San Diego · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Diego public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Water rate restructuring after Pats ruling
Even with the rate hikes already approved, water and sewer costs keep climbing, the rate stabilization fund will be drained by 2027, and dozens of capital projects are being delayed. Councilmembers want internal efficiency fixes, not just blame on the County Water Authority.
January 22, 2024 flooding litigation
The council approved a wastewater treatment contract and a nearly $4 million stormwater settlement. Speakers warned that aging buried pipes, rising groundwater and sea level rise will keep generating failures and lawsuits unless the city invests below ground.
Tijuana sewage emergency
The council again declared a continued emergency over raw sewage, solid waste and sediment crossing from Tijuana — a problem residents in the South Bay have lived with for decades. Commenters urged the city to push for industrial source control rather than repeat declarations.
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.
Arts and Culture Funding Restoration
A Foster-Lee plan would restore $6 million in arts grants by using Measure C convention center funds for debt service, backed by $3 million each from the county and the Prebys Foundation. Labor and arts groups packed the chamber to support it.