County Releases $9.1 Billion Recommended Budget Focused on Stability, Essential Services and Community Needs

May 19, 2026

San Diego County has unveiled its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, totaling over $9. 1 billion, representing a 6% increase from the current year. The spending plan prioritizes public safety enhancements related to Proposition 36, health and safety-net services affected by federal policy changes under H.R. 1, and expanded behavioral health care while also addressing homelessness, infrastructure, and the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis.

Who is affected

San Diego County's 3.3 million residents across unincorporated areas, 18 incorporated cities, and 18 federally recognized tribes
Adults in custody in county jails
County employees (20,388 staff positions)
Community members who participated in surveys, focus groups, emails, and calls
Individuals affected by homelessness
Residents of the Tijuana River Valley
Users of libraries, parks, behavioral health services, and public health programs

What action is being taken

The County of San Diego has released its recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27
County officials are reducing costs, shrinking the County's facilities footprint, and shifting staff to address evolving responsibilities
Community input is being collected through surveys, focus groups, emails, and calls
The public can review the recommended budget, attend public hearings, and submit written comments

Why it matters

This budget is significant because it maintains essential county services while responding to new responsibilities from Proposition 36 and federal policy changes from H.R. 1, despite facing financial challenges from uncertain state and federal revenues that account for nearly half of the County's funding. The plan addresses critical community needs including public safety, behavioral health care expansion, homelessness response, public health, infrastructure improvements, and environmental concerns like the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis. The budget affects virtually all 3.3 million county residents who depend on a wide range of services, from law enforcement and health programs to libraries, parks, and emergency preparedness.

What's next

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider and adopt the new budget on June 23
Public hearings will be held where community members can provide input
The public can submit written comments on the proposed budget

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint