The $1 million program, to be run by the San Diego Housing Commission, was approved by a 6-2 vote. It will offer 30-year interest-free second mortgages of up to $75,000 to help families buy property in the Downtown area.

A single person can make no more than $50,500 annually to qualify. A couple must have no more than $57,700 in combined income, while a family of three can take in no more than $64,900 a year. A family of four must have an annual income of no more than $72,100 and a family of five no more than $77,900 in income.

Two council members voted against the program. Council members Toni Atkins and Ralph Inzunza Jr. argued that more people could be helped if the money were spent where housing is less expensive than downtown.