At the end of January, 12 U.S. cities submitted bids to get one of four Major League Soccer franchises in the next round of expansion. 

Among them was San Diego, whose ownership team touted a massive, mixed-use, transit-oriented development called “SoccerCity” in Mission Valley. Located on the site formerly home to the NFL’s Chargers, the project calls for 4,800 new homes, over three million square feet of office and retail space, 55 acres of parks, two hotels, and a brand-new stadium for the soccer team to call home.

The proposal has not been without controversy, as potential partners have dropped out and many have raised concerns about whether or not the project is the best use of the land and resources.

In order to make sure SoccerCity was secure in time for the MLS to make their decision by fall 2017, developers FS Investors submitted enough signatures to require the San Diego City Council to either consider approving it or putting it up to a public vote, preferably in upcoming November. 

City Council did indeed consider the issue and have decided unanimously to put the development on the ballot … in November 2018. Per the San Diego Union-Tribune, the council made their decision with an eye towards high voter turnout, not taking on the extra costs of a special election, and giving the developer time to work out a deal with spurned partner San Diego State University.

 SoccerCity supporters are concerned that by having the vote so late, it could endanger the chances that San Diego will be awarded an MLS franchise given the uncertainty. They also warn that the site will sit empty for years to come unless their project is approved. 

The door is still open for the council to change their mind. They have until August to do so and allow for a special election. However, the council cited Measure L, passed by almost two-thirds of voters last year, calling for referendums and initiatives to be decided in regular elections and not special ones, as part of their reasoning.