(SAN DIEGO, CA) -- San Diego’s proposed FY2027 budget includes a $118 million deficit, AS WELL AS cuts to libraries, parks, transportation, and city staffing.
See the full breakdown in our previous coverage here: San Diego Proposes Fiscal Year 2027 Budget With Service Cuts To Close $118M Gap | City of San Diego.
At the Apr. 20 City Council meeting, residents and officials debated what those cuts would mean for everyday services. Many speakers said the city is cutting the wrong programs, and questioned how reductions to libraries and recreation centers would actually be carried out.
While the proposal includes cuts, it also adds about $71 million in new General Fund spending compared to last year’s budget. These investments focus on homelessness services, public safety programs, infrastructure, and more.
Photo Credit: Fiscal Year 2027 Draft Budget | City of San Diego Official Website showing expenditure additions for FY2027.
Public comment focused on concerns that the city is cutting programs like arts, libraries, and youth services that many residents say support communities and help prevent crime.
Amari Mathers, a performing arts specialist working with students in Encanto, urged the council to reconsider cuts to arts programming, saying creative spaces help keep young people on track.
“I’ve seen people go into so many different things that were destructive to themselves but also to the city,” she said. “If you want to think about how we can help the city, how about think about investing in arts, and maybe we won’t need as much money in the police department.”
Nancy Rella Florida criticized reductions to what she called “third spaces.”
“Third spaces like libraries, parks, arts, youth services and gathering places are essential to real public safety and health.”
Not all speakers agreed that funding for these programs should be protected.
Kathleen Lippitt pointed to other cities that reduced police budgets, arguing those decisions led to increased crime.
“Cities that have cut police budgets, such as Portland, New York City, and Oakland, saw sharp increases in shootings, carjackings, and overall violence,” she said.
Other speakers connected budget decisions to personal experience. John Brady, who said he experienced homelessness, said city programs helped him rebuild his life.
“The new Good Day Center and the voices of our city choir are being canceled,” he said. “This is what happens when we underfund government.”
Council Budget Chair Joe LaCava acknowledged the size of the shortfall but said fairness must guide how cuts are made.
“A $118 million deficit is serious,” LaCava said. “Equity must be at the forefront and must be the path forward during these tough times.”
LaCava also supported continued funding for violence prevention programs, pointing to initiatives such as the city’s “No Shots Fired” program.
“We must continue to fund the No Shots Fired program… These programs have a proven track record,” he said.
Transportation changes also came up during the meeting, with staff saying streets will still be repaved, but fewer safety upgrades, such as redesigned lanes and other design improvements, will be included.
Councilmember Raul Campillo and others questioned whether those changes could reduce traffic safety improvements and limit the city’s ability to qualify for state transportation funding.
Councilmember Vivian Moreno Rivera said the city needs a clearer long-term plan before making permanent cuts.
Photo Credit: City of San Diego
“Without more clarity about where we’re trying to go… I don’t believe that the budget as proposed moves us in that direction,” Moreno said.
Council members also said much of the budget is restricted by law or contracts, which limits how much funding can be moved between services like libraries, parks, and arts programs. Officials added that arts funding has historically come from tourism taxes, but more of those funds are now being used for other city services.
The mayor’s office said the goal is to stabilize city finances while limiting impacts on frontline services, though officials say changes are still likely.
The City Council will continue budget hearings in May. A final vote on the FY2027 budget is expected in June.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me at jenny.r@lead4earth.org.
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