A San Diego County pilot program aimed at helping first-time homebuyers move forward — but it passed on a 3-1 vote Wednesday with the unusual distinction of its own author voting against it.

Supervisor Jim Desmond originally proposed the measure to direct the Chief Administrative Officer to assess how the county could better support new homebuyers in unincorporated areas. The analysis would cover potential down payment assistance, interest rate options, public-private partnerships with financial institutions, and strategies to complement two existing county programs.

Before the vote, board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer moved to add language formally opposing Trump administration policies she said have contributed to rising housing costs — specifically tariffs on construction materials and the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran. A suggestion by Supervisor Paloma Aguirre also directed staff to analyze “the impact of geopolitical conflicts and tariffs on inflation, energy costs, construction costs and local housing.”

Desmond called the additions a “poison pill” and announced he would vote against his own item. “This is why nothing gets done, this is why housing doesn’t get built,” he told colleagues. “Every angst you’ve had against the administration, this all comes up unfortunately, when we’re just trying to do simple things here in our own community.”

The measure passed 3-1, with Supervisor Joel Anderson absent due to illness. The CAO’s office now has 90 days to report back with analysis and recommendations. For East County families hoping to buy their first home, the program remains in the study phase — but it is now officially moving forward.