The San Diego County Board of Supervisors was scheduled to deliberate and (possibly) adopt the County’s $9.16 billion revised recommended budget when they met yesterday, June 25.
Adoption may continue to Friday, June 26, if additional time is needed to identify funding sources or otherwise balance the budget.
A STABLE BUDGET FOCUSED ON CORE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY NEEDS
The revised recommended fiscal year 2026-27 budget is $522 million, or 6.1% larger than the County’s current budget. If adopted, it will take effect July 1.
County officials say the proposed budget maintains stability, protects core services and responds to growing community needs. The values-centered proposed budget was shaped through close collaboration among community members, the Board of Supervisors and its ad hoc subcommittees. It strengthens core services, including:
- Public safety to meet Proposition 36 responsibilities
- Health and safety-net programs affected by federal policy changes under H.R. 1.
- Expands behavioral health care
- Maintains investments in homelessness response, public health, infrastructure, libraries and parks
- Dedicates resources to address the pollution crisis in the Tijuana River Valley.
CAREFUL CHOICES IN CHALLENGING
ENVIRONMENT
Balancing the FY 2026-27 budget required strategic adjustments, as state and federal revenues— nearly half of all the County’s funding—remain uncertain. Revenue streams have not kept pace with the overall growth in the cost of doing business, prompting the County to leverage recalibration strategies.
To recalibrate and prepare for the challenges ahead, the proposed budget incorporates new efficiencies, reduces costs, shrinks the County’s facilities footprint, and shifts staff to address evolving responsibilities — all while avoiding layoffs.
HOW THE BUDGET WAS DEVELOPED
The County released a $9.15 billion recommended budget May 18 after extensive community collaboration. A revised version, adding $3.85 million in adjustments, was released June 12 following an 11-day public comment period and recommendations from the County Chief Administrative Officer.
Community input came through open houses, on-line comments and in-person feedback sessions.
WHAT THE COUNTY DOES
The County serves 3.3 million residents across unincorporated areas, 18 incorporated cities and 18 federally recognized tribes.
In the unincorporated area, County government provides day-to-day services a city government typically provides, including law enforcement, roads, building permits, animal services, parks and libraries. Some cities also contract with the County for these services.
Regionwide, the County oversees emergency preparedness, criminal prosecution and detention, food and financial assistance, behavioral health services, public health programs, restaurant inspections, elections and beach water monitoring.
Reprinted courtesy San Diego County Office of Communications.
