The Brief

San Diego City Council Passes Budget Amid Public Discontent and Fiscal Challenges

The San Diego City Council approved a $6 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, facing public dissatisfaction and a $118 million deficit.

In a decisive move on June 9, 2026, the San Diego City Council approved a $6 billion budget for the Fiscal Year 2026-27, aiming to address a $118 million deficit. The budget, which now awaits Mayor Todd Gloria's signature, introduces several significant changes to city services. The approved budget includes reductions in library and recreation center hours, as well as cuts to arts and culture funding. However, it maintains increased funding for public safety departments, including police and fire services. Additionally, the budget continues the use of Flock automated license plate reader technology, a decision that has sparked controversy among council members and residents. Despite the council's approval, public sentiment remains largely negative. 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. Notably, half of the respondents expressed a willingness to pay higher taxes and fees to support affordable housing and improvements to local parks and libraries. The budget's passage follows a series of public hearings and discussions, including a session on February 23, 2026, where residents were encouraged to voice their opinions on the proposed budget. Council President Joe LaCava emphasized the importance of community input, stating, "We face a challenging financial situation for the coming year, and difficult decisions will need to be made to balance the FY2027 budget." As the budget moves to Mayor Gloria's desk, the city faces the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with public service needs. The mayor has indicated he will sign the budget, despite reservations about certain aspects, particularly the continuation of the Flock technology. The approved budget is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, marking the beginning of the new fiscal year. Residents and city officials alike will be closely monitoring the implementation of these budgetary decisions and their impact on San Diego's communities.

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

Sources

San Diego City Council approves final budget | KPBS Public Media — kpbs.org
Nearly 7 in 10 San Diegans say the city is on the wrong track — axios.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: — sandiego.gov
[YouTube] San Diego City Council Meeting - June 9, 2026 (English) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpU7Ryq-TOQ — youtube.com
[YouTube] San Diego Budget Cuts and Public Safety Funding — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_E95R5hCyw — youtube.com
[YouTube] San Diego City Budget 2026: What You Need to Know — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dotg3Jc9btc — youtube.com
Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidate Forum in San Diego — YouTube · League of Women Voters San Diego
4-21-2026 County of San Diego Board of Supervisors Meeting AM Session — YouTube · countysandiego