San Diego is facing a $350 million budget deficit—one of the largest in our city’s history. To address it, I proposed a responsible, strategic, and balanced budget that made tough but necessary choices to do our best to preserve neighborhood services with the resources we have and put us on stable financial footing for the long term.
Unfortunately, the City Council modified my balanced budget to add tens of millions in new spending without a credible plan to pay for it—relying on overly optimistic new revenue assumptions and proposals.
That’s why I used my line-item veto authority to restore balance—accepting some of the City Council’s additions that we can afford and that support our shared priorities—like hours at recreation centers, libraries and lakes, but rejecting spending that puts our long-term stability at risk.
Some members of the City Council today attempted to fully override my line-item veto, and they failed. That outcome affirms the need for fiscal responsibility and a realistic approach to budgeting—something I’ve committed to and San Diegans deserve.
Let’s be clear: a full override would have doubled down on unrealistic assumptions, unsustainable spending, and decisions that put our city’s future at risk. That path was rejected.
Because the Council chose to partially override certain vetoes, I remain concerned that their actions could still weaken our ability to stay on stable financial footing. If their assumptions don’t hold, they’ll be responsible for the fallout: midyear cuts, layoffs, facility closures, brownouts, and broken promises to the communities we all serve.
I did not run for Mayor to repeat the mistakes of the past. I have been honest with San Diegans about our finances and made every effort to fix the structural deficit, making tough decisions necessary to build a stronger future.
This is a moment for steady leadership, which I will continue to provide for all of us. San Diegans deserve no less.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor.
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City Council Adopts Reforms to Accessory Dwelling Unit Program
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The San Diego City Council has adopted a comprehensive set of 25 reforms to the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) regulations, reflecting a balance between expanding housing opportunities and addressing public safety and infrastructure needs.
The new regulations implement recent changes to state law while refining the City’s ADU Home Density Bonus Program. Key updates include increased fire safety measures, revised parking requirements, new community enhancement fees to fund neighborhood improvements, and clarified rules on where and how ADUs can be built.
These changes are designed to allow for more housing—especially affordable units—while preserving community character and ensuring responsible development in high-risk areas.
The reforms were shaped by extensive public input and reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to building more housing in the right places. Once implemented, they will guide ADU development across the city, with some provisions subject to future certification by the California Coastal Commission.
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Storm Channel Upgrades Will Prevent Flooding in Valencia Park
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We’ve completed a major storm channel improvement project in the Valencia Park neighborhood—part of our effort to modernize San Diego’s stormwater system and better protect residents from flooding in major storms.
This project focused on a key section of the Chollas Creek Watershed along Imperial Avenue and Stevens Way. City crews, in partnership with Urban Corps, removed more than 1,700 tons of debris and invasive vegetation that had built up in the channel. We also repaired 150 feet of eroded slope to strengthen the banks and improve water flow during future storms.
These proactive repairs will help reduce flood risk for nearby homes and businesses, especially during heavy rains. It’s one of several high-priority projects we’re completing across San Diego to improve safety and prepare our infrastructure for intense weather events driven by climate change.
More improvements are coming. Under my proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the Stormwater Department will continue maintaining the 18 miles of channels we prioritized after the January 2024 storms—including 12 miles within the Chollas Creek Watershed.
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San Diego Earns Global Recognition for Climate Leadership
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San Diego has once again been named to the international “A-list” for climate action by the Carbon Disclosure Project—an honor awarded to just 15% of nearly 1,000 cities worldwide.
This is our third consecutive year receiving this top rating, which reflects our commitment to reducing climate pollution and preparing our city for rising seas, extreme heat, and other climate-related threats.
The City’s Climate Action Plan, Mobility Master Plan, and Climate Resilient SD strategy are just a few of the programs driving real progress toward our goal of net zero emissions by 2035.
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State Budget Proposal Would Eliminate Homelessness Funding Cities Rely On
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San Diego has made real progress in reducing homelessness—with thousands of people moved off the streets and into shelter or housing through programs funded by the State’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program.
That progress is now at risk.
The State’s proposed 2025-26 budget would eliminate this critical funding entirely, dropping it from $1 billion to zero. Without it, cities like ours may be forced to scale back shelters, outreach, housing placements, and the supportive services that help people stay housed.
This proposed cut comes at a time when the public is demanding more action to reduce street homelessness—not less. While we’ve taken bold steps at the local level to build affordable housing and expand services, we can’t solve this crisis without reliable partnership from the State.
I’m urging State leaders to protect homelessness funding in the final budget.
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GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS
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Newly Repaved Gullstrand Street in University City
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We’ve repaved Gullstrand Street in University City!
