County releases equity-centered recommended budget that expands programs and services

SAN Diego County released an $8.11 billion recommended budget on Thursday, May 4 that continues increased spending to fight homelessness; take on mental health and substance use disorder challenges; improve the justice system; help working families and invest in core services like roads, fire protection and parks.

The “Invested in Community” budget is $745.8 million larger than last year’s budget, a 10.1% increase. It also adds roughly 490 new positions, a 2.5% increase over last year. The increase in budget and staff will support new and expanded social service programs and increasing caseloads to assist vulnerable populations. It also reflects investments in critical infrastructure, like a new Public Health Lab and affordable housing projects.

Much of the revenue to administer many of these programs comes from the state and federal government. It also comes from an increase in local property taxes. While this revenue supports the programs in the coming fiscal year, current economic uncertainty may impact future years.

The budget was built with community input and around the values in the county’s General Management System — integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence and sustainability.

The spending plan maintains the county’s essential services – such as public safety, land use and health and social services –while addressing new commitments.

It is also centered around equity. The county’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice implemented a Budget Equity Assessment tool last year. This tool helps County departments by using a series of questions when developing the budget to better understand how allocations affect historically vulnerable communities, people

File with low incomes or who currently suffer or have suffered from inequality.

The public can learn more about the recommended budget by viewing an executive summary or the full recommended budget plan.

The County invites members of the public to give their feedback in person and online. Two community budget meetings are scheduled, one at 2 pm. on May 16 at the County Operations Center which can be attended in person or online. The second evening meeting will be virtual at 5:30 p.m. on May 18. Visit the open budget page (https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/openbudget/en/home.html) for more information.

Additionally, you can provide eComments on the recommended budget now through June 21 on our community engagement budget page at Engage San Diego County (https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/ budget).

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