|
Hands Off the Mills Act!
Citywide Initiative Launched to Protect San Diego’s Historic Homes
Sign the Petition to Protect the Mills Act
May/June 2025
 |
 |
On Wednesday, April 30, in the heart of historic Mission Hills, Shane Harris, president of the People’s Association of Justice Advocates, stood alongside preservation leaders, historians, homeowners, and community advocates to announce the launch of the Hands Off the Mills Act initiative—a bold, citywide effort to safeguard San Diego’s only ordinance that provides protection and financial incentives for historic homes and buildings.
At a press conference attended by supporters and media, Harris denounced proposed city plans to weaken or eliminate the Mills Act, calling it a vital tool in making homeownership more accessible while preserving the city's architectural and cultural legacy. The initiative includes the launch of a new public petition urging San Diegans to speak out and demand that the Mills Act remain intact and fully protected in the face of upcoming reforms under the City’s Preservation and Progress ordinance update.
"The Mills Act is not just about buildings. It’s about preserving the soul of our communities, our history, and our neighborhoods,” said Harris. “We will not stand by while the City strips away the only ordinance that helps protect our historic homes and neighborhoods.”
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Mills Act program provides property tax reductions to owners of designated historic properties who commit to preserving and maintaining them. These 10-year contracts, authorized by state law and managed by the City of San Diego, have helped maintain the city’s historic fabric while supporting homeowners—especially first-time buyers—by offsetting the costs of preservation.
Now, that program is under threat. Proposals tied to the mayor’s Preservation and Progress reforms could dismantle or significantly alter this long-standing program, removing a cornerstone of local preservation efforts.
Watch the Press Conference and Take Action Now
You can watch the press conference and share live now to all constituents regarding this announcement. The links ARE LIVE NOW on both Facebook and X/Twitter!
Sign the Petition to Protect the Mills Act
Share this message widely and urge your neighbors, friends, and colleagues to sign and take a stand! San Diego’s history is worth preserving—and so is the legislation that helps make that possible.
BACK to table of contents
|
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
|
