The Brief

San Diego City Council Passes $6 Billion Budget Amid Fiscal Challenges

The San Diego City Council overrides mayoral vetoes to approve a $6 billion budget, addressing service cuts and revenue projections.

In a decisive move on June 23, 2025, the San Diego City Council voted 6-3 to override several of Mayor Todd Gloria's line-item vetoes, passing the $6 billion Fiscal Year 2025-26 municipal budget. This action followed a contentious period marked by disagreements over proposed service cuts and revenue projections. Mayor Gloria had previously vetoed specific budget items, including funding for libraries, recreation centers, and two reservoirs, expressing concerns over the city's structural deficit and the sustainability of projected revenues. He emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, warning that unrealistic assumptions could lead to midyear cuts, layoffs, and facility closures. Council members, however, were resolute in their commitment to maintaining essential services. Councilman Henry Foster III, chair of the council's budget committee, criticized the mayor's vetoes, stating, "These vetoes have undermined our efforts." He highlighted the council's role in restoring library and recreation center hours, which were crucial to the community. The council's decision was not unanimous. Councilwoman Jennifer Campbell urged acceptance of the mayor's revisions, citing potential legal ramifications of passing an unbalanced budget. Despite these concerns, the majority of council members prioritized the restoration of services, including public lake funding and brush management for wildland-adjacent areas. The budget's passage was a culmination of a protracted budget season, characterized by debates over revenue projections and spending priorities. The council's override signifies a determination to protect community services despite fiscal challenges. In response to the council's actions, Mayor Gloria expressed disappointment, stating, "To say I'm disappointed with the mayor's veto action might be an understatement." He reiterated his commitment to fiscal discipline and the need for realistic budgeting to ensure the city's long-term financial health. The approved budget reflects a delicate balance between maintaining essential services and addressing the city's fiscal constraints. It underscores the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches of San Diego's local government, highlighting the complexities of municipal budgeting in times of economic uncertainty.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

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