Council approves Midway Rising plan with 2,000 affordable units
San Diego officials voted to move forward with the $500 million redevelopment after five years of community debate and public comment.
By Harper Foster ·
The San Diego City Council voted to approve the Midway Rising redevelopment project on November 10, 2026. The decision clears the path for a major overhaul of the 48-acre site surrounding Pechanga Arena. The project will replace the existing structures with a mixed-use complex that includes residential, commercial, and recreational facilities.
The development plan calls for the construction of a new 16,000-seat arena. It also includes 2,000 affordable homes and 2,200 market-rate homes. Approximately 15 acres of the site will be dedicated to parks and open space. The total value of the project is estimated at $500 million.
The proposal has been under review for five years. During that time, community groups and local residents organized to voice their support and opposition. The city held public comment sessions where speakers addressed the council for hours. Residents on both sides presented arguments regarding the project's impact on the neighborhood.
Supporters argued that the area requires modernization. One resident told the council that it is time for the property to be redeveloped and for a new arena to be built. Another supporter stated that the lack of change is more difficult than the change itself, noting that residents are ready for the chosen direction.
Opponents raised concerns about environmental effects and increased traffic. They also questioned the financial structure of the deal. One resident stated that the city should guarantee a fair return and that citizens should not have to pay for a $500 million project attached to a billionaire real estate developer.
Mayor Todd Gloria supported the vote, saying the Midway District needs improvement. He stated that failure to move forward would leave the area as it is. Gloria described the project as worthy of support and urged the council to proceed.
The council’s approval marks the end of the initial planning phase for the site. The next steps involve finalizing construction contracts and preparing the land for development. The project will now move into the implementation stage following the vote.
