Earlier this year, we knew our county stood at a critical juncture. We were facing a projected $138.5 million deficit crisis while discussing delaying the age of a budget. Since that time, our county’s chief istrative officer, county staff, supervisors and constituents have come together, participating in community engagement sessions, budget hearings, surveys and providing critical . All of these sessions allowed our constituents to share their thoughts, ideas, and priorities as we craft an $8.62 billion budget. Budgets require compromise. While everyone doesn’t get everything they want, we can always find a way to move forward, together.
The balanced Recommended Budget that our CAO presented ensures that this budget reflects the voices of our constituents — families, seniors, workers and vulnerable neighbors — who can’t wait for delays. Together, we’ve crafted a plan that addresses urgent needs and invests in a stronger, better San Diego County for all districts.
This budget’s strength comes from partnership and public input. County budget hearings gave residents a platform to share their priorities, shaping investments like those in District 1, where three developments with 320 affordable housing units are under construction. Over $6 million in grant funds will homeless individuals in Plaza Bonita and along the San Diego riverbed. A $14.6 million boost for two new crisis stabilization units, including one in Chula Vista, responds to calls for better mental health where we need it most.
In my district, District 2, public concerns about safety and homeless services drove $1.6 million for the Magnolia and Bancroft Safe Parking programs, with a third site planned for Grantville in summer of this year. Community input led to a $3.2 million increase for children and youth services, including a new Children’s Crisis Residential Care Program. Constituents also emphasized the importance of quality infrastructure, resulting in $71.3 million to maintain 2,000 miles of county roads, including 860 miles in District 2.
District 3 benefits from significant quality-of-life investments, with $35.9 million to operate 158 total park facilities, including 15 in the district like the Mira Mesa Epicentre, reflecting public demand for vibrant recreation spaces. Additionally, we continue to invest heavily in our libraries offering important educational materials, books, and meeting spaces for residents of all ages. Finally, important self-sufficiency services like CalFresh, CalWORKs and Medi-Cal, backed by $843.5 million, will 108,000 residents just in District 3, a priority echoed in budget hearings countywide.
Many residents in District 4 highlighted the need for shelter and community hubs, leading to the construction of 60 Troy Street Sleeping Cabins to serve 140 people annually. The beautiful new Casa de Oro Library, opening in spring 2026 with a community room, replaces a 60-year-old facility and addresses calls for better access to education and connection. Because fire preparedness has been a top priority for everyone in the county due to the recent and devastating fires in Los Angeles, a new $1.5 million fire training tower in District 4 will prepare and train our firefighters for decades to come.
In District 5, budget hearings and community engagement sessions underscored the need for mental health . This budget continues to invest in our Crisis Stabilization Units in Vista, Oceanside, and Escondido. Roads and infrastructure will also be prioritized in this district as it contains almost 700 miles of county roads. The $26.8 million to operate eight county airports, including Fallbrook Community Airpark and Borrego Valley Airport, aligns with community goals for connectivity and accessibility.
By working together, holding hearings and listening, we’ve built a budget that reflects our county’s needs and priorities. While we all wish there was more in the budget, we’ve compromised to work within our means. Our constituents deserve and expect a government that delivers — on housing, health, public safety and infrastructure. Through engagement and collaboration, we are preparing a balanced budget on time, honoring community input and ensuring no one is left behind.
me in urging my colleagues on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to finish the job we were elected to do by ing a budget, on Tuesday, June 24. Let’s keep San Diego a thriving county for all.
Anderson, a Republican, represents District 2 on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
