San Diego Mayor Launches Budget Survey as City Council Convenes for Key Fiscal Sessions

Mayor Gloria Initiates Public Outreach for 2026-27 Budget

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has officially launched a digital survey today, Friday, February 27, 2026, seeking community input to help prioritize city services and programs for the upcoming 2026-27 fiscal year budget. The move comes as the city faces significant fiscal challenges, with a projected deficit of $120 million for the next budget cycle. Officials intend to use the survey results to determine which programs are prioritized and which may face reductions when the new budget takes effect on July 1.

The Mayor emphasized the need for resident feedback during this process, noting that difficult decisions lie ahead for the municipal government. The survey, available in both English and Spanish, asks residents to rank their top priorities and provides an opportunity to suggest whether the city should seek additional revenue to protect vital services. "I'm asking San Diegans to take a few minutes to tell us what matters most to them, and what they're willing to forgo, as we build next year's budget," the Mayor stated in his announcement. Residents can participate via the city’s website or at local library branches until the start of May.

City Council Budget Sessions and Midyear Deficit

Coinciding with the budget survey launch, the San Diego City Council has designated today as a "Key Budget Date" on the official 2026 legislative calendar. Two major sessions are scheduled for today at the City Administration Building:

• 10:00 AM: A general City Council meeting focusing on legislative and departmental priorities.
• 2:00 PM: A joint meeting of the City Council and the Public Facilities Financing Authority (PFFA).

These meetings follow a report from the budget committee earlier this week, which confirmed that San Diego is currently navigating a $7 million midyear deficit. The council's discussions today are expected to address infrastructure funding and strategies to bridge the fiscal gap before the City Charter deadline to release a draft budget on April 15.

Recent Legislative Action: Historic Preservation Reforms

The current fiscal discussions follow a significant policy shift earlier this week. On Tuesday, the City Council voted 5-1 to soften historic preservation rules. This reform is intended to accelerate homebuilding by allowing the Council to overrule the Historical Resources Board when the board designates a property as historic. Proponents, including the Building Industry Association, praised the move as a necessary step for housing predictability, while some community groups expressed concern over potential impacts on neighborhood character. Residents can continue to monitor these ongoing budget sessions via CityTV or through the city’s digital meeting portals.