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Dear Neighbor,
We have begun developing the City of San Diego’s budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, and here’s the situation: we are facing a $120 million shortfall.
Just like households across San Diego, the City is dealing with higher costs. Fuel is more expensive. Electricity costs more. Much of our infrastructure is old and historically has not been maintained. At the same time, some of the revenues the City relies on to fund services are softening. For example, fewer people traveling to the United States means less visitor tax revenue coming into the region. And, over the years, the City has added more services without matching it to the resources necessary to fund those services.
Higher costs and lower revenues together create the gap we’re experiencing.
My administration did the work to close hundreds of millions of dollars of the City’s longstanding structural deficit. That work has taken discipline and tough decisions. But we are not done — and being honest with you: the next budget will require even harder choices.
That means we will not be able to do everything we are doing now. It means cutting costs, including eliminating City positions. A reduction in the city workforce will mean a reduction in City programs and services in our communities.
I am working closely with City Councilmembers, the Independent Budget Analyst, our department directors, and with you, the people of San Diego, to make careful, informed decisions about how we move forward.
That is why I am asking you to take a few minutes to complete our Resident Budget Survey at www.sandiego.gov/BudgetSurvey. This will help inform us about which programs and services are priority for you and where reductions can be made. The survey is available in English and Spanish through early May. This is just one way you can provide us with your feedback — you can also attend the City Council budget meetings and provide your comments in-person, virtually, or in writing.
On April 15, I will release a draft budget based off the best financial information we have at that time. The City Council will then hold public meetings, and after additional feedback and updated financial information, I will revise the draft budget before a final budget is adopted in June (key budget dates are outlined here).
Inevitably, this will be a budget process that will require tough conversations and tough decisions, but my commitment to you is that we will be honest about the challenge we face, we will live within our means, and we will align what we spend with what we bring in.
By staying focused and working together, we will put our city on strong financial footing for our future.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your Mayor. |
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Free Parking Expands for San Diego Residents at Balboa Park |
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Starting today, verified City of San Diego residents can park for free all day in seven of Balboa Park’s 12 parking lots. That means nearly 70 percent of parking lot spaces in the park will be free for residents who verify their residency in advance through the City's online permit portal.
General — Level 2 and Level 3 — lots offering free parking to verified residents include Pepper Grove, Federal, Upper Inspiration Point, Lower Inspiration Point, Marston Point, Palisades, and Bea Evenson.
Enforcement hours in the park have now changed to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Also, drivers with a disabled-person placard or license plate may park free in any lot or along park roads.
To access free parking, City of San Diego residents must register their vehicle in advance online at sandiego.ThePermitPortal.com. You will need to upload one document (a copy of your driver's license, vehicle registration or property tax bill) to verify residency. There is a one-time $5 processing fee applies; however, that goes to the portal vendor, not the City.
Once approved, the free resident pass is valid for three years. Residents who previously purchased a pass do not need to reverify and can simply log in to select the free option.
Premium lots, including Space Theater, Casa de Balboa, Alcazar, Organ Pavilion, and South Carousel, will continue to charge fees, with verified residents eligible for discounted daily rates.
A grace period will include warnings beginning the week of March 9, with ticketing starting March 16.
Step-by-step instructions for how to register via the portal are available on the City’s Balboa Park parking webpage, along with helpful videos and maps. |
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Convention Center Modernization Moves Forward with Visitor Funding |
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San Diego is moving ahead with a multi-year modernization of the San Diego Convention Center, funded by visitor-generated Transient Occupancy Tax revenues approved by voters through Measure C (2020).
The City Council has approved the first year of funding in a five-year plan to upgrade aging systems and address long-planned capital improvements. Projects will begin with roof replacement that will be able to accommodate solar and other critical infrastructure upgrades to run the facility, including modernization of the building’s central plant.
Measure C revenues dedicated to these projects are projected to total more than $118 million over five years, with $21.4 million allocated in Fiscal Year 2026. Importantly, these upgrades are funded by visitors, not residents, and the revenue also supports other priorities including roads and efforts to reduce homelessness.
The Convention Center is one of our region’s most important economic engines, generating more than $1 billion in regional economic impact and supporting more than 1,000 jobs. These investments ensure San Diego remains competitive in attracting major conventions and events that drive hotel stays, restaurant activity, and local spending.
The Convention Center will remain open during construction. These improvements strengthen a vital public asset, support local workers through the City’s Project Labor Agreement, and help keep San Diego competitive on the global stage. |
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Preservation and Progress: Updating Historic Preservation Rules to Protect Historic Resources and Build More Homes |
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San Diego is taking the first major step in updating its historic preservation program for the first time in 25 years. These reforms protect historic resources while helping the City build more homes.
The City Council approved the first phase of “Preservation and Progress,” a two-part effort to modernize outdated rules, cut unnecessary red tape, and create clearer standards for property owners and builders. These updates align historic preservation policies with our housing, equity, sustainability, and climate goals.
The reforms strengthen protections for truly significant historic resources, clarify how properties can be adaptively reused and expanded, and streamline reviews for buildings that are not historically designated. The Council also updated the appeals process to ensure decisions are based on whether properties meet established historic criteria.
Additional changes include aligning the General Plan’s Historic Preservation Element with federal and state regulations, improving tribal consultation policies, and repurposing the Historic Preservation Fund to provide small grants for preservation work in traditionally underrepresented communities.
