The Brief

San Diego City Council Passes $6 Billion Budget Amid Public Concerns

The San Diego City Council approved a $6 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, reinstating some services but facing public dissatisfaction.

In a decisive move on June 23, 2025, the San Diego City Council approved a $6 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, aiming to balance the city's finances amid a projected $118 million deficit. The budget, passed with a 7-2 vote, includes several key decisions that have sparked both support and criticism among residents. One of the most notable aspects of the approved budget is the restoration of certain public services that had been previously slated for cuts. The council voted to reinstate operating hours for recreation centers and libraries, addressing concerns from community members who rely on these facilities for educational and recreational activities. Additionally, the budget allocates funds to maintain access to lake facilities, ensuring that residents continue to have opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, the budget also includes reductions in other areas. Notably, the plan proposes significant cuts to public restroom facilities in high-traffic areas such as downtown, Balboa Park, and Mission Bay. While some facilities will remain open, the overall number of public restrooms in these locations is set to decrease from 66 to 33. This decision has raised concerns among residents and visitors who depend on these amenities for convenience and hygiene. The budget also addresses the city's ongoing fiscal challenges by implementing measures to generate additional revenue. Proposed strategies include charging non-residents for parking in Balboa Park and at the San Diego Zoo, introducing digital advertising and billboards, and increasing credit card fees for city services. These initiatives aim to offset the budget deficit without imposing additional taxes on residents. Despite these efforts, public sentiment remains mixed. A recent poll revealed that 69% of San Diegans believe the city is on the wrong track, citing concerns over high housing costs, the city budget, and homelessness. Interestingly, half of the respondents expressed a willingness to pay higher taxes and fees to support affordable housing and improvements to local parks and libraries, indicating a desire for increased investment in community services. In response to the council's decision, Mayor Todd Gloria announced he would sign the budget into law, despite reservations about certain aspects. He emphasized the importance of maintaining essential services while navigating the city's financial constraints. As the fiscal year progresses, the San Diego City Council and Mayor Gloria will continue to monitor the budget's impact on city services and community well-being, making adjustments as necessary to address the evolving needs of San Diego residents.

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

Sources

San Diego City Council restores rec center and some library hours in budget | KPBS Public Media — kpbs.org
Public bathroom cuts still loom across San Diego — axios.com
Nearly 7 in 10 San Diegans say the city is on the wrong track — axios.com
Mayor Gloria to sign city council-passed budget, despite reservations – NBC 7 San Diego — nbcsandiego.com
"San Diego City Council overrides some of mayor's vetoes, passes FY 25-26 budget" — KPBS Public Media
[YouTube] Board of Supervisors unanimously approves $8.63B county budget — youtube.com
[YouTube] San Diego County approves readiness plan for looming federal budget cuts — youtube.com
Wildlife Conservation Board May 2026 Meeting — YouTube · Wildlife Conservation Board
Truth_Tonix Thoughts: San Diego County Corruption Terra Lawson-Remer wants NO Term Limits! 3.13.2026