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Council Fights for Targeted Budget Restorations, Passed to Mayor’s Desk for Approval 

June 11, 2025

San Diego City Council has proposed a final budget that restores library services and recreation center hours despite facing a $258 million deficit. The restorations come after thousands of residents protested cuts to community services during budget hearings. A coalition of councilmembers created the proposal by cutting administrative overhead and leveraging new revenue from trash collection fees and parking reforms.

Who is affected

  • San Diego residents, particularly youth and families in underserved communities
  • Homeowners who will be charged $42.76 for trash collection starting July 1
  • Library users and those who utilize recreation centers
  • City employees, with the reinstatement of the Chief Operating Officer position
  • Law enforcement and communities impacted by ICE raids and surveillance

What action is being taken

  • A coalition of councilmembers (Foster, LaCava, Lee, and Elo-Riviera) is proposing budget restorations to community services
  • The mayor and his team are reviewing the council's amendments to ensure fiscal responsibility
  • The City Council voted 6-3 to approve a new trash fee that will generate $139 million in revenue
  • The San Diego Police Department is receiving a 4% budget increase to $702.3 million
  • Community members are actively speaking out at budget hearings to advocate for services

Why it matters

  • The budget cuts would reduce opportunity, access, and safety for residents, especially in underserved communities
  • Without the trash fee revenue, up to $80 million in additional cuts would be required
  • Overestimating revenue could result in service cuts later in the year
  • The budget reflects priorities amid competing needs for public safety versus community services
  • Tensions between law enforcement and communities have reached "explosive levels" in recent weeks

What's next

  • The final budget adoption is scheduled for June 19, with the mayor having line-item veto authority to cut new spending or make changes before approval.

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