Big takeaways from Mayor Gloria's draft budget
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Mayor Todd Gloria's proposed budget would gut San Diego's arts organizations and cut library and rec center hours while beefing up the police and fire departments.
The big picture: Released Wednesday, the mayor's $2.2 billion spending plan would close a projected $146 million deficit through furloughs, new revenue, and cuts to city services and programs, including layoffs.
- The structural budget deficit Gloria inherited is a problem that's been brewing for years.
- The city is facing another year of deep budget cuts as revenues aren't keeping pace with the city's rising operational costs, even with several recent fee hikes.
Here are the highlights (or lowlights, depending on who you're asking):
🚨Prioritizing public safety
Gloria proposed a $27 million increase for the Fire-Rescue Department ($547 million total) and $14 million more for police ($726 million total), the Union-Tribune reported. The two departments already get the biggest slices of city spending, making up nearly half the budget.
- There would be some staffing cuts in both departments, but the additional money would allow for more overtime and training for police officers, plus 911 dispatch system upgrades to help improve response times, per the U-T.
✂️ Arts, libraries and recreation centers face cuts
Annual arts funding would be reduced from $13.8 million to less than $2 million, which would eliminate arts and culture grants that local organizations rely on to function.
Library and rec center hours would be reduced, but the details and affected locations are still being worked out.
🛣️ Street and sidewalk repair
The Transportation Department would get more money to fix sidewalks, streetlights, potholes and landscaping and to make upgrades to dangerous intersections.
- Yes, but: Funding for road repairs would drop, there would be no money for new, lower speed limit signs, and the backlog for sidewalk repairs could grow, per the U-T.
⛺ Homelessness
There would be a slight reduction in homelessness funding, but city leaders expect $97 million total would be enough to build on the 13.5% drop in homelessness last year, though essential state grants remain at risk.
- The allotted money is slated to support shelters, bridge housing, safe parking and safe sleeping sites.
🗣️ If you have budget thoughts, the city is gathering input from residents via this five-minute online survey, which is open through early May.
What's next: This is the first draft of the city budget, which will be debated and adjusted by Gloria and City Council over the next several weeks and finalized by the council on June 9.