Monica Montgomery Steppe

Monica Montgomery Steppe currently serves as the first Black woman elected to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, representing District 4. A proud San Diego native, Supervisor Montgomery Steppe leads with a steadfast commitment to equity, transparency, and improving the quality of life for all residents, particularly those in communities that have been historically underserved and excluded from traditional policymaking.

District 4 is home to over 675,000 residents and includes neighborhoods such as Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, Casa de Oro, Mt. Helix, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and portions of the City of San Diego. These communities reflect the cultural, economic, and geographic heart of the region, and Supervisor Montgomery Steppe is proud to uplift their voices and ensure they are centered in County decisions.

Since being sworn in on December 5, 2023, she has focused on key priorities including racial justice, homelessness solutions, behavioral health system reform, and improving community relationships with law enforcement. With more than a decade of experience in legal advocacy, public policy, and civil rights, she brings both a legal and community-centered perspective to the Board of Supervisors.

In her first year on the Board, Supervisor Montgomery Steppe led efforts to strengthen the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) by advocating for expanded investigatory powers, greater transparency in jail deaths and serious incidents, and timelier resolution of misconduct cases. She also helped lead the County’s support for her work on the California’s Reparations Task Force and historic investments reflected in the 2024 legislative package.

On issues of housing and homelessness, Supervisor Montgomery Steppe successfully championed the County’s first tiny home sleeping cabin project, secured funding for the second safe parking lot, and advocated for support housing connected to substance use recovery. She continues to champion non-police crisis response teams, permanent supportive housing, and stronger accountability for service providers.

In response to the historic flooding that displaced hundreds of families in January 2024, she launched the County’s Emergency Temporary Lodging Program, providing safe and dignified shelter for flood survivors. She also championed the County’s food justice plan with a focus on nutrition equity, which led to a $750,000 allocation to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and SunCoast Market Co-Op to improve access to healthy food in underserved neighborhoods.

Her commitment to long-term community development includes launching District 4’s first Summer Youth Academy, aimed at increasing civic engagement among local youth, and establishing a Small Business Procurement Program to expand contracting opportunities for local businesses and nonprofits. She has also allocated $7.6 million in discretionary funding for hundreds of community organizations, with a strong emphasis on supporting the arts and culture sector and its vital role in the region’s identity and economy.

Before her historic election to the Board of Supervisors, she served on the San Diego City Council from 2018 to 2023, including as Council President pro Tem. There, she led public safety reform efforts, progressive budgeting, and helped establish the Office of Race and Equity.

Her earlier work includes roles with the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, as a civil rights attorney, and as a senior policy advisor at City Hall. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law.

Inspired by her parents’ activism in their fight against Proposition 209, Supervisor Montgomery Steppe’s political journey is rooted in a deep belief in justice and opportunity. Outside of public service, she enjoys quality time with her family, supporting local arts, culture, and community events, and singing karaoke.