On Wednesday, I joined Mayor Gloria for a press conference to introduce his proposed budget for FY 2027. The Mayor’s proposed budget will be formally presented to the City Council on Monday, April 20. This initial budget is the first step in a collaborative process to finalize the City’s upcoming budget for the next fiscal year starting on July 1st.

As you may be aware, the City of San Diego is facing a $120 million budget deficit in FY 2027. This is despite significant cost reductions that were adopted for FY 2026. Undoubtedly, balancing this budget will require many difficult conversations and decisions in the months ahead.

Know that, as Council President, I am committed to pursuing a measured course of action that minimizes impacts to core services. Residents have made clear that raising revenues on their backs is not an option. The City will make the necessary reductions to personnel, programs, and city services to fill the gap.

From May 4th through May 8th, City Council, sitting as the Budget Review Committee, will hold a series of hearings. After these hearings, the Mayor will release a “May Revise” on May 18, updating the proposed budget for the public and Council’s consideration. Council will deliberate over the budget and vote on a final budget for adoption on June 9th.

Please stay engaged and consider reaching out to my office at 619-236-6611,  joelacava@sandiego.gov, or providing public input to the City Council. Unlike previous years where we sought your priorities, this year we are seeking your thoughts on the cuts, or finding alternative cuts as needed to balance the budget.

Evening sessions for public input will be held on May 4 and 18, starting at 6:00 pm. You can participate in-person, virtually at https://www.sandiego.gov/councilmtg, or by telephone at 1-669-254-5252 ID Number 160 943 0466.

In 2025, California Senate Bill 707 was signed into law and established new requirements under the Brown Act to ensure equal treatment for virtual and in-person participants. The City of San Diego has one of the most robust systems of public engagement in the state and only required minimal updates.

Our Rules of Council already complied with many elements of SB707, including support for remote participation. To comply with other elements, I worked with the City Clerk and City Attorney as well as incorporated public feedback to update the City’s Rules of Council.

On Tuesday, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt these amendments. We will implement these changes starting July 1, 2026, to allow the City Clerk and Council Administration to make necessary technological and administrative changes. For the first time, those participating virtually or by phone will be able to cede time to allow for extended testimony (aka organized presentation). There will also be changes to ceding time in person. Look for announcements describing the new protocols in the coming weeks.

For many individuals and organizations, organizing a group to come to downtown to express their support or opposition for items before the City Council posed significant barriers. As Council President, it is a priority of mine to hear public testimony on matters before the Council and our committees as well as non-agenda public comment.

I joined the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department for the 10th annual Girls Empowerment Camp (GEC) last Saturday. The GEC is a free 2-day camp that provides teens ages 14-18 with a realistic, hands-on overview of firefighting and exposure to all aspects of public safety career opportunities in the fire service.

More than 100 campers show up ready to tackle new challenges, learn new skills, and explore careers as a first responder. As the risk of wildfires and other natural disasters continues to climb, it is critical that we continue to foster the next generation of firefighters, public safety professionals, and first responders. I am proud to support programs like these that support equity and create career pathways for our young people.

Tax documents contain sensitive information, and if not properly disposed of, can leave you vulnerable to identity theft.

The City of San Diego provides city residents with a free, secure option to recycle their tax documents at the Miramar Recycling Center, 5165 Convoy Street. From now until Thursday, April 23, residents may drop off one banker's box of tax files from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note that the facility will be closed on Sunday, April 19.

The Carmel Valley Library is hosting San Diego Project Heart Beat next Tuesday for a free CPR and AED workshop from 12 to 1 p.m.

According to the American Heart Association, administering CPR immediately can increase an individual’s chance of survival by two to three times. Regrettably, only approximately 4 out of 10 individuals who experience cardiac arrest receive this life-saving assistance before professional help arrives.

This workshop can give you the confidence and skills you need to help when it is needed most.

RSVP at heartbeatadmin@sandiego.gov.

Council President Joe LaCava

Councilmember, District 1

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