Febuary 29, 2008                                                                                                                                                                                         

Cost of living outpaces wages in San Diego region

A study released by CPI today details how much workers must earn to live and support a family in the San Diego region.  Many full-time jobs here pay much less than needed to meet a basic family budget.

The report,  Making Ends Meet in San Diego County 2008, concludes that a single adult needs to earn $13.71 an hour, or $28,510 a year, just to get by without assistance.  Two working parents supporting two children need to make at least $17.16 an hour each.  The data are based on no-frills budgets, including only necessities such as housing, food, transportation, childcare, health coverage and taxes. 

However, the local economy continues to create many jobs in industries such as tourism and retail that pay far below living wages.  And the buying power of wages is declining, according to a recent study from the San Diego Association of Governments.  The real median wage for the lowest-paying third of all jobs in the region dropped by more than $500 -- to $24,547 a year -- between 2000 and 2004.

                                                                                                                           

Follow the Money

The big money in this year's San Diego city elections is coming from the real estate and development industry, CPI's Follow the Money database reveals. 

Donors connected to real estate and development interests already have given $228,345 -- far more than any other industry -- to the campaigns for mayor, city attorney and four city council seats. That's 21 percent of the total $1.08 million the candidates received from donors through the end of 2007, the most recent reporting cut-off. 

The industry analysis of contributions shows voters who has the highest stake in our local government.  Approval of developments and land use is one of the most significant powers exercised by the mayor and council.

Work with CPI

The Center on Policy Initiatives, San Diego's progressive research, policy and action center, is seeking a Development Director who will be primarily responsible for grant writing and fundraising.  Applicants must have strong skills in grant writing, communication and project management, as well as a commitment to promoting economic and social justice.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to maintaining a diverse staff. Details are available online .

CPI also has volunteer opportunities in many areas.  If you're motivated to help create economic fairness for workers, please contact us at smonroe@onlinecpi.org.