Have A Say in Building County Budget

March 19, 2026

San Diego County has launched a public engagement initiative to gather resident input on budget priorities for fiscal year 2026-27, which begins July 1. Residents can participate through an online survey and ranking tool available on Engage San Diego County until March 22, allowing them to identify their top priorities and choose how they want to receive budget updates. The County faces financial challenges including anticipated reductions in state and federal funding, declining revenues, and increasing costs, which may necessitate difficult budgetary decisions.

Who is affected

San Diego County residents (both incorporated and unincorporated areas)
Vulnerable populations who rely on social services, food assistance, and housing programs
Users of County services including parks, libraries, animal shelters, and emergency services
Restaurant and food service operators subject to inspections
Property taxpayers
The County Board of Supervisors
County of San Diego Communications Office

What action is being taken

A survey and budget priority ranking tool are currently available on Engage San Diego County (opened Wednesday, running through March 22)
The County is collecting public input on budget priorities
The County is seeking budget-focused input from January through June

Why it matters

This budget process matters because it determines how San Diego County will allocate $8.63 billion (current year reference) to fund critical services affecting all residents, including emergency preparedness, law enforcement, health programs, social services, and infrastructure. The significance is heightened by serious financial challenges facing the County, including expected decreases in state and federal funding, declining revenue, and rising costs, which will require difficult decisions about service prioritization. Since only a portion of the budget is discretionary (with half coming from restricted state and federal sources), public input becomes crucial in helping decision-makers allocate the limited flexible funds most effectively to meet community needs.

What's next

Survey and ranking tool remain open through March 22
Recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 will be released on May 1
Public comments can be submitted online through June 11 on Engage San Diego County (after May 1 budget release)
In-person and virtual community meetings will be held (after budget release)
Board of Supervisors public budget hearing scheduled for June 1
Board of Supervisors budget deliberations and adoption scheduled for June 23

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