SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the $8.63 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The revised budget saw an increase of $18.3 million, with most of that amount allocated toward public safety, including funding for emergency services and firefighting efforts.
The overall budget increased by 1.2%, or $104 million, compared to the previous year. The budget was designed to protect core services for residents while continuing investments in priorities important to San Diegans, according to a statement from the county.
Budget Highlights: Key Allocations and Services
The approved budget includes several important investments aimed at improving public health, safety, and community services. Some key highlights include:
- $13.1 million to provide housing and short-term rental assistance for individuals with serious behavioral health conditions.
- $26.2 million to enhance substance use outpatient services.
- $14.6 million for two new Crisis Stabilization Units in El Cajon and Chula Vista.
- $3.5 million to improve fire and emergency medical services in Dulzura, Pauma Valley, and East Otay Mesa areas
- $14.3 million for the purchase of a helicopter to aid firefighting and search and rescue missions.
- $48.3 million for road safety, including traffic signals, curb ramps, pedestrian crossings, guardrails, new sidewalks, and bike lanes.
- $29 million to enhance the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office jails, with upgrades to fire alarm systems and security equipment.
- $843.5 million to help over a million people access CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, and other public assistance programs.
- $267.3 million for public health, including home visiting programs, pharmaceutical services, and efforts to prevent epidemics.
Challenges and Acknowledgments
Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer, acting as the board’s chair, called the budget approval a “huge endeavor,” acknowledging the challenges the county faced, especially with potential federal budget cuts looming.
She emphasized that while the budget makes strides in areas such as employee recruitment and retention, there is still work to be done, particularly with the board currently down one member following Nora Vargas’ departure from District 1.
Supervisor Jim Desmond praised the significant increase for public safety, highlighting the $100 million allocated for behavioral health services and the funding for a 16-bed psychiatric facility at Tri-City Hospital.
He also appreciated the budget’s continued funding for libraries, parks, and road improvements.
Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe expressed appreciation for public feedback but raised concerns about future funding for an Innovative Housing Trust Fund and partnerships with Medi-Cal. She emphasized the need to plan for potential challenges ahead.
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Public Reaction: Mixed Reviews
During public comment, many praised the board for its focus on “people-first” investments, particularly for immigrant legal defense and adult housing services.
Noah Yee Yick from the San Diego Center for Policy Initiatives thanked the supervisors for these initiatives, noting the importance of ensuring that San Diego County steps in to provide vital services if federal assistance wanes.
However, one resident expressed confusion, stating that there was a lack of clarity for those in unincorporated areas about how the budget would improve their lives. “I don’t see it here,” she remarked, calling for a clearer explanation of how the budget would address their needs.
Jim Vargas, CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, commended the board for its efforts to tackle homelessness through increased funding for behavioral health and support for the Innovative Housing Trust Fund.
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“These initiatives are critical to creating sustainable, long-term solutions that address both the root causes and impacts of homelessness in our region,” Vargas stated.
What’s Next: Moving Forward with the Budget
The adopted budget will take effect on July 1, and while it has received praise for its focus on public health and safety, it also faces challenges as the county navigates potential funding shortfalls and external factors like federal budget uncertainties.
Moving forward, officials will continue to monitor community needs and ensure that the budget remains responsive to the evolving demands of San Diego residents.
What Do You Think?
Do you think the new San Diego County budget adequately addresses the region’s needs, especially in areas like housing and public safety? What would you like to see prioritized in future budgets? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
