San Diego · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Diego public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fiscal Year 2027 budget and rising costs
The city is facing a budget squeeze from rising fuel, construction, and insurance costs while revenues lag. The May Revision hearing on the FY 2027 draft budget was pushed to May 27, delaying the public's chance to weigh in.
Housing Commission layoffs and federal funding cuts
A resident testified that emergency housing voucher holders, including herself, received letters saying their subsidies end November 30, potentially leaving over 1,600 people unhoused.
FY 2027 budget adoption
The council must adopt a balanced budget for next year amid a structural deficit of roughly $15 million and an $8 billion infrastructure backlog. The fight centered on whether to restore library, rec center and arts funding — and whether to pay for it by canceling the Flock surveillance contract.
Elimination of arts and culture funding
The Mayor's budget zeroes out roughly $12 million in arts and culture grants, and the May Revision does not restore them. Hundreds of artists, organizations, and union workers testified that this would gut programs serving every district and cost the city tourism revenue.