City crews removed damaged asphalt, repaired the underlying surface, and laid down fresh pavement that will extend the life of the roadway for years to come. Investments like this are making our streets safer, more reliable, and easier to navigate for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
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Gullstrand Street in University City
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Welcoming the Museum of Illusions to Downtown
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Downtown San Diego gained a new attraction with the opening of the Museum of Illusions in the heart of the Gaslamp. This immersive, interactive experience adds to the creative momentum reshaping our city center and offers residents and visitors a new reason to explore our revitalized urban core.
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Gun Violence Prevention in Southeastern San Diego
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Lucero Maganda, my Acting Director of Community Engagement, represented me at the San Diego Police Department’s Gun Exchange event in Encanto at the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center. This drive-thru event gave residents a safe, no-questions-asked way to turn in unwanted firearms in exchange for gift cards. Events like this help reduce the risk of gun violence and keep our neighborhoods safe.
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Juneteenth Celebration Brings Joy and Resources to Encanto Seniors
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My team was proud to be represented by Community Representative Korral Taylor at the Fourth District Seniors Resource Center’s 19th Annual Juneteenth Information and Resource Fair at the George L. Stevens Senior Community Center. From a powerful performance by The Old Globe to health screenings, resource booths, and lively entertainment, this event brought joy and valuable support to our senior community. Thank you to the organizers for creating such a vibrant celebration in Encanto.
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Honoring Leadership at Navy Region Southwest
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The Navy Region Southwest Change of Command ceremony marked the transition from Rear Admiral Brad Rosen to Rear Admiral Rich Jarrett at Naval Air Station North Island. San Diego’s longstanding ties to the U.S. Navy were front and center, showcasing the leadership and collaboration that keep our proud military town prepared and connected.
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San Diego on the Global Stage
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Strengthening Economic Ties with Southeast Asia
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San Diego was one of just two cities nationwide selected to host the U.S.- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Council’s Ambassadors’ Tour—a recognition of our growing role as a global economic player.
This high-level visit was a result of my trip to the Philippines last winter and is already opening doors to new partnerships between San Diego industries and Southeast Asian governments and businesses.
From biotech and clean energy to defense and the blue economy, the connections we’re building today are poised to bring new jobs, investment, and opportunity to our region.
International engagement like this is about more than diplomacy—it’s about delivering real results for San Diego’s economy and its workers.
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State Launches CalAssist Mortgage Fund for Disaster-Affected Homeowners
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Starting June 12, California homeowners whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable by recent disasters—including the San Diego floods—can apply for up to $20,000 in mortgage relief through the new CalAssist Mortgage Fund.
The $105 million program, managed by the California Housing Finance Agency, offers grants covering up to three months of mortgage payments for homeowners affected by disasters that were declared a state or federal emergency between January 2023 and January 2025. These funds do not need to be repaid and will go directly to mortgage servicers on behalf of approved applicants.
Applications will be reviewed on first-come, first-served basis. Given the finite level of resources, households are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to be considered for the program.
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City Planning Department Wants Your Input on Infrastructure Priorities
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San Diegans are invited to share their infrastructure priorities by completing the Infrastructure Priorities Survey. Input received by Aug. 1, 2025, will help shape the City’s Five-Year Capital Infrastructure Planning Outlook for Fiscal Years 2027–2031. The survey remains open year-round, with later responses considered for future planning cycles. Visit the Infrastructure Priorities website to learn more.
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Community Invited to Learn More About Midway Rising’s Vision for Housing and Entertainment
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Midway Rising – the selected project for the Sports Arena redevelopment -- is hosting an informational workshop to share updates on its plans to transform the Sports Arena site into a vibrant, mixed-use district. As proposed, the project includes 2,000 affordable homes, a 16,000-seat entertainment venue, and acres of parks and public space.
Join the them on Monday, June 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the City Heights/Weingart Library Community Room, 3795 Fairmount Ave. Complimentary parking available. PleaseRSVP here.
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Help Shape Public Art for Fire Station 48 in Black Mountain Ranch
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Artist Nate Page has been commissioned to create a permanent artwork for the new Fire Station 48, which will serve Black Mountain Ranch and surrounding communities.
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Parks After Dark Brings Free Family Fun to Neighborhood Parks
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The City is partnering with the San Diego Parks Foundation to host Parks After Dark, a free summer program that transforms neighborhood parks into vibrant hubs of evening activity. Families can enjoy outdoor movies, music, games, and community resources from June 14 through August 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. (no events June 19, July 3, 4 and 5) at the City Heights Rec Center, Linda Vista Rec Center, Memorial Rec Center, Skyline Hills Rec Center and Silver Wing (June 14 – July 26 only). These events support safer, more connected communities by activating public spaces after hours and making recreation accessible for all. Learn more here.
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