San Diego is home to more than 1,500 individually designated historic resources and 24 historic districts, including landmarks like Balboa Park and the Star of India. With Preservation and Progress, we are protecting what makes our neighborhoods special and making it easier to build more homes for the next generation. |
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👍❤️ Mayor’s Mix: Let’s Talk About the Weather ❤️👍 |
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In last week’s trivia feature, we asked: Which San Diego–born athlete won three Olympic gold medals in halfpipe snowboarding and became one of the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympians of all time? Here’s how you voted: ✅ Shaun White — 97.50% (117) The correct answer is Shaun White. Born in San Diego, White became a global icon in snowboarding, earning three Olympic gold medals and helping put American halfpipe dominance on the world stage. His achievements are a reminder that world-class talent can rise from right here at home.
This week’s question: Since we just went through a heat wave: Which San Diego neighborhood is home to the City’s official weather station that records many of our region’s temperature highs and heat records? ▪️ Downtown Answer below or send your guess to AskTheMayor@sandiego.gov — and check back next week to see if you got it right. |
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GETTING IT DONE - FIXING OUR STREETS |
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Slurry Seal Work Delivers Smoother Streets in Shelltown |
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Street resurfacing continues across our city, with slurry seal recently completed on Birch Street, South 39th Street, and South 41st Street in Shelltown. These improvements are making roads in Southeastern San Diego safer and smoother for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Slurry seal is one of the most cost-effective tools we use to slow street deterioration and extend the life of our roads. |
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South 39th Street |
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MAYOR GLORIA AROUND TOWN |
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Unity Run Closes Out Black History Month in Downtown |
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Black History Month concluded with the URBN Unity Run at Ruocco Park in Downtown. What began with just 20 runners has grown into a weekly movement that is hundreds-strong, powered by local run clubs and small businesses. The event brought San Diegans together through movement, culture, and connection, showing how shared spaces and shared purpose strengthen community bonds. |
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Ramadan Iftar Highlights Belonging and Community |
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The Somali Bantu Association of America marked its 10th annual Ramadan Iftar, bringing families and neighbors together in reflection and fellowship. The organization provides free support services that helped more than 10,000 refugees last year build stable, successful lives. In a time when too many communities feel targeted or maligned, San Diego chooses belonging, dignity, and respect. |
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Leadership Transition at 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing |
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The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Change of Command ceremony at MCAS Miramar marked the transition from Major General James B. Wellons to Brigadier General Robert B. Brodie. The ceremony reflected the tradition, discipline, and service that define the Marine Corps. San Diego is a proud military town, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with the Marines and their families. |
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San Diego Museum of Art Marks 100 Years in Balboa Park |
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A centennial cake-cutting ceremony in Balboa Park marked 100 years of the San Diego Museum of Art. For a century, the museum has welcomed families, students, artists, and visitors into its galleries and helped shape our city’s cultural life. Its longevity reflects strong community support and a deep commitment to arts and education in San Diego. |
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SAN DIEGO ON THE GLOBAL STAGE |
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San Diego Welcomes German Research Vessel |
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In partnership with the German Embassy, my administration helped welcome the German research vessel RV Sonne as it docked in San Diego before embarking on critical marine research off our coast. We were proud to join representatives from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, regional U.S. Navy leadership, World Trade Center San Diego and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to highlight the power of scientific collaboration and strengthen maritime partnerships. San Diego-Germany ties are strong, and we look forward to building on this important relationship through continued cooperation in research, innovation, and discovery. |
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SERVING SAN DIEGO: BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS |
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Residents Invited to Apply for Independent Homelessness Funding Oversight Committee |
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The City is now accepting applications for seven seats on the Homelessness Revenue Account Citizens Oversight Committee. This independent advisory body will provide transparency and accountability for funds dedicated to homelessness programs through Measure C (2020).
The committee reviews the long-term funding strategy, annual allocation plans, and proposed expenditures before the City’s budget is finalized. Members also advise the Mayor and City Council on policies, funding guidelines, and projects supported by the Homelessness Revenue Account.
A majority of members must have expertise in areas such as public finance, nonprofit management, business, philanthropy, government, or lived experience with homelessness. To ensure independence, members may not have a financial interest in organizations that seek funding from these revenues.
This is an opportunity for San Diegans to help strengthen oversight, improve accountability, and ensure homelessness funds are used effectively.
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COMMUNITY UPDATES |
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State Mortgage Relief Expansion Includes January 2024 Flood Impacted Residents |
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There is important relief available for San Diego homeowners impacted by the 2024 storms and flooding.
The Governor’s Office has confirmed that the January 2024 San Diego flood qualifies under the expanded CalAssist Mortgage Fund program. That means eligible disaster-affected homeowners may now receive up to 12 months of mortgage payments, paid directly to their mortgage servicer, with assistance totaling up to $100,000 that does not need to be repaid.
The expansion increases the relief period from three months to a full year and broadens income eligibility so more families can qualify. This support is designed to help homeowners stabilize while they rebuild, navigate insurance claims, and recover from disaster impacts.
Homeowners can review the full list of qualified disasters and apply at www.calassistmortgagefund.org. |
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Civic Center Plaza Comes Alive with Plaza Central Pop-Ups |
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Downtown’s Civic Center Plaza is getting a vibrant refresh with Plaza Central — a new series of pop-up events bringing food, music, and art to the heart of the city. The activations are free and open to the public every Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a lively preview of the area’s long-term revitalization. |
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Stay Informed with Inside San Diego |
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Stay up-to-date with the latest news and information about our city through Inside San Diego, our new hub for all things San Diego.
From community updates to important City announcements, Inside San Diego is your go-to source for staying engaged and informed as a resident.
Don’t miss out on critical alerts and updates—sign up today to receive notifications via email or text message.
It’s a simple way to stay connected with everything happening in our great city. Subscribe now! |
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