SANDAG Reviews FY 2027 Budget as County Pursues Lawsuit Over Blocked Facility Inspection

SANDAG Executive Committee Convenes for Regular Session

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Executive Committee met this morning, Friday, March 6, 2026, at 9 a.m. to address a series of high-level administrative and legislative items. The meeting, held at the SANDAG Boardroom on Union Street, centered on the region's fiscal planning and advocacy strategies for the upcoming year.

Key agenda items included:

• Draft FY 2027 Program Budget: The committee was tasked with reviewing and recommending the approval of the draft program budget for the 2027 fiscal year. This document serves as the primary financial roadmap for regional transportation and infrastructure projects.
• 2026 Legislative Program: Members discussed the proposed 2026 Legislative Program, which outlines the agency's policy priorities at both state and federal levels. The committee reviewed recommendations for a "sponsor" position on SB 1087 and a "support" position for H.R. 7298.
• Working Group Restructuring: The committee addressed a proposal to restructure several SANDAG working groups to improve efficiency and better align with current regional goals.

While the Executive Committee proceeded with its regular session, the scheduled SANDAG Audit Committee meeting previously set for 1 p.m. today was officially canceled.

Legal Standoff Over Otay Mesa Detention Center Inspection

Beyond the planning meetings, a significant legal conflict between San Diego County and the federal government has reached a critical point today. San Diego County officials had previously requested a full public health inspection of the Otay Mesa Detention Center for Friday, March 6. However, after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to respond to a Wednesday evening deadline, the inspection has been effectively blocked.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors, led by Chair Terra Lawson-Remer and Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, authorized the County Counsel to file a federal lawsuit against DHS, ICE, and the private operator CoreCivic. The legal action, expected to be filed early next week, follows reports from detainees regarding substandard conditions, including inadequate medical care and food quality. County leaders maintain that state law grants local health officers the authority to inspect such facilities to ensure the health of the broader community.

City and County Legislative Calendar

The San Diego City Council and the County Board of Supervisors did not hold legislative sessions today. Both bodies met earlier in the week to handle municipal and county-wide ordinances, leaving Friday primarily for committee work and regional oversight. Residents are encouraged to monitor upcoming agendas for the full San Diego City Council and Board of Supervisors meetings scheduled to resume on Monday and Tuesday of next week.