, and diverse. Together, we built thriving local economies. We fought for our seat at the table, and we never let hate and systemic violence divide us.

As your Supervisor, I am working every day to find equitable solutions that correct past disparities and meet our long-term and immediate housing needs. In the past few months, we have hosted a series of community fairs to provide housing support, food, healthcare, and job resources to our unsheltered neighbors.
Image of Monica at Community Resource Fair [[link removed]]

Our fight against housing discrimination is not over yet. And the stakes are getting higher with the threat of federal funding cuts looming over our County’s housing services and the cost of living at an all-time high.

But together, we can do what we’ve always done. We can find creative, long-lasting solutions to keep the communities we love strong. I am deeply honored to be on the front lines of this fight with you.

In solidarity,

Monica Montgomery Steppe
District Four Supervisor | San Diego Board of Supervisors



Monica Logo [[link removed]]
Born and raised in San Diego, Monica Montgomery Steppe is an HBCU graduate, and an attorney by trade. Monica believes in her heart that the neighborhoods and community members are vibrant and worthy of care and investment.

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Paid for by: Montgomery Steppe for Supervisor 2023
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